2008 Woodie Awards
Taking steps towards a hate-free millenium
Beth Reny
Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Brent Scarpo, producer of "Journey to a Hate Free Millennium," presented his documentary and held a discussion for UNH students in the Strafford Room on Wednesday.
Since 1999, Scarpo's film and lectures have been his response to the issue of hate. "Journey to a Hate Free Millennium" addresses three specific hate crimes: the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado; the dragging death of James Byrd, Jr; and the beating and subsequent death of Matthew Shepard.
Through first hand accounts from family members of the victims, "Journey" explores hate crimes, what fuels them, and specifically examines the emotional and physical wreckage left behind.
"I've discovered exactly where hate thrives," said Scarpo. "Hate lives in silence. It's when you do nothing." Scarpo encouraged the audience to be conscious of their thoughts for the next week. "Hate starts with one single thought," was a phrase that was repeated throughout the night.
"Be very conscious of thoughts. Really, one thought can make or break a campus."
Wednesday night was Scarpo's first UNH appearance since 2003. Scarpo said he was impressed with the university's student body.
"I really believe there are some movers and shakers here," Scarpo said.
Judging by the teary eyes in the audience, Scarpo's documentary had an impact.
"It was very powerful," said Fer Barrera. "Very eye opening. It makes you want to be part of a change."
After viewing the film, Scarpo opened up the floor for student questions. Some students did not receive Scarpo's lecture as well as his film.
"I thought he was an annoying speaker, but the film was very good," said Mike Bedard, a junior.
However, Jennifer Lowther, who attended Scarpo's lecture, "Why Do You Hate Me?" on Tuesday night, enjoyed hearing Scarpo talk.
"He was probably one of the best speakers I've ever heard," said Lowther. "I really felt he impacted me. Not just with his message, but I could tell he cared about what he was doing."
According to Wanda Mitchell, Assistant Provost, UNH does not have a statistically high rate of hate crime incidents. However, if an issue occurred it would not be taken lightly.
"The university stance is that if there is even one or two, we address these very seriously," said Mitchell.
Esther Tardy-Wolfe, J.D., associate director of Student Life and director of Judicial and Mediation programs said that there are a number of places on campus that incidents can be reported.
"If there is a hate crime," said Tardy-Wolfe, "we report it to the police. A hate crime is a criminal charge and the state will be involved. In terms of conduct - on or off campus - that's something we'd be concerned about."
The one message Scarpo wanted students to leave with after watching the film was hope.
"There is always hope," said Scarpo. "No matter what. If you wrap your arms around that hope, we will overcome."
Since 1999, Scarpo's film and lectures have been his response to the issue of hate. "Journey to a Hate Free Millennium" addresses three specific hate crimes: the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado; the dragging death of James Byrd, Jr; and the beating and subsequent death of Matthew Shepard.
Through first hand accounts from family members of the victims, "Journey" explores hate crimes, what fuels them, and specifically examines the emotional and physical wreckage left behind.
"I've discovered exactly where hate thrives," said Scarpo. "Hate lives in silence. It's when you do nothing." Scarpo encouraged the audience to be conscious of their thoughts for the next week. "Hate starts with one single thought," was a phrase that was repeated throughout the night.
"Be very conscious of thoughts. Really, one thought can make or break a campus."
Wednesday night was Scarpo's first UNH appearance since 2003. Scarpo said he was impressed with the university's student body.
"I really believe there are some movers and shakers here," Scarpo said.
Judging by the teary eyes in the audience, Scarpo's documentary had an impact.
"It was very powerful," said Fer Barrera. "Very eye opening. It makes you want to be part of a change."
After viewing the film, Scarpo opened up the floor for student questions. Some students did not receive Scarpo's lecture as well as his film.
"I thought he was an annoying speaker, but the film was very good," said Mike Bedard, a junior.
However, Jennifer Lowther, who attended Scarpo's lecture, "Why Do You Hate Me?" on Tuesday night, enjoyed hearing Scarpo talk.
"He was probably one of the best speakers I've ever heard," said Lowther. "I really felt he impacted me. Not just with his message, but I could tell he cared about what he was doing."
According to Wanda Mitchell, Assistant Provost, UNH does not have a statistically high rate of hate crime incidents. However, if an issue occurred it would not be taken lightly.
"The university stance is that if there is even one or two, we address these very seriously," said Mitchell.
Esther Tardy-Wolfe, J.D., associate director of Student Life and director of Judicial and Mediation programs said that there are a number of places on campus that incidents can be reported.
"If there is a hate crime," said Tardy-Wolfe, "we report it to the police. A hate crime is a criminal charge and the state will be involved. In terms of conduct - on or off campus - that's something we'd be concerned about."
The one message Scarpo wanted students to leave with after watching the film was hope.
"There is always hope," said Scarpo. "No matter what. If you wrap your arms around that hope, we will overcome."
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