They also bring us the truth that only can be found in fiction by focusing our attention on the stories and metaphors that reveal the deeper truths that undergird the fantasy. One of my favorite recent movies is Gladiator . It depicts a fictionalized account of Maximus, a Roman general who, because of his integrity and loyalty to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius who is murdered and succeeded by his son, is thrown into slavery by the emperor s son and then becomes one of Rome s greatest gladiators. There is much in this movie for a school administrator to ponder. First is the metaphor of the gladiator as school leader.
Gladiators are warriors.
They take their place in the center of the coliseum where they are pitted against all sorts of dangers and challenges. When the fight is ended, the audience gives them the thumbs up or the thumbs down. Live or die. Any superintendent can relate to that moment. After we have given our all to the fray, the public then judges us, sometimes in a circus-like atmosphere.