Children at risk.(Films/Videos/DVDs)(Rabbit-Proof Fence)(Good Food/Bad Food: Obesity in American Children)(Are the Kids Alright?)(Video recording review)

We are fond of saying how much we value and respect our children and how we want the best for them. This is true, especially for those likely to read this journal. However, our desire for children's well-being doesn't necessarily translate into policies that are helpful to them.

The three videos/DVDs reviewed here are prime examples of how well-meaning ideas get translated into policies that are toxic for the children they are intended to help. Often, this comes from inadequate budgeting, inappropriate allocation of funds, ignorance, corporate greed, and misuse of power, as well as total misunderstanding of what children are about and what promotes healthy growth and development. Essentially, those who are knowledgeable need to work more effectively to keep policymakers informed of what children need to enable them to develop into contributing citizens.

Each of the videos/DVDs reviewed tackles "at-risk" children from a different perspective: cultural, social, and health. Many children are unfortunate enough to fit under each of these categories. When viewing Rabbit-Proof Fence, it is easy to think "we don't do that kind of thing anymore." While that may be technically true, Jonathan Kozol, in his most recent book, Shame of the Nation, points out how we segregate and create disadvantage for children in U.S. school systems on a daily basis.

Perhaps we like to think our children are well-nourished. Certainly, height and weight charts could lend support to that fallacy. Viewing Good Food/Bad Food: Obesity in American Children is likely to burst…