In 2016 Ryan Reynolds embodied and brilliantly portrayed a very unlikely yet likable character named Deadpool. A sequel has recently released and after seeing both films, I’m impressed with the work. When the first film came out I watched it so many times I lost count. It really was that good. Deadpool is an unlikely definition of what some may consider a hero. The films are violent, raunchy, comical, and surprisingly have some thought-provoking takeaways. In the first film, shortly before becoming Deadpool, Reynolds character explains that “Life is an endless series of train wrecks with only brief, commercial-like breaks of happiness…” It was an insightful line. As much as most of us aim towards happiness, life can have moments that feel like an endless series of train wrecks with just “brief” breaks of happiness, which is why it’s important to really enjoy those happy moments. In Deadpool 2, Reynolds character is faced with another tragedy and repeatedly tested to consider some introspection about different choices he makes while taking on a new set of challenges. Is Deadpool a hero or nah? That depends on what some consider a hero to be. One thing for sure is that he’s an unforgettable character.
I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...