Is America Still the Land of Opportunity?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Mike Rowe is talking about his movie SOMETHING TO STAND FOR and the opportunity to succeed that America still enables, despite political and economic turmoil.
“I’m real clear when I talk about it that I didn’t write it for Republicans or Democrats or liberals or conservatives. I wrote it for people who still see themselves first and foremost as Americans,” Rowe said in an interview with Daily Wire.
The DIRTY JOBS host explained that “anti-Americanism” has “crept into the conversation,” adding, “It is unfortunate that there is a cohort today that fundamentally sees themselves as something else. The movie’s not for them. They’re welcome to come.”
Rowe has previously spoken about the patriotic values he wants to instill in audiences with SOMETHING TO STAND FOR.
“Though SOMETHING TO STAND FOR is not a ‘political film,’ it was inspired by the ongoing war on the symbols of America, a war of vandalism waged by those who believe the present can be improved by erasing the past,” he wrote on his website. “Obviously, I have no expectation that this movie will persuade anyone who dons a mask and defaces our national memorials to rethink their worldview, because I’m pretty sure none of those people will ever see this movie.”
He continued, “I do, however, believe there are lots of people on both sides of the aisle who are disgusted by their behavior and still love America, in spite of the imperfections of our founders, and the obvious fact we have not yet achieved the ‘more perfect union’ they envisioned. This movie is for them – that still sizeable population who identify as Americans, first and foremost. Americans of all races who genuinely care about our shared history, and understand that even though our nation is still a work in progress – and always will be – there are still a great many things worth standing for.
A portion of the Movieguide® review for SOMETHING TO STAND FOR reads:
SOMETHING TO STAND FOR is a stirring, inspiring, superb documentary. Mike Rowe, who produces and wrote the script, infuses his movie with an energetic style. He celebrates liberty, patriotism, duty, honor, and sacrifice. However, it fudges some historical facts. SOMETHING TO STAND FOR also has some re-enacted war violence, a few light obscenities and a humorous, somewhat off-color biographical story about animal husbandry. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger and older children. That said, SOMETHING TO STAND FOR WITH MIKE ROWE is worth seeing on the big screen.
Rowe also spoke about the benefits of blue-collar work in today’s economy with the Daily Wire, saying that those with a skilled trade are “killing it” and have “more work than they can do.”
“The math goes like this,” he explained. “Every year five skilled tradespeople retire. For every five who retire, two replace them … It’s been like that for nearly 20 years. We’re seeing an incredible lack of interest and enthusiasm around these skilled trades.”
He continued, “It’s true. Inflation, super bad. The cost of college, an enormous problem. The unintended consequences of forgiving student loans, all that stuff is part and parcel of the madness that’s happening right now. But the entrepreneur, who took the time to master a skill that’s in demand is crushing it in this economy.”
Rowe is an extremely vocal supporter of young people going into skilled trades.
Earlier this year, he established the “Warrior Pathway Program,” which will provide $4.5 million in scholarships to students who will pursue trade careers at Western High School in Las Vegas.
Rowe told reporters during a visit to the school that “the idea of a cookie-cutter approach to education” is a major challenge for young people in America right now, as many think a four-year college degree is the only way.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but it’s awfully expensive,” he said, adding that he’d like to see programs like “Warrior Pathway” at schools all over the state.
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