The documentary “Undivided” addresses timely topics, including civic participation, education, and the efficacy of group efforts. Although it has its positive points and provides an inspiring look at how one Portland church, SouthLake Church, joined forces with Roosevelt High School to help solve pressing problems facing the school and its students, there are some ways in which the film could be improved to reach a wider audience. The documentary excels largely because it depicts Roosevelt High School and its students’ unwavering determination in adversity. The video shows how gang violence, poverty, and academic difficulties contributed to the school’s fall from prominence. This shift highlights educational disparities in many parts of the United States. It makes people think about how important it is to act on the larger problem of underfunded and under-resourced schools in low-income communities (Merchant, 2014). It is gratifying and motivating that members of SouthLake Church have become involved in the effort to rehabilitate Roosevelt High School, where the church is located. The original cleanup day planned by the church, which acted as a spark for a more profound partnership between the church and the school, is captured quite well in the documentary. This joint initiative, encompassing volunteers, contributions, mentoring programs, and community outreach, exemplifies the enormous potential that may be realized via community participation in revitalizing failing schools.
The fact that the film focuses on religious topics and makes many references to South Lake Church may, however, cause some viewers to have strong negative reactions. The video occasionally strays into territory that some viewers may interpret as preaching, despite the fact that it is extremely important to acknowledge the substantial role that faith-based groups play in community building. It is essential to find a balance between presenting the beneficial contributions of the church and ensuring that the film stays approachable and relatable to a varied audience, including individuals who may not share the same religious views as the protagonists in the story. The storyline and narrative framework of “Undivided” are also areas for development (Merchant, 2014). There have been complaints that the documentary’s storyline is choppy and that important characters and events are introduced without real context. This can make it hard for listeners to keep track of what is happening and why and to understand how different efforts have affected the school and its pupils. A more cohesive and ordered storyline may improve the documentary’s overall effect. In addition, the documentary may have benefited from a deeper dive into the underlying causes of Roosevelt High School’s demise. A more in-depth look at the reasons for educational gaps, such as financing inequities and social concerns, would present a more complete picture, but it does a good job of depicting the efforts to solve current difficulties.
After watching this documentary, I learned two things: the power of community engagement and the fact that there is hope in times of challenges. “UnDivided” has made me believe that collective action can improve a community. It highlights the concept that considerable positive change may occur when individuals and organizations come together with a shared purpose and commitment to the well-being of a community. The necessity of becoming involved in one’s community by things like volunteering, contributing, and working with others to solve problems is emphasized. The film has encouraged me to engage in efforts to improve low-performing educational institutions, residential areas, and metropolitan areas (Merchant, 2014). The documentary depicts the perseverance of Roosevelt High School and its students in the face of severe adversity, such as gang violence, poverty, and academic difficulties. The school community persevered despite these setbacks. Instead, they were able to find optimism and take steps toward a brighter future. I have learned the value of sticking with something despite difficulties and keeping a good attitude. It inspires people to trust in their power to make a difference and bring about positive change no matter how hopeless a situation may seem.
References
Merchant, D. (2014, February 9). Undivided 09-02-14 [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/108960498
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