Independence Day is Over

Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Jan 24, 2007

Independence Day is over. Will Smith has left the building. The credits are rolling. I will never watch the film Independence Day ever again.

You see, for years I've been giving the same lecture and having the same discussion about ideology and the media with my students. I illustrate my points with a discussion about a clip of the film Independence Day. I've watched this same clip over and over again for maybe ten years now, and I can recite the president's corny speech to you word for word. "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!" We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not the proverbial 80-year-old physics professor who's been using the same lectures for decades. But this particular Independence Day thing seems to work, so I've used it over and over. I even tell the same jokes, which still get a few laughs from the students, but seem extraordinarily old to me.

When you start boring yourself with your own jokes, it's time for a career change.

I can honestly say, I felt sad after my class walked out today. The discussion about ideology went well in both of my classes, and I was treated to a lively flow of ideas from two rooms full of receptive young people. A student stayed after class and chatted with me about how much her views have changed since she came to college. These will be the teaching moments that I miss.

But you know what I won't miss? Independence Day. I used to like it, before the 14th or 15th time I watched that same clip.

Read more of my series about my last semester as a professor! And join the discussion.