Bill Of Rights, Bill Of Responsibilities

Many students know the lyrics of the latest rock song better than they know the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. This is a breezy, irreverent introduction to these living documents, hosted by humorist and social commentator Bill Maher (of TV's Politically Incorrect). Aimed directly at high school students and very young potential voters, the program reviews our constitutional freedoms, offering some solid information and lots of jokey asides. There are two ways of looking at Maher's approach. One opinion might hold that Maher provides an accessible, entertaining, and relevant commentary for students. My view is that the humor is rather lame and likely to date the tape quickly. On the plus side, the documentary provides many contemporary examples of constitutional issues as varied as the O.J. Simpson trial, smokers' rights, gangsta rap, and the perennial question of school dress codes. The brief tape concludes with Rodney King's plea "Can we all get along?," correctly noting that constitutional rights also carry responsibilities if they are to work for all of us. An optional purchase for high school libraries, but serious students should check out The Bill of Rights and Beyond--Thomas Jefferson's Perspective (VL-9/95). (S. Rees)