Ethnic Notions Film and Discussion at Calvert Library (press release)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2013

Contact: Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORICAL NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES OF BLACK AMERICANS THROUGH A VIEWING OF ETHNIC NOTIONS,

AN AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY

 

            If you are interested in learning about the history of persistent negative racial stereotypes used to marginalize Black Americans in the United States, you will want to attend a viewing of Ethnic Notions. 

 

In 1987, Marlon Riggs wrote and directed this award-winning documentary on the subject and received an Emmy Award for the body of work.  In the film, Riggs discusses the subject and traces the origins of black “cultural” characters and icons, products of a racist society that the marketing industry incorporated into common household goods and curios.  Riggs’ historical research is impressive, and the issues raised in this thoughtful, provocative film continue to hold relevance in the 21^st century. 

 

The viewing of Ethnic Notions will be held 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 28, 2013, at Calvert Library Prince Frederick and will be followed by a discussion. 

 

 A member of the library’s Civil Discourse group, formed to have conversations with varied members of the community on current, relevant and diverse issues, recommended the documentary as a possible topic for discussion.  She was introduced to the film in an online African American studies class at the University of Maryland University College.  The Civil Discourse team was quick to embrace the topic for conversation. The format will be a listening circle where participants are encouraged to speak from their personal experiences and listen with respect to others who share their experiences. The object of the library’s Civil Discourse conversations is that the participants learn from one another, better understand others’ perspectives and thereby build stronger community.  In addition to the Civil Discourse planning committee that includes representatives from the Community Mediation Center, All Saints Episcopal Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Southern Maryland and others; Concerned Black Women of Calvert County is partnering with Calvert Library to get the word out about this important film and discussion.

 

            For more information on the viewing, call Robyn Truslow, the Public Relations Coordinator, at Calvert Library Prince Frederick; 410-535-0291.

 

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Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

Phone 410-535-0291

Fax 410-535-3022

rtruslow@somd.lib.md.us

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