Increasing Awareness of Diversity Through Community Engagement and Films

Abstract

This observational study explored the use of films to create a forum to engage various audiences, including the general public, social work students, and socioeconomically disadvantaged youths. Three film events were held at a large public university. Participant feedback via online forums and panel discussions was analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of using film to facilitate learning about cross-cultural experiences. Vicarious experience through film was found to be useful for multicultural education with varied audiences. Findings indicate that films make a difficult topic safer by objectifying it and removing some of the barriers to learning cultural competence. Further opportunities for university–community partnerships should be developed to enhance multicultural education, to inspire students, and to engage the community.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Othelia Eun-Kyoung Lee

Othelia Eun-Kyoung Lee is associate professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Mary Ann Priester

Mary Ann Priester is a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina.