Sunday, October 11, 2009

10/18 Last Chance to See

Social Justice Social & Last Chance to See
October 18th, 6pm, Amy's Apartment
Join Just Read for a social and movie night. We'll be watching Last Chance to See, about the crisis of endangered species. Reading is optional for this event, but the articles could provide some good background.

Bird of Doom (pdf)

Biodiversity Conservation and the Millennium Development Goals (pdf)


Loss of biodiversity threatens livelihoods of world's poorest


Discussion Questions:
1. How does one balance sustaining human life and interests with that of endangered species?
2. How can we address human vs. nature dualism, or the idea that human life is separate from the natural world? To what extent are social and environmental issues part of a larger system?
3. How do we market biodiversity protection? Beyond the Cuteness Doctrine, what about species that are not inherently likable?
4. Sustainability has a reputation for being a movement for the privileged, however poverty is closely linked to environmental problems and biodiversity loss. How can we balance these needs? To what extent is it true that placing an emphasis on preserving nature can hurt the economic development of impoverished people?

10/15 US v. John Brown

United States v. John Brown
October 15th, 7pm, Missouri Theater
Meet outside at 6:45, followed by discussion at Kaldi's coffee

John Brown, renowned 19th Century Abolitionist, led a raid on the pro-slavery settlement of Pottawatomie Creek in the Kansas Territory on May 24, 1856. Five men were dragged from their homes and murdered during the raid. Brown was never tried for these crimes. Until now. Please join us as a jury of your peers decides: was John Brown a freedom loving patriot who wanted equality for all men or was he full of hatred and desire to strike terror in the hearts of his countrymen?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168233997328&index=1

John Brown Background

John Brown's Body Hymn

Discussion Questions
1. Can the impact of acts of terror justify their usage in pursuit of higher goals?
2. How do we historicize activism?
3. What are the connections between this and current violent movements? Is the use of violence contextualized by situation?
4. In circumstances of extremely violent oppression, is the use of force permissible? Laudable? Effectual? Can conditions of extremely violent oppression only be effectively undermined by the use of force?
5. If violence is ever appropriate, how do you negotiate such a question of propriety? Is the use of force a concession to the inherently flawed 'ends justify the means' methodology?
6. Is abhorrence of violent activism a product of privilege?

Monday, October 5, 2009

October Events

October Events:

Sustain Mizzou Food Drive
October 12th-16th

United States v. John Brown
October 15th, 7pm, Missouri Theater
John Brown, renowned 19th Century Abolitionist, led a raid on the pro-slavery settlement of Pottawatomie Creek in the Kansas Territory on May 24, 1856. Five men were dragged from their homes and murdered during the raid. Brown was never tried for these crimes. Until now. Please join us as a jury of your peers decides: was John Brown a freedom loving patriot who wanted equality for all men or was he full of hatred and desire to strike terror in the hearts of his countrymen?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168233997328&index=1

Social Justice Social & Last Chance to See
October 18th, 6pm, Amy's Apartment
Join Just Read for a social and movie night. We'll be watching Last Chance to See, about the crisis of endangered species. Hosted by Stephen Fry!

Voices Documentary
October 21st, 7pm, Chamber Aud
“Voices” is a documentary featuring stories of survivors of relationship and sexual violence. The documentary was a collaborative effort between the Stephens College film department and the Shelter. This film is a very emotional and graphic retelling of actual events in women’s lives. Panel discussion will follow.