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Showing posts with the label history

Alex Garland's 'Civil War' & the Intersection of History and Fiction

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Calling all history buffs and film nerds! Alex Garland’s highly anticipated new film, Civil War , premieres this Friday. The English novelist, screenwriter, and director has built a remarkable career by mastering intricate and expansive concepts through imaginative and captivating narratives and striking visuals . Before becoming a director, Alex Garland was a novelist. His debut novel, The Beach , transported readers to an unspoiled seashore inhabited by like-minded travelers, weaving together drug culture references, hallucinatory sequences, and vivid depictions of excess and utopia. In Civil War , Garland immerses audiences in a dystopian future where a second Civil War ravages and fractures the United States of America. The tension, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes promise to captivate viewers in a heady dystopian world once again.  The film follows a team of journalists ( Kirsten Dunst , Cailee Spaeny , Wagner Moura ) who traverse the United States, capturing the chaos and

Celebrating Black History Month 2024

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Black History Month , observed annually in February, is a significant time to reflect on the achievements, struggles, and contributions of African Americans throughout history . This month-long celebration serves as a powerful and necessary reminder of the resilience, creativity, and impact that individuals of African descent have had on the United States and the world.  The legacy of Black History Month dates back to 1926 when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson recognized the lack of history and perspectives of African Americans in the nation's curriculum throughout his studies. Dr. Carter G. Woodson stated that African-American contributions were too often overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks. Black History Month is a direct response to the systemic suppression of the black experience. In this month, we as Americans not only celebrate black history, but we also rectify historical biases . There are many ways to honor Black History Month like

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: A Reflection on Thanksgiving

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  November holds a special significance in the United States as a month dedicated not only to expressing gratitude, but also to honoring and celebrating Native American Heritage. Designated as Native American Heritage Month , this period serves as an opportunity to delve into the rich history, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Native American peoples. In the spirit of recognizing and commemorating Native American Heritage Month , we want to shine a spotlight on Brian McKenna's impactful show, Chiefs .  Chiefs is a six-part series that intricately explores the lives of the great leaders, warriors, and diplomats of the First Nations, whose stories form a central drama of the North American continent. Combining documentary elements with dramatic reenactments, the series vividly brings to life the power, spirit, and mystery of the First Nations while also seeking to separate myth from reality.  This compelling documentary series goes beyond the surface, addressing critic