Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol45 Issue25 22–26 June 2020

Dear Colleagues,

At School Forum on Wednesday I proposed to watch “13th”, released in 2016 by Director Ava DuVernay, a timely in-depth look at the prison system in the US, focussed largely around racial inequality.  I think many of us have been moved by recent events, sadly crystallised around the “Black Lives Matter” movement.  My mind switches from anguish to incomprehension of these situations and my intention in inviting you to a chat around racial issues was to hear from you.  Precisely that, listen.  I was inspired by feedback after my #shutdownSTEM email last week, discussions with my fellow Directors (particularly Profs Joan Leach and Matthew Colless) as well as comments by Dr Will Grant (The Wholesome Show) as he discussed a recent commentary from Prof Jasmine Roberts (OSU) on the need for people, such as myself, to listen first to victims and not to assume a particular view point.  This message of guidance is amplified for those who attended Dave Widders’ Indigenous Cultural Awareness training last year, and it is indeed the first place to start for all discourse on inequality.  

So on my path to a fuller and more effective understanding I am starting a series of School screenings on important documentaries/movies that portray inequality in different forms.  While it’s timely to start with 13th, I think I’d like to broaden the scope, culture and geographic distribution. Titles such as “Charlie’s Country” and “Rabbit-proof Fence” spring to mind (thanks James Sullivan!), but not exclusively Australian nor racially focussed.  I’d love to see titles from around the world. I imagine this is a little like a “film club”, but with a focus on identity.  

Anyway, for this first screening and because we can’t use the seminar room I propose we watch “13th” in our own time either on Netflix or YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krfcq5pF8u8

and just Zoom at 12 on Monday, 22 June 2020 for discussion.  https://anu.zoom.us/j/95569749243?pwd=eDFTY09jYVN3QUtxWm93dnZEMU91dz09

No agenda, no chair, just a group to reflect on impressions and hear from others.  We might also start a list of must see titles, whether they are humorous, timeless or tragic.

See you Monday.

Tim