Paperland: The Bureaucrat Observed

Bureaucracy shapes our lives and guides us from the cradle to the grave. This documentary, directed by Donald Brittain, lays bare the idiosyncrasies of bureaucracy, whether in Canada, Austria, Hungary, the Vatican or the Virgin Islands. It also attempts to make the functioning of the public service more comprehensible. The absurdities of bureaucratic behaviour are exposed with humour and irreverence.

I had just become an executive producer when this film was edited. I remember watching it and saying, "I'm so offended! I'm a civil servant, and I'm not like that!" Of course, years later I understood exactly what Donald was getting at. It was all those small-minded people who refuse to take risks, who cover their asses all the time, who make sure that whatever happens they won't be blamed. You don't want to be blamed for making mistakes, so you don't make mistakes but then you don't actually have any successes, either.

That's what that film was all about.


Extrait de la sélection : Donald Brittain: Writer, filmmaker, storyteller.

Niveau scolaire 9 - 12

Civics/Citizenship / Citizen Responsibilities

History and Citizenship Education / Issues in Society Today

Civics/Citizenship / Federal/Provincial Government

Description pédagogique:

The film states that what is often frustrating about a process is also what makes it fair. Write about a personal experience of bureaucracy that exemplifies this. Interview a civil servant or person working in administration and then present the importance of their job and the steps in a process or procedure they must follow.


 

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