At a time where racial tensions and issues of immigration are at an all-time high, it’s ever important there are people out there advocating for open dialogue and constructive debate to help pave the way for a better future.
Dr Cornel West is an American democratic intellectual, championing for racial justice and progressive politics, in particular for African-American peoples, and will tour Australia for the first-time next week, presenting his ideas and drawing comparisons of race relations between Australia and the US.
‘An Evening With Dr Cornel West’ will see Dr West discuss the role of race, gender, and class in today’s society and will talk to both country’s cultural issues and the means by which we act and react to our "radical conditioned-ness."
“Racism is a form of psychic and physical terrorism, trauma and stigma and we must respond with courage, compassion and vision for a better world, ” says Dr West. “I see comparisons between my country and Australia in terms of race, gender, class and culture and I believe a revolution in our priorities, a reevaluation of our values, a reinvigoration of our public life and a fundamental transformation of our way of thinking and living is needed to get our countries back on track.
“Australia has been more upfront in regard to precious Aboriginals’ plight and predicament, so we in America have much to learn from Australia in this regard, yet Aboriginals still catch too much hell.”
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Frequently appearing on highly regarded American television programmes like 'The Bill Maher Show', 'The Colbert Report', 'C-Span' and 'Democracy Now', Dr West also works as a Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary and holds the title of Professor Emeritus at Princeton University.
In addition to his University work, Dr West has written over 20 books and is best known for his classics,‘Race Matters’, ‘Democracy Matters’, ‘Brother West: Living And Loving Out Loud’ and his most recent releases: ‘Black Prophetic Fire’ and ‘Radical King’, both of which received critical acclaim.
Dr West also lends his voice to the issues of immigration and freedom of speech and has his own views on the recent 'Reclaim Australia' movement and the Australian Government’s stance on 'sending back the boats' immigration policy. “As a Christian, I am an extremist of love,” says Dr West. “As a radical democrat, I defend the right of others to speak their mind, even when I disagree... I think there is an obsession with immigration though that tends to scapegoat the most vulnerable rather than confront the most powerful.”
Dr Cornel West Tour Dates
Wed 10 June – Astor Theatre (Perth)Thurs 11 June – Brisbane Convention & Entertainment Centre
Fri 12 June – Melbourne Convention & Entertainment Center
Sat 13 June – Big Top Luna Park (Sydney)
