Having uncomfortable conversations can be easier when you incorporate comedic relief. That is how the Documentary and Discussion event went at the Champion Miller Center (CMC) on Thursday evening.
“We all have privilege… it doesn’t diminish that you don’t work hard for what you have,” said Regina Johnson, director of student equity, inclusion, & community at Monmouth College.
On Thursday night, the CMC hosted both Monmouth students and community members where they watched “Hello Privilege, it’s me Chelsea,” a documentary on Netflix where comedian, Chelsea Handler, examines her life and opportunities after facing public criticism and current social justice issues.
The night started off with warm-up question prompts from The Antiracist Deck: 100 meaningful conversations on power, equity, and justice by Ibram X. Kendi. Starting a night with ice-breaker conversations is important because “you have to look inward before you look outward,” said Johnson.
“I liked hearing the different perspectives from the documentary. It’s important to remain aware of how different people think and be reminded, even as a person of color, that we also succumb to our biases,” said senior Gabriela Madu.
In the documentary, a USC law professor said that creating space for uncomfortable and open-minded conversation is important because “language matters, discourse matters, dialogue matters.”
“Open discussion is necessary in order to attempt to eradicate ignorance. Microaggressions and acts of racism occur for many reasons, one being ignorance. By educating ourselves, we are better able to close the gap and begin to move toward healthy, meaningful progress,” said Madu.
Anita Gándara - Guest Writer