VIRTUAL: Applying Education
Abstract
A landmark women’s film can become a starting point for conversations about current social issues/problems among young people. In two advanced gender, ethnicity and media courses, students answered online writing prompts about reinventing protagonist Charlotte Vale for an imaginary 2024 film release. What was important to them? was the instructor’s underlying question for the online discussion-area assignments. Having familiarity with the film, YouTube excerpts, book chapters from Olive Higgins Prouty, the mostly Gen Z class members focused on Charlotte’s mental health, overcoming bullying, self-care, and identity change. They re-expressed original movie themes, and used their contemporary words to explain Charlotte’s life challenges. They indicated that topics presented in the film were relevant today, such as: do not hate on people because they look different, and body shaming is still a problem for curvy women who put up with harassment from family, peers and society. Regarding Charlotte’s nervous breakdown, students noted that depression is a serious issue today. Charlotte had resources (inherited old wealth; established white family), for expensive psychiatric care, while a person with no resources today leans on friends. Charlotte was not “queered” or changed by gender/sex, or ethnicity/race. The educators of this submission use trend data to highlight issues facing US Gen Z students. Stressful world/life events are difficult for students and many seek professional counseling. Social anxiety is high among students expecting to interact face-to-face while still recovering from COVID isolation. Compassion, selective assignments, and college trend data can assist educators.
Dr. Diana Rios is a joint appointment in Communication and El Instituto: Latino-Latin American, Caribbean Studies. She is a scholar and educator on mass media, ethnicity, race, gender, popular culture.
Prof. Millham is a communication faculty member teaching and advising students at the University of Hartford. She conducts research on pedagogy, communication, and popular culture.
Ms. Quinones-Rodriguez is a psychiatric social worker at the University of Connecticut specializing on mental health for college students. She has private practice for diverse communities, diverse generations.