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Civil war? No, thanks.
Civil discourse? Yes, please.
"I do think it's a warning. I do."
With these words, actress Kirsten Dunst, who stars in the just-released film Civil War, reflected on the film's meaning in a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning. As audiences take in the film this weekend, many will probably share cast members' sense of disquiet upon viewing the final cut.
Alex Garland, the film's writer and director, shared his perspective with The Hollywood Reporter that, "Civil War is trying to create a conversation about political divisiveness in general that vilifies the other side; ratcheting up rhetoric into an ethical debate which makes it easier to see others as evil — and once somebody is considered morally wrong, their opponents can justify all sorts of extreme measures to stop them."
Fortunately, it doesn't have to be our fate.
In fact, the film can be more than just an important conversation starter ... it can be a catalyst inspiring millions more Americans to reject tribalistic "us vs. them" thinking and to embrace opportunities to engage constructively across our differences.
As Zach Elwood of Starts With Us points out, "Our future depends on what all of us do together. We all play a role in building a less toxic and more stable America. We can demand less contemptuous and polarizing behaviors from leaders, activists, and people in the media. We can strive to disagree with our political opponents in better, healthier ways."
Feeling inspired to take action? The National Week of Conversation takes place Apr 15-21, with free signature experiences and conversation events taking place in person and virtually all over America. Need an antidote to Civil War's dystopian themes? Watch one or more of the inspiring true stories featured in the Better Together Film Festival. Scroll down for more details!
#CivilWarMovie - Watch CBS Sunday Morning SegmentJoin a National Week of Conversation Event (Apr 15-21)Watch a Better Together Film Festival Screening (Apr 15-21)
Alex Garland's provocative film Civil War
is a conversation starter ...
"Perhaps it can be a catalyst for discussions ... prompting us to reflect on our values, our responsibilities as citizens, and the importance of upholding a democracy that is inclusive, resilient, and truly representative of all its people. Let Civil War not be a prophecy of our future but a pivot point towards a more united, democratic society."
Read this insightful blog post by Kristina Becvar, Bridge Alliance, exploring the film Civil War and its place in our national civil discourse. For academic perspectives and further suggestions on how to keep Civil War in the realm of fiction, we also recommend this blog post by Zach Elwood at Starts With Us.Read the Bridge Alliance blog postRead the Starts With Us blog post
Let's keep the conversation going ...
The 7th annual National Week of Conversation kicks off on Monday, April 15th, offering easy, timely, and free opportunities to engage in constructive conversations and activities that focus on our shared experience and opportunities as Americans. Join a conversation event online or in person
Participate in a signature experience ...
Each weekday of the National Week of Conversation, between April 15 and April 19, features a free, online signature experience. Register here or below for:
- Mon, Apr 15, 3 pm ET - Music of Our Lives
- Tues, Apr 16, 12 pm ET - Building Communities that Listen
- Wed, Apr 17, 3 pm ET - Libraries as Bridging Spaces
- Thurs, Apr 18, 8 pm ET - Bridging Heroes in the Prohuman Classroom
- Fri, Apr 19, 4 pm ET - Conversation With Divided We Fall Cast and Crew*
* Please watch the film and complete a 3-min survey before the film discussion.
... or watch an uplifting film about our capacity to connect and solve problems together.
The inaugural Better Together Film Festival, Apr 15-21, features six compelling films that feature everyday Americans transcending and transforming our political and social divisions to create better outcomes for all. Join a hosted screening event near you, or make a plan to stream one or more of these films with friends, family members, colleagues, or in your community.
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