Film Discussion: Radium Girls
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Summary of Activity:

Members watch the film "Radium Girls" on their own and then meet to discuss the questions.

Estimated Prep Time:
2.0 hour(s)
Estimated Activity Time:
1.0 hour(s)
Estimated Total Time:
3.0 hour(s)
Topics:
  • Nuclear Advocacy
  • Other
Target Audience:
  • Group
Submission Type:
Ready-To-Go Event
Activity Type:
Interactive Activity
Detailed Description and Instructions:

“Radium Girls”: Based on true events, sisters Bessie and Jo Cavallo paint dial watches at the American Radium factory in New Jersey. When Jo’s health starts to decline, Bessie starts to question if radium is safe and discovers a veil of corporate lies. (2020 American drama film, available on multiple platforms, 102 minutes.) This drama can be compared to the well-researched book The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore, or it can be viewed/discussed on its own. Themes include exploitation of workers in American factories before adequate health and safety laws, labor relations, and the stories of young women at the infancy of nuclear technology. Discussion questions are attached – feel free to add/edit. Radium Girls Film Discussion Questions

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