Co-directors Anna Samo and Lisa LaBracio: “A classroom erupts into a war of words as students grapple with a seemingly simple prompt: what is the opposite of a gun?

“Inspired by events in poet Brendan Constantine’s own classroom, ‘The Opposites Game’ was written as a tribute, not only to his passionate young students but to his friend Patricia Maisch who helped disarm the shooter in the infamous Tucson shooting of 2011.
 

 
“Constantine first shared this poem at a gun violence prevention event organized by Maisch, and since that day, quotes have been emblazoned on the protest signs of students around the country.

“This animation is part of TED-Ed’s series, There’s a Poem for That, which features animated interpretations of poems both old and new that give language to some of life’s biggest feelings.”
 
A TED-Ed Production
Director: Anna Samo, Lisa LaBracio
Animation/design: Anna Samo, Lisa LaBracio
Associate Producer: Bethany Cutmore-Scott
Editorial Producer: Alex Rosenthal
Executive Creative Director: Logan Smalley
Executive Producer: Stephanie Lo
Producer: Sarah Kay

Poem/performer: Brandan Constantine
Sound design: Weston Fonger
Produced by Gerta Xhelo

Special Thanks: Jessica Ruby, Tom Bergmann