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The Color of Fear
by Antonio Wong

The Color of Fear is a controversial documentary on race and racism in America. The director of this film, Lee Mun Wah, creates an open forum for 8 men from different racial groups to discuss “uncomfortable” issues. Often discussions on race are limited to conversations between members of the same demographic. Even when people of different races come together to discuss the problem of racism in America there is a relatively impermeable veneer of cordiality which prevents any real exchange of ideas to occur. However the subjects in Lee’s documentary are all put into a small group in a small room for an extended period of time with very dramatic consequences.

While the documentary doesn’t really bring up any new racial issues, it does add in a human element usually lacking from similar forums. To simply explain the particular details of the documentary would do the film an injustice. This documentary has to be viewed to be understood. The 8 men from mixed backgrounds start off their discussion in a typical restrained polite manner. However as they began to grow more comfortable with each other and the situation they became more honest and emotional. This leads to moments of painfully honest outbursts from the various subjects. Even if students in the audience couldn’t relate to the stories of the men in the film the sheer intensity of the emotions depicted were greatly affecting. If nothing else The Color Of Fear forces the viewer to think about how prevalent and insidious racism still is.

Last Wednesday, March 13, during campus life time the counseling department hosted a viewing of The Color Of Fear to a large group of students followed by discussion groups. This event was significant because it brought together students from a broad spectrum of organizations and interests to discuss serious issues face to face. Despite its highly diversified nature, Stony Brook is often a very stratified environment. Outside of the lecture hall cliques and organizations tend to develop along racial and ethnic lines. Events such as The Color Of Fear workshop are vital to improving awareness among often apathetic students. This Thursday, March 21, the counseling department will host a second workshop featuring the second half of The Color Of Fear. 

The following are links to forums at various universities on The Color Of Fear

The College Of New Jersey Color of Fear Forum

Rutgers University Student Reflections on The Color of Fear