Spring Break
Students react to Spike Lee
Johnathan Thacker
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: News
Spike Lee will be speaking Tuesday night at ETSU. Lee is one of the most influential and controversial filmmakers of the last 20 years. Issues of race and society are two of the recurring themes throughout his work.
Emerging as a struggling independent filmmaker in the mid '80s, Lee has risen to a level of success that was previously unthinkable for an African-American filmmaker. He played a vital role in establishing the careers of A-list stars such as Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and Wesley Snipes.
In anticipation of his visit, the Spike Lee movies "She's Gotta Have It" and "Do The Right Thing" were shown in the Cave. Since Lee designs films that initiate discussion, open forums were held following each presentation.
There are hopes that Lee's visit will cause students to engage in discussions addressing racial issues on campus and in the region.
"I am looking forward to hearing Spike Lee speak, because his lecture could help broaden students perceptions of the world," said Lindsey Garth, 23, of Chattanooga. "I hope the lecture will help to create much needed diversity dialogue within the student body of ETSU."
With someone as controversial as Lee is, a mixed reaction is inevitable. However, some students are against his visit for reasons that have nothing to do with his work. "I paid for it with my tuition and I probably won't go see him, much like all the other 'fun' activities they have on campus" said John McMeen, 23, Elizabethton. "Lower tuition and keep (celebrities) out. I am here to learn, not stargaze."
There are also a number of students who have not formed an opinion due to lack of information. With the peak of Lee's media exposure occurring when current freshmen were beginning elementary school, some are unfamiliar with him and his work.
"I don't really know as much about him as I'd like to," said Kelsey Clifton, 20, Bristol. "This should be a good opportunity to change that."
Lee has been outspoken regarding the ethnic conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan.
"An Evening with Spike Lee: America Through My Lens" will take place March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mini-Dome.
Emerging as a struggling independent filmmaker in the mid '80s, Lee has risen to a level of success that was previously unthinkable for an African-American filmmaker. He played a vital role in establishing the careers of A-list stars such as Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and Wesley Snipes.
In anticipation of his visit, the Spike Lee movies "She's Gotta Have It" and "Do The Right Thing" were shown in the Cave. Since Lee designs films that initiate discussion, open forums were held following each presentation.
There are hopes that Lee's visit will cause students to engage in discussions addressing racial issues on campus and in the region.
"I am looking forward to hearing Spike Lee speak, because his lecture could help broaden students perceptions of the world," said Lindsey Garth, 23, of Chattanooga. "I hope the lecture will help to create much needed diversity dialogue within the student body of ETSU."
With someone as controversial as Lee is, a mixed reaction is inevitable. However, some students are against his visit for reasons that have nothing to do with his work. "I paid for it with my tuition and I probably won't go see him, much like all the other 'fun' activities they have on campus" said John McMeen, 23, Elizabethton. "Lower tuition and keep (celebrities) out. I am here to learn, not stargaze."
There are also a number of students who have not formed an opinion due to lack of information. With the peak of Lee's media exposure occurring when current freshmen were beginning elementary school, some are unfamiliar with him and his work.
"I don't really know as much about him as I'd like to," said Kelsey Clifton, 20, Bristol. "This should be a good opportunity to change that."
Lee has been outspoken regarding the ethnic conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan.
"An Evening with Spike Lee: America Through My Lens" will take place March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mini-Dome.