Paper tiger.
Top definition: something appearing strong or fierce, but in reality being all show and no substance, weak, nothing to be feared. The teenagers seen in the film trailer for Paper Tigers certainly come off as tough and often truant, defiant, intimidating, difficult and demanding at Lincoln Alternative High School in Walla Walla, Washington. However, that bravado and outward rage (often launched at teachers, or authority figures) is explained as the effect of biological hard-wiring after suffering from years of childhood trauma and severe emotional stress. The kids act out in anger because aggression has become a survival tactic in a world perceived as hostile. It’s just one gun in an arsenal of self-destructive weapons.
These kids–and their dramatic turn-around when the school’s principal and staff veer away from doling out punishment and dedicate themselves to understanding where these kids are coming from–form the heart of “Paper Tigers.” Filmmaker James Redford selected Lincoln Alternative School based on the educators’ commitment (incorporating an instructional approach within the Adverse Childhood Experiences model) and the successful changes made by the students themselves. From Walker Orenstein’s film review in the Seattle Times: “‘Paper Tigers’ is emotional, but not sappy. The dedication and passion of the teachers and staff at Lincoln shines, and the school’s vibrant personalities are captivating (see if you can count the number of teacher Erik Gordon’s different facial hairstyles). The film illustrates the ACE concept, but shows students as humans, not statistics. This was accomplished, in part, by handing out cameras to the kids to film their own lives. Redford said at first, there was a “tremendous amount of skepticism,” from students at Lincoln. But after handing out the cameras, things took a positive turn.” Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, celebrating their ten years of service in the Gallatin Valley, in collaboration with ECCC (Early Childhood Community Council), St. James Episcopal Church, and Movie Lovers, is pleased to screen Paper Tigers, free, and will be provide light refreshments, as well as door prizes at the Emerson Cultural Center on Sunday, February 21st at 5:30pm (doors open at 5:30; movie begins at 6:00pm).
Please visit familypromisegv.org/paper-tigers/ to register for this enlightening event. •
