Is the Film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" a Portrayal of "Real" Politics?

[TMC1982]

I'm asking this question about Mr. Smith... because I have to write a one page reaction assignment for my political science class that's due next Tuesday (April 20).

 

[Majic Walrus]

Watch the movie?

 

[Kelly]

The men that fight him is very much REAL politics, as in the "old guard" not wanting things to change, but as far as the main character, I think Americans wish someone like that would come along, but that has not happened. But, yeah I think it is a good glimpse into the corrupt political process...

It is shown in how he gets into office, and the corrupt nature of the Senate once he gets there....

 

[DACrowe]

Well the First 15 minutes are a bit out there, even for the days of limited mass communication and beleaguered Depression-era voters. The whole thing where the governor won't pick the corrupt candidate, but was ordered to so he picks the hero of the Boy Scouts when a coin flip lands on its edge....thus selecting the senator.

But if you look beyond that bit of classic Capra Americana, its depiction of Washington is very believable. A bunch of old political sharks taking apart the young guy and corrupt private interests controlling senators and destroying the politicians who won't play ball. And the technical political procedures Jimmy Stewart goes through at the end with the heroic filibuster are all realistic.

However, the whole question really does come down to if a professional politician would have a change of heart and throw away his career to save the voice of honesty being demolished by special interests?

In reality, I doubt it. But it is what we hope for in the better natures of ourselves and a fair consideration of what could be?

I think its image of corruption and cynicism in the Capitol are real--as well as the necessity of experience and political expertise to get much actually accomplished. But one lone man forcing the Senate to face its own evils? If anything modern history has shown us how that image has been perverted by the corrupt. Mr. Smith used the rarely utilized and originally controversial filibuster to stand up to corruption as a lone man. Now both parties use it as a political tactic to gridlock Washington and derail most major legislative attempts in favor of backroom dealing for votes or political points on 24-hour news networks.

So: yes and no?

 

[TMC1982]

Watch the movie?

Yes, I saw the film with my political science class!

 

[StorminNorman]

If you have any business passing this class, you should be able to answer this question by yourself.

 

[Addendum]

If he fails this assignment, he can still pass the course. It's not like this is his final exam.

 

[Kelly]

Yes, I saw the film with my political science class!

lmao, then why are you asking us.....just answer the damn question.

 

[StorminNorman]

If he fails this assignment, he can still pass the course. It's not like this is his final exam.

So?

What I am saying is that if this guy deserves the credit for the Political Science class he is taking, he should be able to answer a question as simple as the one above.

 

[Majic Walrus]

Yes, I saw the film with my political science class!

I agree with the above sentiment. Unless the assignment is to gather differing opinions from others you should be able to answer the question.

 

[Addendum]

So?

What I am saying is that if this guy deserves the credit for the Political Science class he is taking, he should be able to answer a question as simple as the one above.

The only credit that matters is if it's a passing grade. If he can't answer a question about the Mr. Smith movie (which I have never seen), but can answer other questions, it's not a big ****ing deal.

 

[StorminNorman]

Except for in life. Then all that matters is doing what the grade represents.

 

[Addendum]

But again, a question about a movie from 1939 isn't really that important outside the classroom.

 

[Marx]

Is it a portrayal of 'real' politics? I honestly think it depends on your own viewpoint. It's an interesting movie TMC, you should definitely check it out.

 

[StorminNorman]

But again, a question about a movie from 1939 isn't really that important outside the classroom.

Almost everything you learn in a Political Science class isn't really important outside the classroom. Unless you become a Political Scientist. Such a profession would require you to have the ability to complete this assignment. If he's has no intention in being in this field - he is wasting his time anyway.

 

[Addendum]

And it's his time to waste, so big ****ing deal.

 

[Kelly]

Almost everything you learn in a Political Science class isn't really important outside the classroom. Unless you become a Political Scientist. Such a profession would require you to have the ability to complete this assignment. If he's has no intention in being in this field - he is wasting his time anyway.

I had to take several Political Science classes, I'm not a Political Scientist, but I needed all of them in order to receive my degree and certification.