This is an archive of the former website of the Maoist Internationalist Movement, which was run by the now defunct Maoist Internationalist Party - Amerika. The MIM now consists of many independent cells, many of which have their own indendendent organs both online and off. MIM(Prisons) serves these documents as a service to and reference for the anti-imperialist movement worldwide.
Higher Learning (1995)
Directed by John Singleton
Higher Learning is a progressive movie which takes on many
political issues, including those which relate to gender,
nation ("race"), class and sexual orientation. In some
places it lends itself to a liberal individualist analysis.
Overall, however, Higher Learning does more to promote an
analysis of groups than a psychoanalysis of individuals.
One of the best things about Higher Learning is its
treatment of gender, particularly in relation to nation.
Nation or "race" is correctly shown to be the principal
contradiction, the one which provokes the most violent
actions and reactions. Gender oppression's existence is
demonstrated with a white-on-white date rape. Campus
multiculturalism is correctly shown for the liberal gloss
it is. A multicultural "Unity Fest" is a good excuse for a
concert, but does nothing to prevent the reality of racist
violence from crashing in. On the question of national
oppression, Singleton tells the audience through the voice
of a wise professor that if the oppressed want to seize
power, they need to have a plan. The professor reminds us
what Frederick Douglass said: "Without struggle, there is
no progress."