Have Suggested We Should Engage And Be Engaged By Those

Have Suggested That We Should Engage And Be Engaged By Those Persons W

Have suggested that we should engage and be engaged by those persons who see and understand the world differently from those who sit comfortably within a dominant we society so that we might (re)imagine or discover a new place for democratic politics. And as film-goers who find ourselves more susceptible emotionally to the stimuli presented in a movie theatre, we can at times experience vicariously, yet deeply, the events, the stories, the lives of those who are different from ourselves. As individuals living in a multicultural and diverse society we should consider opening ourselves up to and welcoming such engagement and the possibilities for personal transformation in our individual sensibilities.

Such a transformation might occur when one considers and compares the experiences of his or her life and the impact of those experiences on his or her identity next to those raw materials that make-up or construct the identity(ies) of those who are different from them, specifically those who have been marginalized, disregarded, and silenced by a dominant we society. I have suggested that when one truly sees Other, sees and hears the stories of difference crafted and told by the Other in film, one might come to respect the different voices and stories of those lives and thus allow him or herself to see and experience life from a new position, a transformed sensibility, where politics transcend convention.

In other words, when we consider our lives next to those who are different from us, when we frame those different human stories next to our own personal human narrative we may come to understand how a particular human uncertainty and vulnerability informs all of our lives. In words share whether or not you believe film has the potential to transform one’s political sensibilities. And if you believe that your personal sensibilities have been (re)shaped or transformed by a particular film, say so. The objective here is to share your thoughts pertaining to the major thesis presented in Democracy and Difference. To add a new post, click the "My Conclusion" link below.

Paper For Above instruction

The proposition that film has the potential to transform an individual's political sensibilities is a compelling and multifaceted argument rooted in the power of storytelling and empathetic engagement. Films serve as a mirror to society, reflecting its diversity, struggles, and the myriad perspectives that compose the human experience. Through cinematic narratives, viewers are invited to see the world through different lenses, often encountering stories of marginalized, silenced, or misunderstood groups that challenge their preconceived notions and cultural assumptions. This process of vicarious experience fosters empathy, deepening understanding and encouraging reflective thinking about societal structures, injustices, and human vulnerabilities.

Research in film studies and psychology supports the idea that films can influence viewers’ attitudes and beliefs. For instance, the concept of “transportation,” where viewers become emotionally immersed in a narrative, significantly enhances empathetic responses (Green & Brock, 2000). When viewers connect emotionally with characters representing different backgrounds or experiences, they are more likely to develop a nuanced understanding of those groups and consider their social realities a little more carefully. This emotional engagement can serve as a catalyst for political awareness and engagement, especially when stories evoke shared human vulnerabilities such as fear, love, loss, and hope.

Moreover, films that highlight issues of marginalization, oppression, or social injustice can challenge dominant narratives and reveal systemic inequalities. Documentaries such as "The Act of Killing" or "13th" exemplify how cinematic storytelling can expose audiences to complex realities often omitted from mainstream discourse (Hayward, 2017; DuVernay, 2016). These films not only inform but also inspire viewers to reflect critically on their roles within societal power structures, encouraging active participation in social and political change. In this sense, film acts as a democratic device that fosters a more inclusive and participatory form of political consciousness.

Personal experiences also bear witness to the transformative power of film. Many individuals report shifts in their perceptions of cultural differences or social issues after engaging with films that portray diverse human stories. For example, exposure to films like "Schindler’s List" or "City of God" often prompts viewers to confront the realities of genocide or poverty, fostering empathy and a sense of moral obligation to advocate for justice (Roth, 2000). Such films serve as educational tools that deepen understanding of complex social issues, breaking down stereotypes and fostering solidarity. Consequently, subjective experiences reinforce the notion that film can be a powerful instrument for shaping political sensibilities.

However, critiques of this view emphasize the potential limitations of film’s influence. Skeptics argue that cinematic storytelling might reinforce stereotypes or become an escapist distraction rather than a catalyst for genuine political change. The effectiveness of film in transforming sensibilities largely depends on the viewer’s openness and critical engagement rather than passive consumption (Bazin, 2005). Additionally, the commercial and entertainment-driven nature of much of contemporary cinema can dilute political messages or trivialize social issues, diminishing its potential as a tool for meaningful change.

In my personal experience, I have observed that films such as "Hotel Rwanda" and "Precious" have profoundly reshaped my understanding of human resilience and social injustice. These films evoked emotional responses that challenged my assumptions and compelled me to advocate for those affected by genocide and poverty. Beyond entertainment, they became catalysts for political reflection and moral responsibility. This confirms that thoughtfully crafted cinema can serve as an effective avenue for fostering empathy, challenging stereotypes, and ultimately shaping one's political sensibilities toward greater inclusivity and justice.

In conclusion, I believe that film holds significant potential as a transformative medium capable of shaping political sensibilities. Its ability to evoke empathy, illuminate systemic inequalities, and foster moral reflection makes it a powerful tool in democratic dialogue. While its influence is not automatic and requires critical engagement from viewers, its capacity to reach diverse audiences and foster understanding can contribute meaningfully to social change. Personal experiences affirm that cinema can indeed be transformative, inspiring viewers to rethink their roles within society and motivating active participation in their communities. As we continue to access diverse stories through film, we nurture a more empathetic, inclusive, and democratic political landscape.

References

• Bazin, A. (2005). "What is cinema?" University of California Press.
• DuVernay, A. (Director). (2016). 13th [Documentary film]. Netflix.
• Green, M. C., & Brock, T. C. (2000). The role of transportation in the persuasiveness of public narratives. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(5), 701–721.
• Hayward, P. (2017). Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts. Routledge.
• Roth, K. (2000). Empathy and the representation of trauma in film. Journal of Aesthetic Education, 34(3), 59–81.
• Smith, L. (2010). The impact of film on social consciousness. Media Studies Journal, 24(2), 134–150.
• Thompson, K. (2014). Film and social change. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 31(2), 138–152.
• Vasquez, M. (2019). Documentary film as social critique. International Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, 35(4), 456–470.
• Wallenstein, I. (2003). The Educational Power of Film: Toward a Critical Pedagogy. Journal of Education & Practice, 4(2), 23–34.
• Young, T. (2012). Transformative cinema: Reimagining social justice through film. Journal of Visual Culture, 11(1), 91–107.