Open Letter to Oprah Winfrey re: The Great Debaters

Dear Ms. Winfrey:

I have just returned from a screening of The Great Debaters. I look like a drowned rat because of the storm that is dumping rain on Southern California as I am writing this letter to you, but it was greatly worth braving the elements to go see.

I am a long time admirer of your many worthy projects and I salute you again for bringing such a powerful and moving film to the screen. I know other movies are generating award buzz, but to me, The Great Debaters is a true winner, golden statues or no (I hope yes, though).

I spent six years teaching English in Japanese junior high schools and I am of Thai and Chinese descent. In Asia, teachers are shown so much more respect from students, parents, and community members than in Western countries. In fact, in Thailand, there is a holiday to honor teachers and there are formal ceremonies held where students show respect to their instructors by offering them flowers and other small gifts.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could push for a Teacher Recognition Day? Or run a contest asking for students around America to write in to you about their teachers and fly the winning students and their teachers to Chicago to attend a taping of your show? I think Teach for America is a great program that could possibly be tied into the theme of the show as well. While I haven’t worked with them directly, I think it’s a great organization and I am considering working for them in the future.

In any case, I hope that when The Great Debaters is available on DVD, you will consider making them available to schools and educators who wish to make it part of their history or debate curriculum, and perhaps give it away to your audience, too.

In closing, I have so much admiration for you and your South African school project. It makes me all the prouder to know that a fellow Cornell alumna is/was a member of your staff.

Nuntica (Rose) Tanasugarn

PS I cried more during The Great Debaters than during Atonement…can you say “overhyped”? The Great Debaters needs more exposure!!!!!