I thought this might interest some US-based ECOFEMers. Stefanie ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- ------------------------------------------------------------ A PBS documentary that might be of interest: "Shattering the Silences: Minority Professors Break Into the Ivory Tower" on PBS on January 24, 1997. "Shattering the Silences" takes a surprising and provocative look at the success and distress of minority scholars in the humanities and social sciences in universities from Seattle to New York. This is bold, compelling documentary. There are poignant stories about the obstacles and challenges on the journey to the ivory tower. There is both humor and pain as these minority voices in the academy tell a double edged story. Minority scholars are introducing new perspectives and fresh questions in university classrooms. While they have invigorated disciplines by contributing a wealth of new scholarship, the number of minority professors is still alarmingly small and the pipeline is fragile. Across all disciplines ninety percent of professors are white. Opening up institutions does not come easily. New scholarship is by definition challenging and minority scholars are constantly drawn into a debate over who defines truth and what to teach. Answering to the needs of an overwhelmingly white institution, minority professors are also often overburdened by the demands put on them. The controversial issues of Culture Wars and Affirmative Action are part of the atmosphere in which our group of scholars are trying to make a difference. Student voices are also heard in this stylish, passionate and fast-paced documentary. This is a film filled with compassion, humor, anger and tears. The characters are engaging and provocative. They are superb teachers, riveting role models; and pathbreaking scholars in history, literature, sociology, ethnic studies and political science. -------------------- ********************************************* Linda Lopez McAlister, Editor, HYPATIA; Listowner SWIP-L; Chair Dept. of Women's Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa. Tel. 813-974-0982/FAX [EMAIL PROTECTED] ************************************ Stefanie S. Rixecker Department of Resource Management Lincoln University, Canterbury Aotearoa New Zealand E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ************************************
