Though I agree with you on the ‘lost in translation’ elements of the literary genre to film, having seen Erin Gruwell in person at this event, and researching all about the teaching institute and work they’re doing reinforced to me that even if an iota of her ‘pay it forward’ tenacity translates to others elsewhere, (and film reaches en masse, as we know!) then it’s ‘worth it’ to still put it out there. Carmen from Racialicious was just in our Shaping Youth blog series on race/gender/stereotypes and such and called attention to the cliche/’white hope/teacher/savior’ genre as well…so you’re not alone, clearly.

I actually posted your link (and Beth’s) as well as an update from Erin Gruwell’s most recent video interview last week at her teacher training institute on my original post in the comments section. You can find the links here: http://www.shapingyouth.org/blog/?p=458
(needless to say, all the others are embedded throughout, as you know, I tend to go ‘overboard’ on the content/rich linkage factor. (can we say info overload? ahem, sorry!

I was checked your website that related with Cambodia, it is very interesting information.
We are a team of volunteer working in Siem Reap Cambodia named Working For Children. Our history can see on http://www.wfc-kh.org

We would like to request you to share with our volunteer work by link http://www.wfc-kh.org with your website.
We would be appreciated if you can link our website with you.

Looking forward to hear from you

Wishing the Best

(Mr.) Pol Pean

Executive Director
======================
# 0037, Donteav village, Roluos commune, Siem Reap province. CAMBODIA
Tel: 855-12 963 870 / 12 858 618 Fax: 855- 12 499 288
E-mail:children@wfc-kh.org / director@wfc-kh.org / http://www.wfc-kh.org

I haven’t read this book, but i think it’s a good book. If you need, I can help you to translate this book. I hope Camobodian youths have many resource to research. That’s my intention.

Seila