Reel Bad Arabs

Wednesday, January 23 at 7:30 pm

REEL BAD ARABS

This groundbreaking documentary dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run virtually unchallenged from the earliest days of silent film to today's biggest Hollywood blockbusters. The film explores a long line of degrading images of Arabs from Bedouin bandits and submissive maidens to sinister sheikhs and gun-wielding "terrorists." Along the way it offers devastating insights into the origin of these stereotypic images, their development at key points in U.S. history, and why they matter so much today. The persistence of these film images over time makes prejudice toward Arabs and Arab culture seem natural and reinforces a narrow view of individual Arabs effects of U.S. policies on their lives. By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture.

Before and after the film, everyone is invited to indulge in our Humanist Tea House.

$5 donations are accepted.