The Washington Post called this documentary "a matter of life and debt" and sent on to say, "This swift-moving documentary is something all American high school graduates should watch... especially before they head to college and are asked to sign up for credit cards."
The segments we watched this week discussed how the lending industry "sells debt" to companies who go after those who owe them money. It also covers the tragedy that can happen when people get so deep into debt that they can't see a way out.
In Microsoft Word, answer the following questions (Don't print when finished because we will continue with this tomorrow):
- What tactics do debt collectors use get people to pay?
- Why do debt collectors push people so hard?
- Why do some people resort to pawn shops?
- Who funds the largest check cashing chain in the U.S.?
- Do you think lenders are partially responsible for America's debt crisis? How so?
- Why does your credit card company want you to be late on your payments?
- Why do credit card companies want customers who have filed bankruptcy?
- Why do credit card companies want 18 year old college students?
- Why don't Senators and Congressmen punish credit card companies for "predatory lending"?
- Discuss your right to privacy from individuals, corporations, and the Government.
About the Movie: Answer these on the same page as the previous 10 questions
- What is your opinion of the movie?
- Is it worth showing to students next year?
- In what ways did the movie change the way in which you look at money?
