The “30 Days” reality television series, aimed at promoting tolerance and sparking discussions, returns to campus with a showing of “Muslims and America” in all first-year residence halls Monday, Feb. 18 at 6:15 p.m. It will be followed by a discussion at 7:45 p.m. in the West South Lounge (second floor).
The first of two episodes to be shown this term, “Muslims and America” depicts David Stacy, a Christian from West Virginia, who moves to Dearborn, Mich., to live for 30 days in a large Muslim community.
“Minimum Wage” will air Monday, Feb. 25 at 6:15 p.m., with a discussion at 7:45 p.m. in the Richmond Basement Lounge. This episode challenges Morgan Spurlock and his fiancé, Alex, to survive for 30 days earning minimum wage.
The shows will also be aired ahead of time on TVUC to enable more students to participate in the discussions, led by faculty and residence hall advisors.
Sponsored by the Office of Residential Life, “30 Days” was created by Academy Award-nominee Spurlock, the director of “Super Size Me.”
Each episode addresses topics relevant to campus and community life, such as homophobia, religion and binge drinking, with an eye toward fostering frank discussions of cultural awareness, diversity and tolerance. The show explores what transformations someone can undergo within 30 days.
Joe Martel ’08, a Mechanical Engineering major and West College head RA, was instrumental in bringing the program to campus last year. He, Beth Solomon ’09 and the rest of the first-year RAs encourage all members of the campus community to participate.
“We are looking for anyone who would like to become part of this extension to the classroom experience to help run or take part in the viewing and discussion,” he said.
More than 150 students and faculty have come together to watch and discuss six different episodes during the last two terms. Additional episodes are slated for spring term.
For more information, contact Martel at martelj@union.edu.