Join Mike On His Trip Through History

This Independence Day, you'll find something to stand for.

Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash

I beg your indulgence. Though I could write ad nauseam about the Biden-Trump debate…Why? You either watched or, like me, didn’t and have drawn your own conclusions.

Instead, with Independence Day right around the corner, I prefer to plug a project from one of my favorite people. Oh, how I wish I knew him personally.

Mike Rowe is a living American treasure. He is not only known to fans for his distinctive voice-over work on shows like Deadliest Catch and Wicked Tuna, he also had a wildly popular show of his own called Dirty Jobs.

Viewers were smitten with the tall, muscular, husky star getting filthy while gaining on-the-job training ranging from horse inseminator and leather tanner to mattress recycler and exterminator. He took us deep into the icky tasks others do that we take for granted, and he showed us the necessity of each job. Unlike other “stars,” Mike rolled up his sleeves and worked side-by-side with the everyman.

Overall, it was Mike’s attitude that made the show a hit. For, he never took himself too seriously nor did he ever patronize those performing skilled labor. Mike’s initial ineptness mixed with his can-do enthusiasm became infectious and provided his audience a glimpse of ways to earn a living without a college degree.

After eight seasons, it became more difficult to find “Made in America” dirty jobs that hadn’t already been covered. So, Mike moved on. He started a podcast and became CEO of mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which helps those interested in pursuing trades. As his site explains, “Our society didn’t, and still doesn’t, have a trained workforce standing by or willing to fill the positions that actually exist.” And with high schools deleting skills-driven shop classes, the chasm is growing.

Always pursuing new challenges and being fiercely patriotic, Mike Rowe decided to co-produce and narrate his latest venture. Something to Stand For is an American history film the way history should be taught. Mike combines Paul Harvey-style story telling with a Drunk History (without the drinking) premise, in which actors portray roles of well-known patriots with Rowe’s unmistakable baritone narrating all the dialogue. As each little-known story unfolds, the audience finds themselves trying to guess the famous Americans being depicted.

At the Emagine in our town, there is only one screen time for the film. Though there were plenty of open seats, those in attendance oohed, aahed, gasped, and laughed. The film has the knack of making our history makers relatable. Unexpectedly, as the credits rolled, the audience applauded. Although, I would love to be more specific regarding the Americans chosen, that would give the surprises away. I will say that a tale with “Rebecca” and another with bull testicles will forever be emblazoned on my memory.

Most likely, this independent film will not become a summer blockbuster. Marvel movies or cartoon sequels have become a lazy man’s entertainment, and movie goers have become accustomed to action movies with no substance while soaking in special effects via AI in abundance. Alas, there will never be another Casablanca.

Even though I am rooting for Mike as well as Kevin Costner’s Horizon, our PC culture has been dismissing history unless it’s told from the oppressed/oppressor point-of-view. Most recently, a Chicago elementary school originally named for Christopher Columbus was renamed to honor Ruth Bader Ginsberg. With certainty, this name change will magically make Johnny literate. Sigh.

But, bucking the PC trend is only one important reason to support Something to Stand For. Having that “Wow! I never knew that!” feeling propels viewers to research more about unique decisions and decision makers in our history—warts and all. Furthermore, understanding our American spirit makes us proud and connected. If nothing else, reacquainting ourselves with our past should calm our fears as we navigate the treacherous waters we find ourselves in today.

But be forewarned, Mike’s story telling includes those who prayed, those who fought and died for our country, those who lived in service to others, and those who showed leadership under pressure. If you are looking for DEI, this movie is not for you.

If, however, you wish to celebrate our Independence Day with true patriotism, take your friends and, most especially, those who bristle to a screening of Something to Stand For.