Like many in my generation, I didn’t grow up immersed in politics. I recall my parents tuning into the news, but that was the extent of my political education at home. I want my children to be more knowledgeable than I was. One powerful tool I’ve found for this is a documentary I recently watched—“Knock Down the House” on Netflix. The film follows Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and three other determined women as they take on established Democratic incumbents during a midterm congressional election.
Teaching kids about politics can be a tough task; it often feels tedious, frustrating, and, to be honest, a bit dull. What child wants to dive into the complex workings of the American political system when there are countless other activities to enjoy? Luckily, “Knock Down the House” is anything but boring. While it certainly covers political themes, it is fundamentally a story about tenacious underdogs—ordinary citizens challenging wealthy, established figures in a field where success often goes to well-funded men. Most importantly, it showcases women as powerful forces.
The documentary opens with a captivating scene that immediately caught my 10-year-old daughter’s interest. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—a young Latina woman like my daughter—stands in front of a mirror, applying makeup in preparation for campaigning. She explains how women face scrutiny over every aspect of their appearance, while men can simply wear a suit or roll up their sleeves.
While Ocasio-Cortez’s journey is central, the film also highlights three other remarkable women, each with their own compelling narratives. We hear the story of Ava Moore, from Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, whose 22-year-old daughter died due to delays in treatment caused by lack of insurance. Ava’s campaign is centered on advocating for Medicare for all.
We learn about Lila Hayes from St. Louis, who was inspired to enter politics after the protests following the tragic shooting of unarmed Black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. She runs against a long-time Democratic incumbent and later wins in a subsequent election.
Then there’s Clara Jean, a coal miner’s daughter from West Virginia, who highlights the health issues in her community caused by the coal industry. She campaigns for Senate against the incumbent, pushing for a transition to green energy to protect her community’s health. The film beautifully captures the contrast between the stunning Smoky Mountains and the destruction brought by mining.
While all four women are incredible, Ocasio-Cortez’s charisma and sharp intellect truly captivated my kids. We see her working as a bartender, carrying heavy ice buckets and expertly mixing drinks, all while narrating how her experiences prepared her for the political arena.
What struck me about Ocasio-Cortez in “Knock Down the House” is her incredible ability to respond quickly and effectively in debates. She dissects arguments and presents solutions with remarkable speed. Confrontation seems to energize her, and she faces disbelief head-on with confidence.
As my daughter watches, she sees not just a woman accomplishing something extraordinary but a young Latina overcoming challenges. Ocasio-Cortez is brilliant, stylish, courageous, and relatable. She acknowledges her own vulnerabilities, which makes her all the more inspiring.
The film features engaging debates where Ocasio-Cortez faces off against her opponent, Greg Thompson. In one debate, Thompson sends an unprepared substitute, but in the second, he realizes he must face her directly. Ocasio-Cortez’s performance leaves him visibly shaken, a testament to her skill and determination.
Throughout “Knock Down the House”, I paused to explain various concepts to my kids, such as “grassroots” campaigns and the difference between large corporate donations versus smaller contributions from everyday people. We watched as Ocasio-Cortez gathered signatures from her community, exceeding the required amount to ensure her spot on the ballot.
While my children may not be running for office soon, this documentary gave them a glimpse into how politics works. What might seem dull at first—a realm dominated by powerful men in suits—was transformed by the stories of these four women who took action to create change. They recognized a need and stepped up, and this is a lesson I hope my kids will carry with them.
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Summary:
“Knock Down the House” is an inspiring documentary that follows Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and three other women as they challenge political norms and fight for change. The film captures the resilience and determination of these underdogs, making politics accessible and engaging for younger audiences. By showcasing real stories of struggle and triumph, it encourages the next generation to become informed and active participants in the political landscape.
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