FEB 2009 |
VOL 5 ISSUE 2
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Freshman Profiles About Staying Connected |
Tough Discussions in a Safe Environment! Nicole Femmer, Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs On Monday, February 2nd the Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs (MCISA) will host internationally known artist, and St. Louis born, Michelle Matlock, to discuss the difficult topics of race and stereotypes. The Mammy Project, a provocative one-woman show, will explore the influence that the stereotype, myth, and icon the “Mammy” has had on contemporary American culture. Historically, the “mammy” has been portrayed as a jolly, motherly, plus sized, black woman, typically a slave. The most well known stereotypes of the “mammy” have been Scarlett O’Hara’s housemaid, played by the legendary actress Hattie McDaniel in Gone With the Wind, and the advertising icon “Aunt Jemima”. The Mammy Project, written and produced by Matlock, uses original music, storytelling and historical speeches to transform an oppressive stereotype into a celebration of the power we gain from knowing and understanding history. The goal is to educate, entertain and more importantly to bring people together in asking some tough questions about race in America. The hour-long show will be followed by an open discussion with Matlock. The MCISA provides various opportunities throughout the school year for students to learn more about diversity and discuss tough topics in a safe environment. From off-the-cuff discussions in the Multicultural Center lounge to organized diversity trainings with student leaders, the MCISA promotes the discussion of diversity across campus. As part of the college experience, we encourage our students to learn more about the world around them by starting with the people they interact with on campus. So the next time your son or daughter comes home, encourage the discussion around diversity by asking them more about their roommate from Africa, or if they attended The Mammy Project program – you might just learn something too! |
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