“,”聽a documentary about the making of the groundbreaking musical “Hamilton,” aired a few weeks ago. Since then, I鈥檝e watched it five times, in part because I鈥檓 so proud of my amazing friend and college classmate , who was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of George Washington in the show. But, it goes way beyond that.
Not to give too much away, but this film is truly inspiring. Past and present politicians from both sides of the aisle discuss how our founding fathers were flawed, and how imperative it is that we not separate these flaws from the whole of their character and the contributions they made in creating our country. They also highlight just how difficult it was to create a new government from the ground up, that the circumstances of our birth shouldn鈥檛 determine our future, and how it鈥檚 possible to effect change even in the darkest times.
Given the rampant negativity of our current political climate, it could be easy for us, and especially our young students at Oglethorpe, to become disheartened with the impression that our government is irrevocably broken 鈥� that our vote doesn鈥檛 count. I鈥檒l admit that I myself felt this hopelessness as of late, but “Hamilton鈥檚 America” has restored my faith in our perpetually evolving political process. While the 鈥淎merican Experiment鈥� may have its problems, it is still an incredible thing.
I am not throwing away my shot!
Hey yo, I鈥檓 just like my country
I鈥檓 young, scrappy and hungry
And I鈥檓 not throwing away my shot!– Alexander Hamilton, from “My Shot” in “Hamilton”
I shared my sentiments with Mounica Kota, a recent graduate who is now working in Oglethorpe鈥檚 Center for Civic Engagement. We agreed that it is so important during these trying political times to excite our students about our roles as citizens 鈥� to let them know that we can all make an impact, that we do have power, and that it鈥檚 not hopeless. “Hamilton鈥檚 America” provides that lightning rod of positivity.
We were inspired to do something. I work closely with faculty members, so I already knew that both Dr. Reshmi Hebbar听补苍诲 聽are teaching elements of “Hamilton” in their classes. Mounica reminded me about Dr. Kendra King Momon鈥檚聽election round table discussion on campus, and this all seemed a perfect complement to a screening of “Hamilton鈥檚 America” for the entire Oglethorpe community.聽(It also may be as close as you鈥檙e able to get to actually seeing the show, without spending thousands of dollars per ticket, or waiting until 2018 for the tour to come to Atlanta!)
Now this multifaceted, collaborative event combines the arts, politics, history, and current events into an evening that will encourage critical thought and debate. More importantly, we hope that it will be the catalyst for students to become active, involved citizens… Sounds just like the Oglethorpe I know and love!
Please join us for Hamilton: An Oglethorpe Discussion, facilitated by Dr. Reshmi Hebbar, and CCE鈥檚 Election Round Table, facilitated by Dr. Kendra King Momon, on November 7, 4-7 p.m. in the Trustee Room of the Turner Lynch Campus Center!
