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Red State, Blue State
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington + Voting on Election Day
Jefferson Smith, the freshman senator in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, was supposed to be a political stooge. Hand-picked to finish out the brief term of a dead senator, Jimmy Stewart's character is thrown into a lion's den with only his integrity for protection. He begins as the laughing stock of Washington when he writes a bill to start a camp for the boy guides from his home state. Turns out, the property he has targeted has secretly been bought up by several scheming senators who are trying pass a rival bill involving the same land. Stewart's aw-shucks belief in the power of the system melts away the cynicism of his seasoned secretary (the wonderful Jean Arthur), who coaches him to stand up to the corruption. In one of cinema's most famous scenes, Senator Smith holds forth on the Senate floor until an established statesman cops to being crooked. With political scandal making everyday news, the film's message that each citizen can make a difference is the type of power play we like our kids to remember.
Showing kids that we are all part of the democratic process is easy on Election Day. The thrill of ducking into a secret booth is enough to extract promises of grown-up behavior from even the most junior of citizens. Here's how we include the kids: First, we pull out the Voter Information packet, and introduce a proposition with an issue kids can comprehend. This year, we plan to discuss the tax on cigarettes and gas, which can be simply explained. Then, we head to our neighborhood precinct and let the kids spell our names for the volunteers to check off their print-out. We always take the kids into the booth with us and, as we punch holes into the ballot, point out the initiative we discussed at home. Affixing the "I Voted" sticker to their tee-shirts is their favorite part. Although it's certainly easier to vote solo, teaching kids to be involved citizens is our kind of patriotism.
Want to know what we learned from watching this film with our kids? Here are our buttery bits of wisdom:
- Why It's Worth It: Our kids were glued to the screen for Mr. Smith, proving that some classic films stand the test of time just by being great. We found ourselves engaged in rewarding conversations about politics, politicians and the legislative process. The film actually proivides an excellent lesson in how legislative bills make their way through Congress. Jimmy Stewart thinks that his idea for a boys' camp can be drafted and passed in a few hours, but Jean Arthur sets him straight with a hilarious explanation of the whole complex process.
- Virtual Tour of DC: When Mr. Smith first reaches D.C., he slips away from his handlers to see all the monuments. The seasoned pols laugh at his little boy wonder for the Washington and Lincoln Memorials, but this tour of the sites is one of the film's highlights.
- Some Stars Still Shine: Jimmy Stewart's performance really touched the kids. It is his character's dogged determinism that attracted them. His romance with the tough-talking Jean Arthur feels fresh and funny and they'll never forget the ultimate film finale - Mr. Smith's 24 hour filibuster on the Senate floor.
- Further Viewing: Director Frank Capra made some of the best loved, best written, feel-good films of all time. His signature is an affinity for the common man, a brilliant comedic touch and non-partisan, sentimental sense of patriotism -- factors that gave post-Depression Americans a much needed chuckle. Check out Capra's other films: It Happened One Night, It's a Wonderful Life, Lost Horizons, Meet John Doe, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, State of the Union and You Can't Take it With You.
- COOL FACT: This was the fifth film that Jimmy Stewart made in 1939.
Want to know how to talk to your kids about this film? Here are some conversation starters:
- Cinema Savvy: This film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, but only took home an Oscar for best writing. It is on the AFI's list of Top 100 Films and thereby well worth an evening on the couch. Jimmy Stewart did receive the Oscar the following year, for his performance in The Philadelphia Story. Many felt it was because of his role as Jefferson Smith.
- History Savvy: This film was made on the eve of World War II. Many protested Mr. Smith because the film portrayed our government as corrupt. Ironically, today the film feels shamelessly patriotic.
- Feminism Savvy: Jean Arthur is the smartest, savviest character in the film. She would have made a wonderful senator, yet she played a secretary. Talk to the kids about how women's roles have changed over the years.
Vote in the November 7th Elections
To find your polling place, or if you need further information about the election visit www.lavote.net or call (800) 815-2666
To look up your voting location online, and see a sample ballot for your area, click here.
For a listing of early voting locations, for voting between 10/25/2006 and 11/03/2006, click here.
Want to know more about how to vote with your kids? Here's how we did it:
- What Worked for Us: We've always been able to take kids along with us as we vote. Our advice is to remind your kids that voting is an adult privilege and they need extra-good manners. Many precincts are in private garages, and often older people run the operation. Have them thank the volunteers. Kids are amazed to learn that in many countries in the world, citizens are not allowed to vote.
- Before You Go: Share with your children the basic reasons why you are voting for a particular candidate. While you might feel strongly about politics, most kids only comprehend the most essential differences between the Democratic and Republican parties. Hearing your feelings on the issue will give them insight into the two-party system, but don't overwhelm them. Your goal is for them to comprehend that politics as one big, national conversation in which, one day, they'll be able to participate.
- Don't Forget: Watching the returns come in at night is part of the voting experience. Pick a high visibility race - a national senatorial campagin, or a hotly debated local proposition - and let them track the result of that election.
Want to help your kids learn more about politics? Here are some tips:
- National Interest Level: Reading the editorial page might suggest that the public is less than rivited by this midterm election, yet a recent Pew Poll concludes that voter interest is as high now as it has been in the last 10 years.
- Amendments to watch: (research from the League of Women Voters of California):
- Suffragette: Susan B. Anthony spent her life fighting for women's right to vote, and the Nineteenth Amendment guaranteeing those rights was passed in 1920. Click here to learn more about this suffragette.
Want to know a few other great films about politics? Click here to see all our film picks from the Kids Off the Couch store at Amazon.com.
These books give you a good tour of Washington, D.C. Click here to see all our book picks at the Kids Off the Couch store at Amazon.com.
Want to know where to find out more online? Click here to investigate some cool sites:
- www.ca.lwv.org The League of Women Voters is a great first stop for doing research on the issues involved with each initiative. Site includes Easy Voter guide that helps voters whose first language is not English, and the Smart Voter guide with quick previews and research on issues. You'll also get their recommendations, but these are separate from the research.
- www.jibjab.com/originals/ Kids over ten will crack up at this politically humorous set of original animated films. Warning: this site is decidely anti-Bush.
- www.rockthevote.com This energized, national organization gets young people excited about voting, and the political process. They registered 1.2 million voters online during the 2004 presidential election. For information about how you can help with their mission, including joining a Street Team to go out and register voters in your area, log onto their site. You can also purchase cool Rock the Vote gear on their site. Buy it and support the organization. Wear it and extend their mission! Non-partisan, but with a democratic agenda.