by Abigail Davis | Mar 26, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
The “Soul of America” has been constructed by decisions, often by leaders learning from past mistakes and righting the course. That was the theme of the Human Docs film by that name shown during the Office of Intercultural Development’s “Welcome to the World Week.” In the documentary, historian John Meacham looks for patterns in history to identify society’s better accomplishments and worst instincts. Sometimes his examination found that when steps were made toward justice in one area, justice moved further from reach in another. The documentary concludes with three characteristics that Meacham said are imperative for good leadership, but equally as important for citizens: Curiosity, humility and empathy. “The country was built by people who were willing to learn from their mistakes,” he said, adding that former U.S. presidents provide many examples. As examples of such “learning,” he cited Lyndon Johnson’s picking up where Kennedy had failed and pushing aggressively to get the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made into law. Other presidents who learned and changed the course of history include Lincoln’s successful push for the Emancipation Proclamation, Nixon reversing course and engaging China and Ronald Reagan’s change in his regard for the Soviet Union, viewing them as colleagues on the world stage rather than enemies. “Human Docs is grounded in the conviction that faith means working for a more just world, and that people of faith are called to a critical awareness of their times,” said Lipscomb Political Sciences Professor Richard Goode, as a way of introducing the panel after the screening. Sophomore biochemistry major, Audrey Tsague and freshman acting major Shelby Smith were on the panel...
by Madeline Smith | Apr 8, 2015 | News Slider
Lipscomb’s campus experienced a whole new world this week. Sponsored by Lipscomb’s intercultural development department, the second annual Welcome to Our Worlds Week celebrated different cultures on campus. “This week is to encourage camaraderie amongst students and kind of get them out of their comfort zone,” said Mariah Lester, vice president of Kappa Iota Theta. KIT’s talent show kicked off the week showcasing performances from mimes to dancers. Tino Liu, a freshman who performed a Jason Mraz mashup, said that there was one thing that united all cultures during the week. “It’s really all about spreading love,” said Liu. “Everyone needs a little bit of love, so spread it.” WOW week also put a spotlight on flags from around the world outside the student center. Thursday afternoon food trucks lined the Allen Arena mall so that students could try food from different cultures. “It’s cool to see different kinds of food on campus,” sophomore Karli Whitson said. “It brings people out and about on campus.” The trucks brought in the community and broke up the normal food court options. “I am slightly overwhelmed with all the choices, but it’s exciting to have options,” senior Matt Brown said. “I was going to eat at Au Bon Pain, but then I saw food trucks, so that’s a nice change of pace.” Other activities for the week like live music, fashion and dancing allowed for unusual opportunities for students. “It [WOW week] helps students get engaged in the community and helps them learn about the different cultures at Lipscomb,” Lester...
