Duncan Earle Educates Students on the Zapatista Journey to Alternative Development

Co-author of "Uprising of Hope: Sharing the Zapatista Journey to Alternative Development" and professor Duncan Earles will visit CSULB Wednesday, April 15, to discuss his book and engage students in an intercultural discussion.

According to Simple Living Summit, Earle has spent a significant amount of time studying issues that range from asthma on the U.S.-Mexico border to Mongolian dance and development. He has also spent a considerable amount time teaching students at a variety of universities nationwide.

On Wednesday, attendees of this lecture/discussion will be able to purchase coffee from Chiapas, Mexico through the Cafe Para La Vida Digna organization. All proceeds from coffee purchases are donated to Chiapas in support of the Zapatista Autonomous Municipality in Rebellion. These monies will then be used for educational and medical purposes.

In a nutshell, indigenous communities in Chiapas have been distressed with cases of inhumane treatment for years. In response to that, municipalities have developed in an effort to resist the state's inability to serve its people. These municipalities are typically self-governed since state institutions refuse to assist them with basic services. For that reason, organizations like Cafe Para La Vida Digna have assisted indigenous communities with donations. To learn more click here.

Students in the anthropology department have expressed interest in Earle's presentation already.

"I like learning about other cultures," said Alexandria Wright, an anthropology major. "Plus, I inhale coffee."

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CHiLES Movie Nights

The Chicano/Latino studies department is hosting a short Latin American-based film festival, screening four movies beginning Wednesday, March 25.

The films include "Sleep Dealer", "Voces Inocentes", "In the Time of Butterflies" and "Like Water for Chocolate."

This event was hosted by the Chicano/Latino Studies Student Association and was created in an effort to raise funds for the organization. A discussion will be held following the screening.

This event is free with a requested donation of $3. The films can be viewed at PH1-140 at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday until April 22. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Latinos and the Beach Legacy Referendum

With the recent economic downturn, Latinos in the CSULB community are feeling the immediate effects.

An online voting system allowed California State University, Long Beach students to vote on a proposal by the athletics department to hike tuition by $95. This fee increase would help the department construct a 5,000 seat campus stadium, 3 lighted synthetic grass fields and enhancements to the campus pool.

While the intentions of the Beach Legacy Referendum seek to improve CSULB athletics, some Latino students do not agree with its implications.

"Man, the BLR is crap," said Eddie Rizzo, an Chicano/Latino studies major. "I pay rent, bills, books, tuition and now they want me to pay for athletics stuff? Come on."

On the other hand, some students agree with the BLR, regardless of its fee increase.

"I actually use the PE building to work out, so the BLR doesn't sound that bad to me," said Mark Santos, a political science major. "It's only $95 to give our school that extra edge. That's less than a parking permit, right?"

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¡Viva Cuba! Film Festival

Blaring salsa music erupted from Lecture Hall 150 as CSULB’s Cuban Film Festival screened its third movie of the semester last Thursday.

The ¡Viva Cuba! film festival was created with the intention of contradicting the negative portrayals of Cuba and promoting a more positive outlook on the island's future. While the event was more popular with CSULB faculty and staff, some students made an earnest effort to take time out of their school schedules for this noteworthy event.

"It’s really refreshing to see Cuba in a different light,” said Kathy Ruiz, an English major. “We always think of Cuba as having animosity with the U.S., but there is so much more to Cuba. It’s not all politics."

In a 2005 study by the University of Florida, the portrayal of Cuba in the media was studied, specifically in The New York Times. This study revealed that there is a "subtle signal in their lack of full acceptance in mainstream society." With that said, CSULB professors Bonnie Gasior and Nhora Serrano took it upon themselves to negate this study.

Additionally, this event was organized to begin precisely on the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. The timeliness of the event was especially touching for some students.

“I went to the Latin American film festival last semester and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd like this too," said Edgar Rodriguez, an engineering major. "And I did."

The event has two more screenings for the semester. The next film is entitled "Suite Habana" and will be shown next Thursday in LH-150 at 7:00 p.m.

Image Courtesy of CSULB Official Website