The Flying Man: The Power of Visual Media in Social Education

Abstract

The visual arts and media historically employed by teachers as a corollary to “traditional” social education can play a more vital role in promoting critical inquiry among students. The use of short films like The Flying Man (2013), a 2013 motion picture which depicts an almost mythic vigilante in a realistic world, can help educators highlight relevant contemporary issues and support an active, constructivist role for student critique. This article describes the role of visual media, the applications of visual art pedagogy, and the potential of works like The Flying Man to foster critical inquiry in a nontraditional manner.