Have you ever snuck a peek at an uncensored film in your 20s?
Did you dare spy cinema a little lamb your age wasn’t adult enough to endure?
I’m referring, of course, to G-Rated iterations of classic literature.
Such was the recent case at the University of Michigan, though youngsters didn’t mean to adulterate their eyes.
In fact, one professor literally boiled himself when he showed woke students a 1965 film.
Cultural changes have been evident, but entertainment is perhaps the most obvious.
Take a stroll through 1980s-era fare for an extraordinary view.
If you’re game for a greater jolt, rewind two decades more.
Take, for instance, the National Theatre Company. Version of Othello.
Oscar nominated film starred Sir Laurence Olivier, critically acclaimed actor.
Laurence seemed to have sunken on film:
Bright Sheng (65-year-old UM Music Professor) makes bold choices for classrooms.
On September 10th — perhaps a day to live in infamy for traumatized youth — the academic showcased Olivier’s heavily-made-up Moorish general.
Olivia Cook, the freshman at The Michigan Daily expressed her consternation in an interview.
“I was stunned. It is a school that promotes diversity. They make sure they know the history of POC in America. I was amazed. [Bright] would show something like this in something that’s supposed to be a safe space.”
Kim Broekhuizen from the University confirmed the New York Post’s catastrophe:
“Music history offers lessons that remain significant today, including how blackface minstrelsy as a part of U.S. popular music was both a product of and a way to support racist stereotypes. However, charged lessons such as these must include proper context and should always be presented with care and sensitivity.”
Did there ever exist a stereotypical image of chocolate-colored Arabic Turks-fighters from 17th century speaking English with British accents
Either way, Bright’s colleague — composition Professor Evan Chambers — puréed his peer.
This email was sent from the school to:
“To show the film now, especially without substantial framing, content advisory and a focus on its inherent racism is in itself a racist act, regardless of the professor’s intentions. We need to acknowledge that as a community.”
Bright is not always portrayed in a negative light.
As tweetedReporter Christian SchneiderThe native Chinese teacher was finally matched:
“Bright Sheng survived Mao’s Cultural Revolution but he might not survive a couple of whiny Michigan students being shown a film version of Othello.”
Japanese social media editor Oliver JiaThe Bright Side was also considered.
He uploaded to Twitter, “Bright Sheng did nothing wrong. His students should suck it up and stop acting like petulant children.”
Others have flocked to the educator’s court as well:
Bright Sheng, a Maoist child from China, lost his piano to the Red Guard. He became an award-winning composer and was still celebrated.
It is a disgraceful act by the University of Michigan to have done this terrible thing. Please read and share.https://t.co/rBxBoMzeMm
— Robby Soave (@robbysoave) October 8, 2021
On September 16th, Bright issued a formal letter of apology to the school’s music department.
For now, he’s been replaced as instructor of the class.
And that’s too bad, since he’s a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a MacArthur Fellow, and has had his compositions performed around the world — including at 2008’s Beijing Olympics.
But first things first — the aftermath of a 56-year-old movie must be unpacked.
Moreover, Bright’s mea culpa may not have helped: The man took time to point out he’d worked with nonwhites.
Freshman Olivia wasn’t impressed:
“He could have taken responsibility for his actions and realized that this was harmful to some of his students that are within his class. He tried to excuse himself. Instead of just apologizing for it, he tried to downplay the fact that the entire situation happened in the first place.”
Perhaps Bright might’ve paid more attention during his “antracism” training — required for all UM staff.
From now on, he’ll likely tread lightly — America’s future find it difficult to deal with the past.
No matter what happens to Professor Sheng at school, I am certain that he will continue his success.
Concerning the G-Rating mentioned above, Othello wasn’t actually given such; the rating system didn’t begin until 1968.
Despite this, it was viewed as family-friendly.
I predict the relabeling of a hard “R.”
Disney+ Removes ‘Peter Pan,’ ‘Dumbo,’ ‘The Aristocats’ and ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ From Kids’ Viewing, Adds Warning Labels for Adults https://t.co/ExfafmZDrP
— RedState (@RedState) March 10, 2021
Othello you’re cruising for a cancellation.
Appropriation these days is a very serious offense.
We’re more enlightened and evolved.
1965…is not 2021:
Good afternoon! pic.twitter.com/7b6RvkMa2f
— Libs of Tik Tok (@libsoftiktok) October 10, 2021
-ALEX
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