Educational Media Reviews Online

A quote on the DVD cover of The Divide states, “What happens when the rich get richer?” The lives of seven people are portrayed to reflect the lifestyle differences between those considered rich in the U.S. and U.K. and everyone else. Wealth inequality is center stage. We get a glimpse into the private lives of each of our seven subjects. Janet is a former businesswoman who owned a video store that could not compete against large chains. After closing her store, she found herself working for Walmart. The low pay and constantly changing schedule makes her life difficult. Her life as a Walmart associate has caused her to take some steps toward activism for Walmart staff. For contrast, we drive to work with a stock trader who works 10 to 15 hours every day in an attempt to be in the wealthiest 1%. A waitress’ day starts on Sunday and ends on Friday. She’s stressed and smokes cigarettes to calm down. She would have a flask at work if it were allowed.

Margaret Thatcher saying that today’s unemployed are victims of yesterday’s mistakes is juxtaposed with a news reporter’s story about 600 people getting sacked. A real estate agent shows an expensive home in a gated community. A rapper’s mom died at 36 and if he keeps drinking, then he’ll be dead by 36, too. He might make it to age 70 if he eats salad every day. The viewer is invited to draw their own conclusions about how wealth is distributed and the consequences. The Divide is recommended for classes that focus on social justice and economic inequality. A transcript may be downloaded from the Media Education Foundation web site.