Power, education, conviction, woman

Tonight I had the privilege of listening to Angela Davis lecture in Gifford Auditorium here at SU. Watching her speak was inspirational, but more inspirational was the impact she had on her audience. People of every generation were absorbed in her message, and I kept thinking,"why didn't I offer this for extra credit to my classes?" But I am glad I didn't; it was standing room only, and that is after folks crowded down the aisles and sat on the floor to listen to this revolutionary icon.

Davis shared several important messages with us tonight, not the least of which was that an individual can NOT be construed to represent an entire group of people. This goes along with our discussion in Feminist Rhetoric(s) about how black people are not monolithic and class differences account for much disparity in how the race perceives itself and is perceived by outsiders. Of course, the point Davis was making concerns Barack Obama and the frequent but spurious assumption that a black man's ability to be nominated and to be a serious contender for president affirms that race does not hold anyone back in this country any longer. Davis' excellent lecture beautifully illustrated the falsities in that statement as she delivered the truth to the many minds which were held captive by her confident presence.

I am especially interested in Davis' ideas about an institution that she believes is the face of a neoliberal 'democracy': prison. While many classify Davis as a prison reformer, she considers herself an abolitionist, and has dedicated herself to the assertion of this belief through many lectures, interviews, and written works throughout her long career. Most provocative in this evening's lecture were Davis' observations regarding the propagation of gender binaries that we see in all public institutions, but particularly in prisons. 

One of my colleagues was selected to ask a question (at least 20 people were vying for the chance to speak to Davis after her lecture) and he represented our seminar well. Angela seemed very impressed with him and I was strangely proud of his effort. I am rarely one to ask questions after a lecture like that; all the questions I come up with are usually either very mundane or somehow inappropriate. For instance, when considering what I would like to ask Angela Davis, I found myself wondering what her favorit breakfast was. Not exactly the stuff inspiration and awe are made of. 

So that was this evening's excitement. When I returned home, I neglected the mountain of reading I have in favor of a PBS documentary on Richard Nixon, part of the American Experience series. Tomorrow night I will likely be galvanized by The Choice '08, a special feature on Frontline. And then on Wednesday, of course, is the last presidential debate before the election.

Glad I caught up on some reading over the long weekend!