| The Story of the Peace Corps | ||
| A Towering Task | ||
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| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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Full disclosure: I volunteered in Africa under an American NGO. I was not Peace Corps, but we served in similar ways. Additionally, on some weekend trips to the nearest city, we'd hang out with Peace Corps volunteers and trade stories and insights. A returned Peace Corps volunteer interviewed in this film echoes my sentiments (I paraphrase): "We returned a little embarrassed to realize that we'd been gifted with more than we were able to give." Towering Task is an engaging well-rounded history of the Peace Corps from inception, precarious launch, through shifting missions/motivations as US and World politics evolved. Filmmakers interview volunteers, administrators, invested politicians (Jimmy Carter among others), as well as researchers. You'll enjoy historical and relevant speech excerpts from Kennedy and other key players. While filmmakers don't shy away from program negatives and embarrassments, an overall positive light is left shining over the PEACE CORPS. Have a look. Maybe you'll be inspired to volunteer somewhere in the world – even if it's just in your neighborhood. Again, I am biased toward world travel. I strongly feel that volunteer/work/study abroad positions are rich opportunities for everyone involved to grow. Yes, there are risks, but the rewards are vast. When individual citizens of the planet bring an open hand, open heart, or even just an open mind into foreign cultures, humankind inches ever closer toward World Peace. Listen to my lively interview with the director of "A Towering Task." |
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Grade..........................A- (3/4) |
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Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
