The Act of Killing, Genocide, Politicide

PS140O: Projecting Power

Prof Wasow

2024-03-05

Housekeeping

• Need a volunteer editor for week 11 (4/9/2024)

• Movie poll: https://bit.ly/pp24wk8

• Attendance: https://bit.ly/pp24v8

How to think about difficult material?

Please note, some films will contain material that is offensive and/or disturbing. You are encouraged to watch the films in full but it is also acceptable to close your eyes, cover your ears, walk out, etc. if you find material especially challenging. Exceptions to watching films in person either due to scheduling conflicts or content of the film may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis after discussion with the professor.

How should we think about slurs, violence, etc?

• What is the intent?
• Is the use gratuitous?
• Is it essential to story? Is it additive?
• What is the context?
• It’s okay to be upset sometimes
• Again, it’s okay to cover eyes, ears, walk out
• Let’s talk

State Formation and Crime

Crime and the State

• “Opium was a cornerstone of European imperialism in Burma, Malaya and French Indochina”
• North Korea, Taliban, Columbia as “narco states”
• Mexico, Honduras, leaders alleged cartel ties
• Russia as mafia state

Crime and Presidents

• Kennedy and the mafia
• McCain’s family wealth from father-in-law’s prohibition sales
• Trump’s grandfather alleged to run brothel in Yukon
• Violations of emoluments clause, “a provision of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits federal officeholders from receiving any gift, payment, or other thing of value from a foreign state or its rulers”

Harff & Gurr 1988

Discussion: Do Harff & Gurr help us understand The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Cielo, Elias, Daniel, Zayar

Break

The Act of Killing directed by Joshua Oppenheimer

Video Essay: Grace Jang, Abigail Rangel, Sara Altamimi, Sabrina Herrera, Dalia Rangel

Discussion: What is the role of the Pancasila in The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Alisa, Zachary, Spencer, Emma

Discussion: Why a duopoly of violence?

Let’s hear from: Allen, Wilfredo, Zainab, Jonn

Discussion: What are the coalitions of power we see The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Marianna, Michael, Tristan, Jordan

Discussion: How might Tilly help us understand The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Chris, Yasmine, Julia, Mar

Discussion: What role do movies play in The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Abril, Devang, Serenidy, Sara

Discussion: More generally what role does media play in The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Olivia, Romeo, Jovana, Grace

Discussion: How should we think about memory in The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Anata, Sabrina, Abigail, Linea

Tilly

Discussion: Where in Street Fight do we see something like a protection racket?

Let’s hear from: Wyatt, Carlos, Felicia, Layla

Discussion: Where in Battle of Algiers do we see something like warring gangs?

Let’s hear from: Luca, Megha, Samantha, Michael

Discussion: How does Tilly help us understand The Act of Killing?

Let’s hear from: Renaissance, Ian, Elyana, Tamara

Discussion: Why use on-screen translators?

Let’s hear from: Dalia, Dunyia, Karen, Rasheeda

Discussion: Why open with architecture?

Discussion: Why open with architecture?

Let’s hear from: Cielo, Elias, Daniel, Zayar

Young & Meiser: The Dual State

Homicide and Inequality

Questions?