CSCD Film Discussion Series Past Events

“Slam & the Prison Industrial Complex" 2/12/08

Students viewed the movie “Slam” and discussed urban poverty, the prison industrial complex, and the meaning behind the poetry from the film.  The purpose of this documentary was to inspire students to the renewal of one spirit under degraded economic and social conditions.  Furthermore, students learned more about slam poetry and how spoken word, from the blues to Hip-hop have been important in Black Culture in America. 

“Claudine: Guilting the working Black mother” 2/27/2008

Students watched “Claudine”This discussion addressed the many negative stereotypes given to single mothers and those using public assistance.  The goal of this event was discuss the actual causes of poverty in American and expose students to the struggle that many single parent women go through in trying to make ends meet, care for their children, and have meaningful relationships in life.  The second major goal of this event was to introduce students to black cinema during the “blaxploitation” genre that did not feed into harmful stereotypes, but instead challenged them.

"Maquilopolis: City of Factories” 3/12/2008

Students viewed the film “Maquilopolis.”  Invited to lead this discussion on the transnational factories and the impacts on local families and communities was led by guest speakers who work in areas of immigration/citizenship and worker rights.  The purpose of this event was to get students to see that labor is social and that actual human suffering is connected to the things many purchase for fun.  The other major goal was for students use their knowledge and observations our community to discuss how this form of globalization impacts the communities and families of Mexican workers as well as workers here in the states.  Most importantly, this event forced students to challenge the demonization of Mexican labor and instead question why corporations chose to engage in business practices that are inhumane and create animosity.

“Black on Black Crime: Bastards of the Party” 4/01/2008

Students watched the HBO Documentary: Bastards of the Party dealing with social and political origins of Black gangs in L.A.  The purpose of the events was for students to go behind the phrase “black on black crime” and gang banging to learn more about how these social phenomenon emerged out of L.A. and why it continues to grip Black communities.  Students discussed the similar social dynamics they saw with black gangs and Latino Gangs  in terms of gangs emerging out of political groups.

“Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq.” 4/16/2008

The University of Nevada’s Office for Veterans Affairs along with Truckee Meadows Community College collaborated with the Center to put together a viewing and panel discussion of this HBO documentary.  The fundamental question presented at this event was, “given that war creates an experiential barrier between soldiers and civilians, how does a healing dialogue between the two begin.”  This question took us into discussions of veterans feeling separated from communities, a need for open honest discussion about the impacts of war, and the issues of readjustment experienced by soldiers from different cultural backgrounds and gender difference. Veterans from Vietnam, Iraq, and Kosovo shared their experiences of readjustment along with the insight from therapist working for the Veteran Affairs Medical Center.