Lest We Forget - The American Dream 47-05-08 01 Face To Face

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Lest We Forget - The American Dream 47-05-08 01 Face To Face"

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Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: Lest We Forget - The American Dream 47-05-08 01 Face To Face
Release Date: March 25, 2025

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Introduction

"Lest We Forget - The American Dream" is a poignant episode from the "Harold's Old Time Radio" series, which harkens back to the Golden Age of Radio. This episode masterfully encapsulates themes of prejudice, friendship, and the quintessential American ideal of brotherhood through a compelling classroom narrative. Set in a time before television, the story unfolds with relatable characters and a powerful message that remains relevant today.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens in a classroom environment where Mrs. Blake, a dedicated teacher, fosters a sense of community through daily activities like show-and-tell. On Ricardo Guerrero’s first day, he joins Mrs. Blake’s class, setting the stage for interactions that will unveil deeper societal issues.

• [00:10] Narrator: "Lest we forget the American dream."

Plot Development

Show and Tell Sparks Conflict

• [00:21] Mrs. Blake initiates a show-and-tell session.
• [00:26] Tommy presents a broken thermometer containing mercury, inadvertently causing tension when Ricardo, unfamiliar with the concept, reacts differently.
• [00:38] Tommy makes an insensitive comment linking Ricardo’s ethnicity to the mess, revealing underlying prejudices.

Tommy: "You dirty Puerto Rican, you."
[00:52]

Mrs. Blake’s Intervention

Mrs. Blake reprimands Tommy, emphasizing the inappropriateness of name-calling and the importance of diversity.

Mrs. Blake: "You know, the nasty thing it can grow into?"
[02:10]

Despite her efforts, Tommy’s beliefs are heavily influenced by his father’s discriminatory remarks, escalating the conflict.

Tommy: "Ricardo's a dirty Puerto Rican."
[02:31]

Escalation to Violence

Tommy's resentment culminates in threats of physical violence, reflecting how prejudice can lead to severe interpersonal conflicts.

Tommy: "I'll kill you."
[04:15]

Mrs. Blake attempts to mediate, but the situation intensifies as Tommy prepares to confront Ricardo after school.

Confrontation with Authority

Mrs. Blake meets with Tommy’s father, Mr. Davis, to address the impact of his racist remarks on the children. The conversation highlights the struggle between personal beliefs and societal harmony.

Mrs. Blake: "You planted a seed of prejudice against a whole group of people."
[07:16]

Mr. Davis initially dismisses the gravity of his comments but later retracts his stance, reflecting a struggle to reconcile his actions with societal expectations.

Resolution Through Education and Friendship

The turning point occurs when Tommy and Ricardo present a meaningful postcard symbolizing unity and equality, embodying the American dream of brotherhood.

Tommy: "In America, all kids should be friends."
[12:16]

Mrs. Blake’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment leads to reconciliation and a hopeful outlook for the future.

Key Themes and Discussions

Prejudice and Its Consequences

The episode vividly illustrates how prejudice, often ingrained by familial and societal influences, can disrupt harmony and foster division among individuals.

Mrs. Blake: "In Nazi Germany, Mr. Davis, with a lie. A lie that engulfed a nation in religious hatred."
[10:17]

The Role of Education in Combating Bias

Mrs. Blake embodies the role of educators as pivotal figures in challenging and changing discriminatory mindsets, emphasizing patience, understanding, and proactive intervention.

Mrs. Blake: "Teaching people to live together without prejudice, without hatred."
[08:36]

Parental Influence on Child Development

The narrative underscores the profound impact parents have on shaping their children's perceptions and behaviors, highlighting the responsibility adults bear in setting positive examples.

Resilience and Moral Integrity

Mrs. Blake’s decision to resign rather than compromise her values underscores the importance of integrity and resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tommy: "You dirty Puerto Rican, you."
  [00:52]

• Mrs. Blake: "You know what it means, this name calling? You know, the nasty thing it can grow into?"
  [02:10]

• Tommy: "My father said it, and my father doesn't tell lies."
  [05:57]

• Mrs. Blake: "In Nazi Germany, Mr. Davis, with a lie. A lie that engulfed a nation in religious hatred."
  [10:17]

• Tommy: "In America, all kids should be friends."
  [12:16]

Insights and Reflections

"Lest We Forget - The American Dream" serves as a reflective piece on the enduring challenges of prejudice and the vital role that individuals, especially educators, play in fostering an inclusive society. The episode poignantly illustrates how ingrained biases can lead to significant conflicts but also showcases the transformative power of education and genuine human connection in overcoming these barriers.

Conclusion

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" effectively captures the essence of the American dream by illustrating both the struggles and the triumphs in the pursuit of a harmonious and equitable society. Through the characters of Mrs. Blake, Tommy, and Ricardo, listeners are reminded of the importance of standing up against prejudice, fostering understanding, and building friendships across cultural divides. The narrative not only entertains but also educates, leaving listeners with a lasting message about the values that define the American spirit.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Narrator]

Lest we forget the American dream.

[Mrs. Blake]

Now, children, everyone quiet. Tommy has something to show and tell. Is that right, Tommy?

[Tommy]

Yes, Mrs. Blake. It's some mercury. Our thermometer broke and this silver stuff fell out.

[Mrs. Blake]

Well, that's fine, Tommy. But first you'd better explain to Ricardo what show and tell means. This is his first day in class and he may not know. Do you, Ricardo?

[Tommy]

No, ma'am. My other school didn't have that. Well, we bring something to class every day, something funny or new, and we show it to everybody and tell about it. This is the first time I found anything to bring. Oh, I see. And that's mercury in your head.

[Mrs. Blake]

Yeah.

[Tommy]

Gee, look at it slide around. Hey, be careful. Oh, now look what you've done. You made it fall on the floor. You did it on purpose, you. You dirty Puerto Rican, you.

[Narrator]

Lest we forget the American dream.

[Mrs. Blake]

The first in a new series of.

[Narrator]

Programs dedicated to you, to me, to all Americans, and the kind of America we want to live in. Our story today, Face to Face, starring Helen Hayes.

[Mrs. Blake]

Oh, my goodness.

[Tommy]

You did it on purpose. You did. I saw you. I did it, I tell you. And I'm not dirty.

[Mrs. Blake]

Tommy.

[Tommy]

Ricardo.

[Mrs. Blake]

Tommy, stop it this instant. I will not have this sort of thing in my class. You know what it means, this name calling? You know, the nasty thing it can grow into? Patiently, quietly, and in front of the entire class. You explain to Tommy that it was an accident, that name calling is bad, that some individuals may be dirty and some clean, but certainly it has nothing to do with their being Puerto Ricans or French or Greeks or Italians or anything else. Ricardo's eyes are full of gratitude. But Tommy looks at you intently, and.

[Tommy]

Then he says, yeah, my father doesn't tell lies.

[Mrs. Blake]

But no one said he did, Tommy.

[Tommy]

You did just now.

[Mrs. Blake]

What do you mean, Tommy?

[Tommy]

My father just rented a house to Ricardo's father. That's what he told my mother. He said he didn't want to because all Puerto Ricans are dirty.

[Mrs. Blake]

But your father didn't mean that, Tommy. Not the way you think.

[Tommy]

Oh, yes, he did. I believe what my father said. Ricardo's a dirty Puerto Rican.

[Mrs. Blake]

Wait.

[Tommy]

Ricardo.

[Mrs. Blake]

Where are you going? Come back.

[Tommy]

I won't stay here. I'm going home. I'm never coming back.

[Mrs. Blake]

You still here, Miss Blake? What? Oh, yes, Miss Caldwell. I'm staying on a little longer.

[Tommy]

You're still upset about what happened this morning?

[Mrs. Blake]

Frankly, yes. I wish I knew how I could make them understand. Oh, come now. You're making a mountain out of a molehill, wondering if I Ought to see Tommy's parents. That's where it started, you know, with his father's remark. You're not serious. Why, by tomorrow the children will probably have forgotten the incident completely. Perhaps. But, Mrs. Blake, you're a very good teacher, and I know you like your job. I wouldn't see Tommy's father if I were you. In case you didn't know, Tommy's father is a member of the school board. You say to yourself, you'll wait and see. Your husband always said, you're too serious. Take it easy. And sure enough, back at school the next day, you see the children, Tommy, Ricardo and all the rest playing in the schoolyard. Their favorite game.

[Tommy]

Here we come. Where from? Jamestown, Virginia. What's your trade? Lemonade. Give us some. Cake's done. What's your initials? Hey, Johnny, it's your turn. I said, what's your initials? I'm not playing. I'm not playing if I have to be on Ricardo's side. What's the matter with Ricardo's side? I'm on his side. Yeah, what's the matter with my side? You tell him, Tommy, like you told him yesterday. If you had any brains. You know that nobody wants to be on your side, you dirty old putter. Children, children.

[Mrs. Blake]

What's the trouble?

[Tommy]

They won't play with me. Cause Tommy's calling me names. I'll do more than that, too. Oh, hit me. I'll show you. I'll kill you. Got a little.

[Mrs. Blake]

Quickly. You step between them and march them both into the classroom. You try to talk to them again, try to explain. You tell Tommy that if this keeps up, you'll have to report him to the principal. Now that seems to make an impression. Reluctantly, at your urging, he shakes hands with Ricardo, and the boys make up. The bell rings, and all is peaceful again, at least on the surface, as you start your class. But you see the boys whispering. You hear what they're saying?

[Tommy]

Hey, Tommy, your eyes getting black? You're not gonna let him get away with that, are you?

[Mrs. Blake]

Nah.

[Tommy]

Just wait till after school. I'll fix him good. You just wait, Ricardo. Tommy's gonna get you after school. Okay? I'm not scared of him. I'll show him. Hey, fellas, Big fight after school. Tommy and Ricardo. We'll fix that Ricardo so he'll never come back here again.

[Mrs. Blake]

Now, you know it didn't pass, as Ms. Caldwell said. It didn't stop with name calling. The very thing you feared is coming about. It started with a word. A. A nasty word. And now your class is Divided now, like their elders have so many times they're turning to violence, but not if you can help it.

[Tommy]

Oh, what have I done? Why are you keeping me in?

[Mrs. Blake]

There will be no fighting between you and Ricardo. Do you understand?

[Tommy]

Why are you on his side all the time?

[Mrs. Blake]

Because you're on the wrong side, Tommy, that's why.

[Tommy]

Yeah, you can keep me in from now till tomorrow. But my father said it, and my father doesn't tell lies.

[Narrator]

Well, come in, Mrs. Blake. Come in. Glad to see you. Always glad to meet Tommy's teachers.

[Mrs. Blake]

Thank you, Mr. Davis.

[Narrator]

Here, have a chair. Your first year at the school, isn't it?

[Mrs. Blake]

Yes, Mr. Davis.

[Narrator]

Well, what can I do for you, Tommy? Done anything wrong?

[Mrs. Blake]

It isn't so much about Tommy, Mr. Davis, that I came to see you. It's about you.

[Narrator]

About me, Mrs. Blake?

[Mrs. Blake]

Yes. I understand from Tommy that you recently rented a house to a family named Guerrero. Puerto Ricans.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. Is there anything wrong with that? They seemed like nice people.

[Mrs. Blake]

I'm glad you feel that way, Mr. Davis, because I'm afraid that unintentionally perhaps, you've done them an injustice.

[Narrator]

Injustice, Mrs. Blake? I've done them a favor renting them the house.

[Mrs. Blake]

One evening, shortly afterward, you spoke about the Guerreros to Mrs. Davis. Tommy heard what you said.

[Narrator]

Now, see here, Mrs. Blake. That was said in the privacy of my own home.

[Mrs. Blake]

I wouldn't say it was very private, would you, Mr. Davis? When the next day, 15 children learned what you said about Puerto Ricans and are being influenced by it.

[Narrator]

Oh, so that's it. That son of mine's been carrying tails to school, has he? Well, I'll straighten him out.

[Mrs. Blake]

I'm sure you can, Mr. Davis, but I don't think you quite understand.

[Narrator]

Understand? What more is there to understand?

[Mrs. Blake]

The other day, you, Tommy's best authority on everything, planted a seed of prejudice against a whole group of people. In Tommy's mind, Tommy believed you. And now my class is divided by that prejudice.

[Narrator]

Aren't you exaggerating the whole incident, Mrs. Blake? After all, it was only a remark.

[Mrs. Blake]

I had hoped that I was exaggerating. I don't think so now, and I don't think you will either when you see Tommy. He got into a fight with Ricardo Guerrero. And I'm afraid that Tommy has a black eye.

[Narrator]

What? That Puerto Rican kid hit him. Well, why didn't you stop it? What are you there for?

[Mrs. Blake]

But I did. Only a little too late. I can do my part, Mr. Davis, but it's both of us working together at home. And at school, that's the only way a child grows up thinking right.

[Narrator]

Well, what do you want me to do?

[Mrs. Blake]

You put something untrue into your child's mind and you're the only one who can take it out of his mind.

[Narrator]

I have a better way to fix it than that. There won't be any more fighting, Mrs. Blake. I promise you that.

[Mrs. Blake]

Uh, what? What do you mean it was a.

[Narrator]

Mistake to rent that house to those Puerto Ricans in the first place? Always fighting, causing trouble. Tomorrow that family gets notice to move. When the family moves, their young hoodlum is withdrawn from school and the problem is solved. Your Troubles are over, Mrs. Blake.

[Mrs. Blake]

All the way home you say to yourself, your Troubles are over, Mrs. Blake. The problem's solved. Yes, it could be solved that way and you'd no longer have a problem. You tried and you failed. Now let Mr. Davis handle it. You don't want any trouble, and you did try. But you remember what Todd said in the last letter he wrote before he gave his life for the very things you're fighting for now. You must meet the enemy face to face. But you did that. He spoke to Tommy and Ricardo, to the children, and to Tommy's father. And nothing came of it yet. You must make something better of this mixed up world, just as Todd tried to do. That means teaching people to live together without prejudice, without hatred. And you intend to do just that, regardless of the cost.

[Narrator]

Hello?

[Mrs. Blake]

Mr. Davis, this is Mrs. Blake. Forgive me for calling you at home, but I thought you'd like to know that I am sending my resignation to the school board tomorrow.

[Narrator]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear it, Mrs. Blake. Why are you doing that?

[Mrs. Blake]

Because of your remark, my class heard Ricardo Guerrero called a name that wasn't his. In the last few days, dirty Puerto Rican has not been three words, but one word to 15 children and who knows how many more.

[Narrator]

Oh, now, it's not that serious, Mrs. Blake. You sound as if you expect to have a hundred little Hitlers on your hands tomorrow, all because of one little remark.

[Mrs. Blake]

It started that way In Nazi Germany, Mr. Davis, with a lie. A lie that engulfed a nation in religious hatred. A lie that plunged the world into a war that cost millions of lives. I think your little remark, as you call it, is very serious. And your attitude this afternoon, even more so.

[Narrator]

Well, I admit I was a little hasty this afternoon. The Puerto Rican family can stay in the house.

[Mrs. Blake]

That's very nice of you, Mr. Davis, but I'm resigning nevertheless.

[Narrator]

But that would be a loss to the school. You're a very good teacher. There's no reason why my letter of.

[Mrs. Blake]

Resignation mentions lack of cooperation from parents. I'm referring the school board to you for an explanation. Goodbye, Mr. Davis. The walls of the school are closing in on you, squeezing you out, meeting the enemy face to face. That's what Todd wrote. On the battlefield, perhaps. But in the classroom, what do you do? You've failed. And you have to tell the children that you failed. And then the door of the classroom opens. There stands Ricardo and Tommy and Tommy's father together.

[Narrator]

I hope you'll overlook our being late for school, Mrs. Blake, but Tommy, Ricardo and I had some special business to attend to this morning.

[Tommy]

Ricardo and I have something to show and tell, Mrs. Blake. It's a postcard. Tommy's father bought it for us. Read what's on the back, Mrs. Blake.

[Mrs. Blake]

Suppose you read it. Tommy and Ricardo can show it.

[Tommy]

Okay, Ricardo? Sure. Go ahead, Tommy. Well, this morning my father took Ricardo and me to the Jefferson Memorial. He brought us his postcard. On it it says, we hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Underneath it, it says, the decoration of independence.

[Mrs. Blake]

Can you tell us what that means, Tommy?

[Tommy]

Well, not exactly. It's got too many big words. But my father says it means that Ricardo and I should be friends. That in America, all kids should be friends.

[Mrs. Blake]

And you and Ricardo are friends now?

[Tommy]

Sure. I had it all wrong about Ricardo. My father told me.

[Mrs. Blake]

Very good, Tommy. Ricardo, you can take the card now and show it to the other boys and girls.

[Tommy]

Okay, Mrs. Blake.

[Narrator]

Mrs. Blake, if you haven't sent it, may I have the letter you wrote to the school board?

[Mrs. Blake]

Why, of course, Mr. Davis. Here it is on my desk.

[Narrator]

Do you mind if I tear it up?

[Mrs. Blake]

Well, Mr. Davis, what else can you do with it?

[Narrator]

Thank you, Mrs. Blake.

[Mrs. Blake]

This is a very important postcard, children. Tommy told you about it. Very well. In America, all children should be friends. Here we work together. What one knows, he shares with the others. So that all may understand and live together without hatred or fighting. Children, grown ups, students, teachers, parents. Because America is a great dream of brotherhood. A dream that can come true each day if each of us does his share in making it come true.

[Narrator]

The Institute for Democratic Education has brought you, lest we forget, the American dream. Today's story starred Helen Hayes. Listen in again next week for another program in this series dedicated to you, to me, to all Americans, and the kind of America we want to live in not tomorrow, but today.