We indeed live in hard times. But few have had it as hard in recent years as the people of Argentina. Once one of the most prosperous countries of South America, in 2001 its economy collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people, many of them middle class, were thrown out of work.

The government closed the banks, and people couldn't access their money. And no one did anything to help. Government after government fell as housewives, students, factory workers and lawyers burst into the streets of Buenos Aires chanting "¡Que se vayan todos!" ("Throw them all out!") 

In the face of desperation, the cynical might have expected that people would turn on one another in an effort to survive. Instead a remarkable thing happened. People turned to one another in mutual support. The documentary film Argentina: Hope in Hard Times tells the inspiring stories of ordinary people creating new ways of rebuilding their lives in a resurgence of grassroots democracy and community spirit. 

Film critic Sean Cain has asked: "During a political or economic crisis, what is it that makes one society turn to equality and democracy, such as contemporary Argentina, and others to turn to fear, repression and exploitation, such as 1930s Germany? What would happen if such an economic catastrophe were to strike North America, something which no longer seems that unfeasible. How would we respond? Would people work together to tackle such problems as poverty, unemployment and inequality, or would they turn to xenophobia, immigrant-bashing, leader worship, and the neo-liberal orthodoxy of 'greed is good'?"

Argentina: Hope in Hard Times prompts us to think about such questions. It also restores a faith in human beings and a hope that we too can find our way through hard times. Call 150-0025 for more information.

Argentina: Hope in Hard Times
Sponsored by Center for Global Justice
Thursday, March 30, 3pm
Teatro Santa Ana, Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

Bioneers Series Finale

The final film in the Bioneers Winter Film Series features Dr. David Orr, chair of the renowned Environmental Studies Program at Oberlin College. He is well known for his pioneering work on environmental literacy in higher education and ecological design. He is the author of The Nature of Design, Earth in Mind, Ecological Literacy, and The Last Refuge (the latter book is a political commentary on the Bush administration).

In this film, Orr addresses the issue of intelligence. From the perspective of the sustainability of human life on Earth, what does it mean to be intelligent? What does the answer imply about education and research?

This is the last film in the Bioneers Winter Film Series. It is about 40 minutes long and will be followed by a conversation in the Santa Ana Café.

The Fifth Revolution: The Evolution of Ecological Design Intelligence
Bioneers Winter Film Series
Monday, March 27, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana, Insurgentes 25, 40 pesos