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Framing Diversity

Films spotlight issues of race

Watching a scene from "Race -- the Power of Illusion."

Duke's Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) is using the power of film to engage employees in dialogue about issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The latest film series, "Race -- the Power of Illusion," began in September and ends Nov. 17 with "The House We Live In," a movie that explores how society's institutions shape our understanding of race and the opportunities available to different groups.

Employees need not see the first two episodes to attend the last film in this series. The movie will be shown at noon Nov. 17 in the Shaner classroom, 402 Oregon St. Registration is required, and employees are invited to bring their lunch. Discussion follows the film.

"The film series is informative in regards to the historical perspectives of race in this country -- how it has impacted our interactions and relationships in the workplace; how it impacts us when it comes to decision-making and how rewards, evaluations and opportunities are given," said Robert Crouch, OIE's cross cultural relations specialist. "Our hope is everyone will become more aware of how we all are responsible for quelling the stereotypes and myths that create barriers to our becoming a more equitable, fair and inclusive environment."

The diversity film series has been offered by OIE for several years to provoke thought and address contemporary issues confronting employees in the workplace. Other films have explored gender, sexual orientation and health disparities, among others. OIE has also used film in other workshops.

For example, during the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration, OIE presented "An Unlikely Friendship," a documentary about a friendship that developed between a Ku Klux Klan leader and an outspoken black female activist. Also, "Crash" was shown during a department retreat to generate dialogue and raise awareness about behavior.

"Film is an engaging medium," Crouch said. "It can educate and provide realism and complement other vehicles used to educate, inform and motivate audiences."

Courtney Mack, a diversity library fellow at Perkins Library, attended the first episode of "Race -- the Power of Illusion" on Sept. 27. The episode, "The Difference Between Us," follows a dozen diverse students examining their own DNA. The students discover that their closest genetic matches are as likely to be with people from other races as their own.

Mack, who started working at Duke in July and serves on the library's diversity working group, said the film promotes awareness among employees. "These resources help inform and educate them by creating a friendly and professional dialogue and acceptance of diversity."