Freedom Writers

Erin Gruwell: The evaluation assignment was to grade yourself on the work you're doing. You gave yourself an "F". What's that about? Andre: It's what I feel I deserve, that's all. Erin Gruwell: Oh really? [pause] You know what this is? This is a "Fuck You" to me and everyone in this class. I don't want excuses. I know what you're up against. We're all of us up against something. So you better make up your mind, because until you have the balls to look me straight in the eye and tell me this is all you deserve, I am not letting you fail. Even if that means coming to your house every night until you finish the work. I see who you are. Do you understand me? I can see you. And you are not failing.

Freedom Writers, CC BY-SA 4.0

Marcus: That Miep Gies lady, the one that help hide her, I like her. I got all these other books about her from the library. Erin Gruwell: Wow, you used your library card? Marcus: Nah...

Freedom Writers, CC BY-SA 4.0

Marcus: I've never had a hero before. But you are my hero. Miep Gies: Oh, no. No, no, no, young man, no. I am not a hero. No. I did what I had to do, because it was the right thing to do. That is all.

Freedom Writers, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tito: [Raises hand] What's a holocaust? Erin Gruwell: Who here knows what the Holocaust is? [All keep their hands down except Ben, the only white kid, who sheepishly raises his] Who here has ever been shot at? [All raise their hands except Ben, who lowers his]

Freedom Writers, CC BY-SA 4.0

Erin Gruwell: You don't feel respected, Eva, is that what you're saying? Well, maybe you're not. But to get respect, you have to give it. Andre: That's bullshit. Erin Gruwell: What? Andre: Why should I give you my respect to you, lady? Because you're a teacher? I don't know you. How do I know you're not a liar standing up there? How do I know you're not a bad person standing up there? I'm not just gonna give you my respect because you're called a teacher. Eva: White people wanting their respect like they deserve it for free. Erin Gruwell: I'm a teacher, it doesn't matter what color I am. Eva: It's all about color. It's about people deciding what you deserve, about people wanting what they don't deserve! About whites thinking they own this world, no matter what. You see, I hate white people. Erin Gruwell: You hate me? Eva: Yeah. Erin Gruwell: You don't even know me. Eva: I know what you can do. I saw white cops shoot my friend in the back for reaching into his pocket, his pocket! I saw

Freedom Writers, CC BY-SA 4.0

Marcus: No, that don't fly Ma. Erin Gruwell: First of all I'm not anybody's mother. Andre: No, that's not what it means. Eva: It's a sign of respect... for you.

Freedom Writers, CC BY-SA 4.0