Introduction
This is a story about violent times. Isabel, a
high school student, is disturbed by the bullying
she witnesses in the hallways. She is further
frightened because many of her friends seem
indifferent to the violence they see.
This also is a story about Buffalo Bill Cody, a
man who spent his boyhood in one of the most
violent settings in American history, the
borderlands between slavery and freedom before and
during the Civil War. He then came of age on the
frontier battlefields of the Indian Wars. When
Isabel is magically transported to his side at a
dangerous moment, together they learn about some
of the reasons for conflict and about the courage
they need to find honorable solutions to threats
and violence.
Using the Video
The recurring and tragic violence in our schools
in recent years makes the issues raised in this
story relevant to all students and the adults who
work with them. What makes bullies and victims? Is
it a struggle for status? Is it a defense of one's
turf? Is it simply a breakdown in mutual respect?
Is it that we have come to accept violence and
depictions of violence as "natural" and a part of
life? How seriously should we regard threats? Just
what is the appropriate response to bullying? The
story demonstrates that there are different ways
in which it takes courage to stand up against
violence.
Using the Handbook
The booklet can serve as a study guide on several
levels. First, it provides context for the stories
shown in the video. The Life of Buffalo Bill
touches on the events which shaped America's
expansion in the 19th century and on motivations
for conflict and war. The Timeline shows how
Cody's life and the life of the nation
intersected. Suggestions for Reading and the
recommended Internet Web Sites provide avenues for
further study in western and American Indian
history. The Glossary defines words and concepts
and identifies persons important in the video and
booklet.
Second, the booklet helps identify the dilemmas of
conflict and conscience faced by modern students.
Suggested Classroom Activities and the Video Quiz
provide ways of discussing the issues raised in
the video, some obvious and some less so.
Third, the Essay Topics are meant to encourage
thoughtful consideration of historical and
contemporary themes. Some of the topics may lead
students to do further research in American
history. It must be emphasized that teachers
should not feel limited by the suggested topics
and activities. Rather, these are intended to
inspire creative responses to the material.