What TV, Movies, and History Can Teach Us About Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Thinking for Ourselves

Every year on July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parades, backyard barbecues, and patriotic music. While the holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, it also provides an opportunity to discuss a broader concept that is valuable for learners of all ages:

What does it mean to be an independent thinker?

Independent thinkers are people who ask questions, challenge assumptions, solve problems creatively, and have the courage to stand up for what they believe is right. Whether in history, literature, television, or film, many of our favorite characters embody these qualities.

This Independence Day, Teachertainment invites families and educators to celebrate not only America's independence, but also the importance of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Horton the Elephant (Seussical / Horton Hears a Who!)

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

Horton is one of the greatest examples of independent thinking in children's literature, film, and musical theater. Even when everyone around him believes the Whos are imaginary, Horton remains committed to protecting them.

What Horton Teaches:

Standing up for what you believe
Empathy and compassion
Perseverance despite criticism

Classroom Discussion:

Have you ever believed something was right even when others disagreed?

At-Home Activity:

Create a "Horton Hero" poster showing a time you helped someone who needed support.

**Simba (The Lion King)**

“Free to do it all my way!”

Simba spends much of his journey running from responsibility before eventually deciding to confront his past and reclaim his future.

What Simba Teaches:

Self-discovery
Leadership
Learning from mistakes

Classroom Discussion:

How can facing challenges help us grow?

Writing Prompt:

What is one challenge you've overcome that made you stronger?

**Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series)**

“I mean, it’s sort of exciting isn’t it? Breaking the rules.”

Hermione rarely accepts information without examining it herself. She researches, questions, and often discovers solutions others overlook.

What Hermione Teaches:

Curiosity
Research skills
Confidence in your knowledge

Classroom Discussion:

Why is it important to ask questions?

Extension Activity:

Have students investigate a topic of their choice and present three surprising facts.

**Moana (Moana)**

"Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface..."

Moana challenges tradition and ventures beyond the reef despite being told not to.

What Moana Teaches:

Courage
Problem-solving
Following your instincts

Discussion Question:

When is it important to try something new, even if it feels scary?

Family Activity:

Create a family "voyage map" of places you'd like to explore.

**WALL-E (WALL-E)**

"Dirrrrr-ect-tivvve?"

Despite being a small robot, WALL-E questions the way things have always been done and inspires change.

What WALL-E Teaches:

Environmental responsibility
Innovation
Thinking differently

Classroom Challenge:

Identify one problem at school and brainstorm creative solutions.

**Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games series)**

"I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"

Katniss repeatedly challenges unfair systems and refuses to abandon her values.

What Katniss Teaches:

Courage under pressure
Leadership
Standing up for others

Discussion:

What does it mean to do the right thing when it's difficult?

**Elphaba (Wicked)**

“I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.”

One of Broadway's most beloved independent thinkers, Elphaba refuses to conform simply because others expect her to.

What Elphaba Teaches:

Authenticity
Moral courage
Independent judgment

Writing Prompt:

What makes you unique, and why should you celebrate it?

**Miguel (Coco)**

"The music, it's not just in me, it is me.”

Miguel respectfully challenges family expectations while pursuing his passion for music.

What Miguel Teaches:

Balancing tradition and individuality
Following your dreams
Respecting different perspectives

Family Discussion:

What traditions are important in your family?

Final Thoughts

Fireworks may light up the sky on Independence Day, but ideas are what light up the mind.

This July 4th, celebrate the thinkers, dreamers, inventors, leaders, and everyday heroes who ask questions, solve problems, and inspire positive change. Whether it's Horton protecting the Whos, Hermione opening another book, Moana sailing beyond the horizon, or a student discovering a new way to solve a problem, independent thinking is a skill worth celebrating all year long.

Because sometimes the most powerful freedom of all is the freedom to think for yourself.

Happy Independence Day from Teachertainment!

Jake Perlman is the founder of Teachertainment, blending education, entertainment, and pop culture to turn learning into an unforgettable experience.