Educational Media Reviews Online

This new two-part series examines America's emotional and spiritual bottomline. In the Price of Wealth, through interviews with a principal, teacher, police officer, and teaching union official, the crisis of housing for civil servants and other service industry workers in the Silicon Valley is described in very human terms. This scenario is a very real example of the harmful effects of the income disparity rampant in the U.S. While the rich get richer, the middle class is being squeezed out. This widening gap is increasing the crime and illiteracy rates.

The Great Divide continues this discussion and presents many compelling statistics. Interviews with economists and child welfare advocates tell viewers that 14 million children are living below the poverty line, one of six children goes to bed hungry, and the number of millionaires has increased by 35% in the 1990's. In addition, the working poor, digital divide, the myth of mobility, and decline in average workers wages are considered as part of the "divide."

This documentary is compelling and presents some ideas to begin finding solutions to these problems. Appropriate for viewers of all ages who are or will be concerned with the moral and ethical questions that accompany national prosperity. Highly Recommended.