od Grew Tired of Us”
Context: 2006-Lost Boys of Sudan is a feature-length documentary that follows Sudanese refugees on an extraordinary journey from Africa to America. Orphaned as young boys in one of Africa's cruelest civil wars, they survived lion attacks and militia gunfire to reach a refugee camp in Kenya along with thousands of other children. From there, remarkably, they were chosen to come to America. Safe at last from physical danger and hunger, a world away from home, they find themselves confronted with the abundance and alienation of contemporary American suburbia. (Chapter 15: 42:00-1:06)
Directions: Answer the following questions as detailed as possible as you watch the film.
1. Why does John say that they eat with their hands? How does this connect to cultural identity?
2. Finish the quote: “A person without culture is like a human being without ______.”
3. What is confusing to the men about American Christmas culture?
4. How do African people celebrate Christmas differently than Americans? What do they do on Christmas Eve?
5. When John reflects on how Christmas is celebrated back at home in Africa what does he miss the most?
6. Would you want to work the same schedule as the men do? Why or why not?
7. Do you think John happy with the jobs he has? How do you know? (Use evidence from the film to support your answer).
8. After one year of living in Pittsburg, what does Daniel think about work life America?
9. What is one of the misconceptions that Americans have about people that live in Africa. Why do you think that irritates Daniel?
10. What do they think about people in America? How does this differ from the Sudan?
11. What do you think he means when he says, “How are we going to be acquainted with this life here?”
12. Why have the neighbors filed complaints against the boys? What did they tell them to do to “fit in” more with the people in the neighborhood? What do you think about this?
13. What seems to be the hardest thing for the boys?
14. How does John’s family news shape his identity?
15. What happened to one of the ‘Lost Boys?’ Why do you think this happened?
16. How does this compare to the other texts we have read in class? Write a quote from another text and explain how it ties to this film?
17. What can be learned from this film? What is the theme?
18. Write 2 discussion questions to purpose to your group about this film. (remember level 3 and up only).
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First event I can connect to: ______
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Type of connection: ______My connection: ______
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Second event I can connect to: ______
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Type of connection: ______My connection: ______
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Third event I can connect to: ______
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Type of connection: ______My connection: ______
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