As is common among many in my generation, I didn’t grow up with much exposure to politics. I recall my parents often tuning into the news, but that was the extent of my political education at home. I want my children to be more informed than I was, and one of my favorite resources for this is a documentary I recently discovered—“Knock Down the House” on Netflix.
This documentary highlights Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and three other resilient women as they take on established Democratic incumbents during a midterm congressional election. Teaching kids about politics can be challenging; it often feels tedious, frustrating, and, frankly, boring to them. What child wants to dive into the complex workings of the political system when there are countless other activities to enjoy?
However, “Knock Down the House” is anything but dull. It transcends traditional political narratives and focuses on the journeys of underdogs—underdog candidates with limited funding battling against wealthy, established figures, typically men. Most importantly, it showcases women who are unapologetically fierce.
The film opens with a scene that immediately captured my 10-year-old daughter’s attention. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a young Latina like my daughter, stands before a mirror, applying makeup as she prepares for campaigning. She points out the double standards that women face regarding appearance and presentation, while men can casually choose between a suit or rolled-up sleeves.
While Ocasio-Cortez’s story takes center stage, the documentary also follows the campaigns of three other remarkable women, each with powerful narratives. We learn about Amy Vilela from Nevada, who advocates for Medicare for All after losing her uninsured daughter due to a delay in treatment. Cori Bush from St. Louis was motivated to enter politics after the protests following the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson. Lastly, Paula Jean Swearengin, a daughter of coal miners, runs for Senate in West Virginia, aiming to transition the local economy to green energy to combat health issues stemming from mining.
Each of these women brings something unique to the table, but Ocasio-Cortez, with her vibrant charisma and sharp intellect, truly engages my children. We see her working as a bartender, managing tough customers while loading buckets of ice, and she shares how her experiences prepared her for the political arena.
What stands out about Ocasio-Cortez in “Knock Down the House” is her remarkable wit and quick-thinking. She adeptly addresses debates, dismantles opposing arguments, and turns confrontations into opportunities to shine. My daughter is not just watching a woman achieve greatness; she’s witnessing a young Latina from humble beginnings rise to prominence. Ocasio-Cortez is not only intelligent and stylish but also relatable, openly discussing her vulnerabilities.
The documentary highlights a significant moment during a debate where Ocasio-Cortez’s opponent, Jim Crowley, initially sends an unprepared stand-in. After Ocasio-Cortez’s impressive performance against the surrogate, Crowley is forced to attend the next debate, where she skillfully challenges him, exposing his underestimation of her capabilities. My kids were glued to the screen during this tense exchange.
Throughout “Knock Down the House”, I found myself pausing the film to explain various concepts, such as “grassroots” campaigns and the importance of small donations from everyday people versus large corporate donations that come with strings attached. Ocasio-Cortez’s efforts to gather significantly more signatures than required to get on the ballot illustrated the power of grassroots support.
While my children may not be running for office anytime soon, this documentary serves as a powerful introduction to the political world. Though politics can often appear dull, featuring a multitude of wealthy, older men in suits, the four women in “Knock Down the House” demonstrate that politics can be transformative. They recognized a need for change and stepped up to make a difference. That’s a valuable lesson I hope my kids internalize.
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Summary
“Knock Down the House” is an inspiring documentary that follows the journeys of four determined women, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as they challenge established political figures. The film highlights how these women overcome obstacles and redefine politics, making it engaging even for young audiences. It serves not only as a lesson in political activism but also as an empowering narrative for future generations.
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