Dinner and a Show

My fourth interview took place this Monday night at the Sanford History center in downtown Sanford. I led the interview, once again, but it was different from all of our previous interviews because we used a movie, The Butler (2013) to help us set the tone for the questions. For those who have not seen this film, it is the about a butler at the Whitehouse who served for seven presidencies and during the civil rights movement. As we watched the movie we strategically paused and asked questions of the ladies present. Unfortunately, the male interviewees were unable to attend this viewing. The responses we received were intriguing and sometimes startling. To me, the most interesting part was their consensus on so many things although their origins and backgrounds were often very different.

For those who have not seen the film, here is a link to the trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUA7rr0bOcc

Because it began around dinnertime we served sandwiches and fruit and drinks so that everyone felt comfortable. The questions I asked were prepared beforehand, although I occasionally pursued side trails based upon their answers. I focused on the topics of family and race relations and sought the themes of community, helping one another, and relationship. Here are a few examples of my questions.

1. Louis couldn’t understand why his father would serve as a butler. In fact, he was ashamed of his father’s position. When Louis went off to college, he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Cecil strongly disagreed with Louis’ choice. He was ashamed of his son’s decision. Cecil was so upset, he didn’t speak to his Louis for years. And the central image of fortitude that stands between them is Gloria who holds the family together. How did the age difference between you and your parents cause you to have different perspectives on things?

2. In your family, did you discuss desegregation? How did you feel about the issue? Did your family agree with you? What divisions did it cause among you? How did your friends discuss desegregation? How has your parents’ view of racism changed who you are?

3. In an interview Oprah stated that “Gloria is every woman. She represents every mother, wife, sister, friend and daughter who grew up when women were the silent backbone for everything and everybody. Women who sacrificed their dreams and desires for the greater good of family and children.” - Oprah Winfrey Describe the backbone of your family growing up. Who held everyone together?

All of the interviewees seemed keen to continue this discussion. The length of the actually interview was limited due to the length of the movie, but it stirred up thoughts which will be wonderful to readdress in a follow-up interview.

Another way this sort of interview could be conducted (for time’s sake) is by showing short 5-10 minute clips (perhaps from YouTube) to engage emotions and inspire interesting conversation.