With the pervasive influence of MTV reaching into all areas of our lives, it's not surprising that the "music video" has become a new mode of teaching children. In Bilal's Dream, which features the popular teen rap group The Boys, kids "get the news--when you smoke you lose." Written by a group of students at Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington, D.C., the film uses a simple dream framework, as Bilal nods off during a classroom assembly lecture on smoking. In his dream, student smokers come before a judge, and then must make a decision to quit or continue. Colorful and well-produced, the visual aspects of Bilal's Dream are pleasing, and somewhat make up for the characteristic blandness of the rap lyrics. One verse that stands out because of its absurdity runs: "It's not cool/It won't make you feel good/You look like a fool/And you act like a hood." The implied link between juvenile crime and cigarette smoking sounds like a page out of the 50s. Tell Someone is purportedly aimed at children of alcoholic parents and can be used "effectively with children as young as eight." Vignettes rife with MTV-style edits portray children in various situations trying to cope with their parents' drinking problems. The title song falls somewhere between progressive pop and heavy metal, as it blares out "Mama came home late last night/She was pissed again." I have to question whether a child of eight is familiar with British slang for drunkenness. Bilal's Dream might be a good discussion starter for junior high health classes, and those libraries may want to consider. Tell Someone is not recommended. (See THREE SCHOOLS for availability of Bilal's Dream.) (See ASK OSCAR for availability of Tell Someone.)
Bilal's Dream; Tell Someone
(1990) 13 m. $200. Durrin Productions, Inc. Public performance rights included. Vol. 5, Issue 9
Bilal's Dream; Tell Someone
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