The aspect of The Explosive Generation which intrigued me most was its realistic portrayal of the issue of sex for teens. Most Hollywood films paint with a broad brush. Kids have sex like rabbits at every turn with absolutely no consequences. This film shows how some kids struggle with their sexual mores and value systems. No easy answers just reality is shown.
The film's ancillary theme deals with academic freedom vs. parental responsibility and fear. Timidity can be a virtue but it is not a crutch. The teacher, Mr. Gifford, played by William Shatner is not all gung ho about his role as a provocateur but neither is he completely comfortable with his other option which is to break the confidence he has molded with his students. My guess is other teachers have gone through a similar exercise over good judgment and have faired none the better, but, once again, this is not a topic for the Hollywood especially of the day which must resort to topless bimbos and amoral dolts. Not every kid is so willing to toss their values out the window to get `a little action.' There are still plenty of children who believe their future happiness is not predicated on immediate gratification. Ultimately, as the movie seems to state, these are tomorrow's leaders.
The film's ancillary theme deals with academic freedom vs. parental responsibility and fear. Timidity can be a virtue but it is not a crutch. The teacher, Mr. Gifford, played by William Shatner is not all gung ho about his role as a provocateur but neither is he completely comfortable with his other option which is to break the confidence he has molded with his students. My guess is other teachers have gone through a similar exercise over good judgment and have faired none the better, but, once again, this is not a topic for the Hollywood especially of the day which must resort to topless bimbos and amoral dolts. Not every kid is so willing to toss their values out the window to get `a little action.' There are still plenty of children who believe their future happiness is not predicated on immediate gratification. Ultimately, as the movie seems to state, these are tomorrow's leaders.