POV

Dr.

Enjoyed that! Good stuff. In many ways, the usual story about the disfunctionality of family life, albeit a little more complex...I liked the fact that the parents were not peripheral to the story and it is clear that both parents are very loving of their daughter.

by Colm from Boston, MA
September 20, 2009, 10:44 PM

I loved this story! I hope Rockey realizes that she has two of the most smartest and loving parents any young lady could wish for.

Rocky you are a beautiful, smart and intelligent young lady. Good Luck in college, I'm sure you will do well.

by Lavette Wagner from Penn Hills, PA
September 22, 2009, 10:37 PM

Bronx Princess

Rocky reminds me of young willful laides that I work with. Portraying an outer shell of strength, where does that come from, being immature, still learning who she is? I found my own areas where I could use more strength, learning from Rocky's experience. Not settling for anything, fighting to excel I feel and understand her akwardness starting school. I will show more compassion to the people I work with, knowing that showing them love will bring out the best in them.

by Michael West from nashville, tn
September 22, 2009, 10:38 PM

Wonderful

What a great film! Rocky and her family are so incredibly charming, I just loved the film. I want to know more about Rocky and her family. The difficulty of the mother/daughter relationship seems to be the same all over the world. Loved it.

by Lauren from New York, NY
September 22, 2009, 10:44 PM

Bronx Princess

OMG Rocky's experiences are so similar to the first generation of African Americans whose parents or grandparents came from the South. We had the same struggles of wanting to be like the other kids, while undergoing the strict ways and culture of southern African Americans.

by Omolara from Philadelphia , Pennsylkvania
September 22, 2009, 10:54 PM

Licensed Master Social Worker

I was absolutly moved by the film! I am pulling for Rocky to gain new experiences at college, however at the same time I hope she realizes how much sh has to offer to others. She is really lucky to have a family support system that allows her to express herself and learn how to be an adult. Rocky would be a great asset to many young girls who struggle with 'finding themselves' and finding their way through life.

by Angela Savage from Petal, MS
September 22, 2009, 11:09 PM

The Obligations of Privilege

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I am a first generation college graduate from an African-American family. I've travelled to Ghana and lived among the people numerous times. As I watched Rocky's journey, I reflected on the obligations of privilege when one is afforded a college education. Specifically, I saw her parents' pride in her accomplishments, despite their own personal successes. It was clear that Rocky did not yet understand that these same accomplishments obligated her to do well on behalf of her home community. She is expected to make a positive contribution to her people's local community because she is connected to them. Doing well on behalf of your clan can be a heavy burden when one is young. But to whom much is given much is required. I pray that Rocky will continue to grow as a young woman fully aware of every sacrifice made on her behalf. She will do great things on her own terms and on behalf of her people.

by Kathy from Richmond, VA
September 22, 2009, 11:14 PM

Bronx Princess

Greatly enjoyed this doc and kudos to both the film makers and the Otoo family for the insights and honesty portrayed in this excellent film.

Rocky is so incredibly lucky to have such a
loving and nurturing family. The portrail of this young lady at that awkward age between teenager-to-young adult, self-centered but discovering who she is quite heart-warming.

Rocky, you're on your way to an exciting life. Please develop the wisdom and courage to accept the challenges ahead of you. You seem to have much to give.

And tell your mother she can cook for me any time!!

by Michael Shaw from Los Angeles, CA
September 23, 2009, 1:08 AM

Bronx Princess

I love THis family.I watched it last night with my teenage daughter and she really admires Rocky's attitude and ambition.She motivated my daughter to push and never let let go of her dream

by Stephanie Prince from Charlotte, NC
September 23, 2009, 8:42 AM

Touching, humbling, and beautiful

After watching this film, I had the strong desire to call my mother and thank her for all the love and support she's provided me, unconditionally. That's what this movie did for me... pull at my heartstrings and make me realize the universal push and pull of love between mother and child. Whether or not you're from the Bronx or if you're parents are from Africa, we have all been there. And this movie gives us a chance to step back and respect our human-ness and the intracies of dynamic relationships that make up life. Thank you to the wonderful film-makers and the Otoo family.

by Dina B. from NYC and Charlotte, NC,
September 23, 2009, 10:18 AM

Good parents

Watched it last night... Know the mom fleetingly.. Hope she does well. rooting for her. Mother is a loving person. Father is a real man. Typical girl raised in the west . typical ghanaians everybody is allowed to put them down though.

by yao yeboa from stafford, TX
September 23, 2009, 10:29 AM

Always a Ghanaian

I watched this show last night and I really loved it. Rocky should be very happy and blessed that she has parents who are willing to follow her. I am from Ghana and I know how our family system works. She really should not be in a big hurry to abandon everything in order to become an American. I am proud of my heritage and love to display it at every opportunity I get.

by Nana Amma from Arlington, Texas
September 23, 2009, 10:40 AM

A Dad!

I'm a father of three children (2 daugthers and a son) my oldest daughter is now 20 years of age, my other daugther is 15 years of age and my son is the youngest now 14 years old.
Unfortunatly they does not live with me.
The LOVE that Rocky's parent reflected touch me so much. They only want the best for Rocky and I hope she understands that.
Rocky I believe really understands that also, when her Dad spoke with her in the car, asking her to think before she speaks, that did not cost a dime but was So valuable. He asked her to communicate with other in the appropiate manner.
Rocky's mom was so overwhelmed with emotion when she spoke with the Dickerson college representive. She was so proud that her daughter was attending college. I would give ANYTHING to be able to have thoughts type of moments/opportunities with my children!
I thought this was an Excellent film, enough so that i made it a point to come to work today and send this message. Thank you so much!

by Warren from Matawan, NJ
September 23, 2009, 1:05 PM

LOVED IT!!

I saw this film last night. I was just flipping through channels. I loved watching the sort of coming of age story that Rocky had with her parents, but it was also interesting to watch her parents come to terms with her. I am the daughter of immigrant parents from Jamaica and I saw so much of myself in Rocky at that age. I am now 31 and a Ph.D. student. Getting an education has been such a blessing, but at times it has also been fraught with misunderstandings on the part of my parents. Rocky, I wish you all the best!!!

by Krista from Tuscaloosa, AL
September 23, 2009, 2:50 PM

Great film

I absolutely loved this film. It made me think of my own relationship with my mother and how our relationship changed when I moved out of state to attend college. I think that this film is a must see for all freshman ladies and their parents. In addition, the film's reveal of how family culture impacts a young person's life was very interesting and made me reflect. It was a pleasure to have a peak into such a special and strong young lady's life. I am sure Rocky will excel at anything she chooses to pursue. Good luck to her and her family in this exciting time of life.

by Kristin Dooley from upstate, NY
September 23, 2009, 3:08 PM

poem - MY BIRD

I enjoyed seeing Rocky's education, as she learned (like most teens) they are not so smart. At the end I cried as I saw a mother-daughters love challenged and strengthen. I turned off the TV and wrote this inspiring poem, on behalf of my own daughter who is currently in the U.S. Air Force.

MY BIRD - by Melissa C. Murphy-Mize

I sat in tears and tried to hide,
my small Bird that lived inside.

She sang so joyously in tune,
to the sun and to the moon.

She hid when lightening strikes were round,
or when loud sounds abruptly bound.

But one day Bird hithered near,
and soon at edges nest appeared.

Passers-by stood froze to hear,
paralyzed with song in ear.

And then my Bird stretched her wings,
exposing color, grace and strength.

A nearby branch upon a tree,
beckoned Bird to come to thee.

From that day on, Bird came and went,
and less time at her nest she spent.

Now to the world Bird sings in tune,
awakens sun, and kisses moon.

And passers-by, paralyzed in love,
look to God through Bird above.

(This poem written to my dear daughter Ashley, whom from birth to flight I have LOVED and admired in life. Keep strong and sing Gods song. He will bring love and joy to you, the same as you bring to others. -Mom)

by Melissa C. Murphy-Mize from Montgomery, Texas
September 23, 2009, 7:00 PM

Fabulous

Beautiful, powerful, difficult and courageous.

by Shabana Mir from Stillwater, OK
September 23, 2009, 10:08 PM

I don't know what to say. I lost my dad recently and this film brought back so many memories of growing up. All the confusion of living in one place while your parents are from somewhere far away. This is so honest and touching. I know lots of friends in London who would find this inspiring and wish we could have this on the bbc.

well done, rocky.

by enya from london, london, united kingdom
September 24, 2009, 5:43 AM

A+ Bronx Princess

This movie was so great that I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I love it for students because although I teach Spanish, Rocky's story of trying to fit in between 2 worlds is so great for any teenager to relate to. She's so positive and it really inspired me as an adult to continue to try my hardest. Mad props Rock!

by Ambrosia from Rock Hill, SC
September 25, 2009, 1:37 PM

The World At Her Feet

Rocky's ongoing transition from one of self absorption to one of self realization and humbleness was motivating. I fell in love with both of her parents and I wish them all the best. Rocky will do great things in the area of international change and social justice.

Great film full of lessons.

by Corrine from Atlanta, Georgia
September 26, 2009, 4:49 PM

A story that i have lived first hand. A true first genaration story!

Brook and Syeed great production!!

As i was watching the 'Bronx Princess', i trully resonated with it, a pure reflection of my own journey. It teaches everyone of the first generation African-American, African-Canadian, Latin-American, name it; the experiences that we go through, how much we should value our roots and standing up to our personal and family values, approaching our daily challenges head-on regardless of where live. Amazing!! Good job Rocky and the Otoo family

by Robert Kateeba from Toronto, Ontario
September 28, 2009, 12:16 AM

Very Disappointing

My husband and I always look forward to a new episode of POV, but this one really disappointed. It was basically a story about an exceptionally rude, selfish, and self-centered prima donna and we found it unbearable to watch. Three fourths of the way through neither my husband nor I could continue to watch her indulge in an exceptionally negative, it's-all-about-me attitude and complete lack of appreciation and respect for her loving family and had to turn it off. I hope the rest of the documentary was redeeming in that it showed her undergo some intense reformation of character, but with only 20 minutes or so to go, I doubt there was enough time to portray her undergoing a rebirth of her attitude which was so desperately needed. I hope this girl gets a clue about the real world before the excuse of her youth expires and her physical attractiveness is no longer enough to compensate for her lack of inner beauty.

by Rianne Roberts from Knoxville, TN
September 29, 2009, 12:17 AM

Fabulous

I have never seen a film with which I identified more in my life. For every single scene in the film, I have had a parallel experience. From sucking in my teeth and being accused of disrespect, from just trying to get to the beach, from trying to find a place to cry alone in Ghana (impossible), from thinking a goat slaughter will be more exciting than it is, from designing my own outfits that are not quite right, from shaving my head....A classic Ghanaian-American coming of age story. Thank you!

by Abena from Berkeley, CA
September 29, 2009, 12:45 PM

greater eye of knowledge'

ir was a star atraction to a story i have lived myself. It made me realiezed how a person's world can greatly change by taking a look into your history and making the past ur houre.

by junior from pompanobeach, fl
September 29, 2009, 3:38 PM

Mrs.

I thought the film was wonderful. It really touched a variety of emotions. I found myself crying with Aunti Yaa as well as trying to understand Rocky's plight for independence. My husband is from Ghana and I'm a stepmom I see a lot of similarities. Great job would love to see more films like this keep it up PBS!!!

by Tamika Obeng from Charlotte, NC
September 30, 2009, 2:39 AM

I love Rocky's mom. I hope Rocky realizes the true blessing she has in
her mom. Rocky is such a beautiful intelligent young lady. She
should never forget the wisdom of parents and respect that always.

by Donna from Houston, Tx
October 2, 2009, 5:02 PM

Want to be grown too soon

Rocky is very book smart but book smarts will only get you so far in life. If she really wants to be successful she will need to develop her people skills. Many book smart people fail in life for lack of people skills, for lack of communication skills, for lack of understanding others, etc. Rocky's mom and dad realize that they have a smart child but they also as good parent see her short-comings and tried very hard to guide her. Rocky, I hope you understand the gift you have in your parents. I wish you and your family much success. Great film!

by Pat from Atlanta, GA
October 3, 2009, 3:55 PM

I can relate

I am so glad I was able to find this film. I can relate in so many ways to what Rocky is going through. Both my parents are African immigrants, and growing up it was really hard to bridge the gap between my parents African cultural values and the American cultural values I was born into. My parents and I bumped heads numerous times. However, now that I am in my second year of college we are getting along a lot more. I recently took a trip back to mother Africa to see my family, and it was eye opening. Everything Rocky went through I experienced. I take my hat off to you girly. It's hard living the life of a first generation African American, but in the end, we'll make it!

by Jaybird
October 6, 2009, 2:27 AM

nurse

Rocky has becom to americanized, from what I saw the first ten minutes into the film she is very disrespectful to her elders. Like her mom says it takes more than book smarts to make it in society, and may be that she is very young and insecure at this stage in life but if she intends to attend an american college she'll be educated very soon on using people skills when one of her classmates who she wants to be so much like points out that she is different and not as american as she thinks. Never forget where you come from because when you do you lessen the journey to where your going and want to be.

by turkessa from st.louis, mo
October 19, 2009, 12:04 AM

wonderful! wonderful!

by zobot from seattle, wa
November 5, 2009, 1:23 AM

Does Rocky do public appearances?

by Jessica Lee from New York, NY
November 5, 2009, 10:38 AM