OVERVIEW

LEADER PARTICIPATION

• Edit video clips using 5-6 movie portrayals of opposing views:
• Movies showing realism include: "Platoon," "Glory," "Full Metal Jacket," "Red Dawn," "Born on the Fourth of July."
• Movies depicting invincibility include: "Rambo," "Commando," "First Blood."
• Considering the clips obtained, prepare a list of discussion questions.

GROUP BUILDING

• Sing some familiar songs.

GROUP PRESENTATION

• Introduce the topic.
• Show the video clips.
• Allow kids to react freely as they watch. Observe their facial expressions.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Break into small groups of 4-6. Ask each group to answer the following questions (in addition to any that you prepare):

• What are the opposing war images?
• Which image did you like better?
• Which portrayal is the most realistic? Why or why not?
• Imagine that your group has to write or direct a war movie. How would your movie portray war? What points or images would you want to communicate?

WRAP-UP

• Have each group share their conclusions.
• Restate that the media sends mixed and incomplete messages.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

• Have kids name and describe other shows that provide mixed or confusing portrayals of war.
• Ask if anyone in the group wants to discuss further issues about war (they may be addressed in the next meeting).
• Assign leaders to follow up with kids (as a result of the open-ended discussion).

IMPLICATIONS

• Through this type if training, young people will begin o discern mixed media messages.
• This session provides a forum for kids to process and express their feelings about war.