On Saturday, a number of events confront widespread societal discrimination. In Relinquishing power while resisting change: how has prejudice towards gay men changed over time?Ashley Brooks from Anglia Ruskin University offers a brief history of institutionalised discrimination towards gay men in the UK and the nature of modern-day prejudice towards them. Why are old-fashioned attitudes on the wane in the UK? What has replaced these attitudes? How do psychologists tap into these attitudes? And, most importantly, how do these more modern iterations of sexual prejudice affect sexual minorities?
The Festival will also feature a talk with Cheryl Morgan on how writers of science fiction and fantasy fiction have imagined worlds where the dominance of binary gender is challenged, subverted and even swept away.
Also on the theme of prejudice, a talk on Saturday will examine increasing discrimination, hate crime, and negative media portrayals of Islam and Muslims during what promises to be a lively discussion about Islamophobia in 21st century Britain. Current research and latest findings from the Centre of Islamic Studies will be shared alongside expert opinion and debate from one of the UK’s leading experts on Islamophobia Dr Chris Allen, University of Birmingham, Daniel Zeichner MP, local community leaders and the Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
Event organiser and Research Associate at the Centre of Islamic Studies, Julian Hargreaves said: “The Centre has recently completed a study of ‘everyday’ hate crime and discrimination against Muslim communities living in England and Scotland. Our key findings include the prevalence of non-criminal forms of hatred and discrimination, for instance being stared at on public transport, being ignored in shops, or being discriminated by public bodies such as local authorities and schools. There is also a widespread perception among Muslim communities that the British media plays a major role in sustaining adverse social conditions for British Muslims through negative reporting of Muslims and Islam.
“The study recorded various ways individuals and communities cope with the hatred and discrimination against them, including strategies that incorporate elements of faith and religious practice, including forgiveness, personal fortitude and strengthened community networks.”
Media representation of current affairs is again explored in The power of the media in the science–religion dialogue. This panel discussion will question the powerful role of the media in influencing public understanding of the science–religion debate and the representation of academically credible and reliable information. With author, broadcaster and journalist, Clifford Longley who specialises in the coverage and analysis of British and international religious affairs; Aaqil Ahmed, BBC Commissioning Editor Religion and Head of Religion & Ethics; Denis Alexander, Emeritus Director of The Faraday Institute; and Fern Elsdon-Baker, Project Director: Science and Religion Exploring the Spectrum.
Speaking ahead of the event, Clifford Longley said: “The popular assumption in the media that science has refuted religious belief is entirely due to the arrogant complacency of religious institutions, who have given up the battle without seriously engaging in it. Even though they have an excellent case, it seems as if they can’t be bothered to argue it.”
This weekend will also see a host of exhibitions, performances and film. Top picks include:
- e-Luminate Light Lab An exhibition showcasing groundbreaking light-based technologies organised by e-Luminate Cambridge and celebrating the UNESCO International Year of Light.
- Lamb to the slaughter: an audio film A chance to experience an audio film based on a Roald Dahl short story for adults and played back in immersive surround sound. Audio film is a new format of sonic art that tells a story solely through sound and is designed to be experienced by visually impaired and sighted audiences alike.
- Rogues, rebels,resistors and refuseniks An evening entertainment of prose, poetry, ballads and song celebrating the Awkward Squad. Performers and readers include Dr Mick Gowar and students from Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University.
- Semaphore& #selfies Dance, music and film streamed in multiple environments creates a vivid performance. Attendees are also welcome to participate in a Semaphore & #selfies exploratory workshop. Presented by Richard Hoadley, Jane Turner and Turning Worlds dance company.
- Anglia Ruskin Trio: conflict. power. music Renowned violinist Mifune Tsuji, pianist Paul Jackson and saxophonist Jin Theriault perform together in an exciting and unique trio, exploring music that evokes strong sentiments of power and conflict.
- Young composer’s concert A short concert showcasing exciting new compositions by young people, including winning entries in this year’s Cambridge Young Composer of the Year competition.
- Splinter: blurring the line between biology and technology An interactive light installation exploring the theme of human augmentation. Participants will be able to leave a ‘light print’ of their own creation which will be projected onto a building.
Established in 2008, the Cambridge Festival of Ideas, which runs until 1 November, aims to fuel the public’s interest in arts, humanities and social sciences. The events, ranging from talks, debates and film screenings to exhibitions and comedy nights, are held in lecture halls, theatres, museums and galleries around Cambridge. Most of the 250 events are free.
The Festival sponsors and partners are Cambridge University Press, St John’s College, Anglia Ruskin University, RAND Europe, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Cambridge Live, University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Garden, Arts Council England, Cambridge Junction, British Science Association, Heritage Lottery Fund, Heffers, WOW Festival, Southbank Centre, Collusion, TTP Group, Goethe Institut, Index on Censorship and BBC Cambridgeshire.
___________________________________________________________