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Pitch Perfect 2: Mum draws up contract for son demanding he pen essay on sexism after seeing it

Glennon Doyle Melton wants her children to be 'critics not blind consumers'

Jess Denham
Thursday 18 June 2015 15:51 BST
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The Barden Bellas perform on stage in Pitch Perfect 2
The Barden Bellas perform on stage in Pitch Perfect 2

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For many cinema-goers, Pitch Perfect 2 is the perfect choice for a bit of fun at the end of a long day.

But one teenager was only allowed to go and see Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson strut their a cappella stuff with the Barden Bellas on one condition - he come home and write a two-page essay about the musical comedy's most important messages.

Glennon Doyle Melton, who runs US parenting website Momastery, drew up a contract for her son Chase before he headed off to watch the movie with his pals "as a critic, not as a blind consumer".

She texted him a picture of her terms and conditions and, after she "felt his eyes rolling all the way across the country", he agreed and "started some cool family conversations" with his deconstruction.

This is what Chase received from his mum:

Chase,

You may see Pitch Perfect 2 under these conditions: By Wednesday you will deliver to me a two-page essay which will be your response to the movie. Your response will answer the following questions:

1. What is this movie’s message about sex?

2. What is this movie’s message about women’s bodies? (In particular about being overweight? Are any of these messages sexist?)

3. Is there any racism in this movie? What scenes?

4. Are there any messages in this movie about love, friendships, or careers that are positive?

5. Would you recommend this movie to your sisters? Why or why not?

So, you can see this movie- but only as a critic, not as a blind consumer. You in?

Love, Mama

Glennon wrote on her Facebook page that she knows the whole contract thing was "a little much".

"I'm just a little much and everyone who lives with me has surrendered to it," she said. "At least we're talking, right? Just got to keep talking. Awkwardly, horribly, angrily, barely ever, whatever - just don't stop."

At least Chase will be prepared when Pitch Perfect 3's release date comes around...

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