Tavis Smiley Season 8 Episode 211 Nate Parker, Dr. Valerie Purdue-Vaughns

Nate Parker and Dr. Valerie Purdue-Vaughns are the guests on the season 8 episode 211 of Tavis Smiley. The episode begins with a discussion with Nate Parker, a filmmaker, actor, and activist, who gained recognition for his film, "The Birth of a Nation." He talks about his life and the experiences that led him to become a filmmaker. Parker shares insights on the making of "The Birth of a Nation" and the challenges faced during the production of the film. He talks about the controversy surrounding the movie and how it impacted him personally and professionally. Parker also shares his thoughts about the role of filmmakers as social commentators and how art can be used to address social issues.

Dr. Valerie Purdue-Vaughns, a social psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, is the second guest on the show. She talks about her research on how people use social categories, such as race and gender, to make judgments about others. Purdue-Vaughns discusses the impact of stereotypes on social interactions and how they can create prejudice and discrimination. She shares her insights on how these negative stereotypes can be overcome and how the perception of social categories can be altered. Purdue-Vaughns also talks about the role of diversity in creating more inclusive and equitable societies.

Throughout the episode, Tavis Smiley engages in a conversation with the two guests, exploring different topics and ideas. He discusses with Nate Parker about the current state of the film industry and the challenges faced by African-American filmmakers in getting their voices heard. They also talk about the role of art in social change and how it can be used to address issues of race, gender, and inequality.

With Dr. Valerie Purdue-Vaughns, Tavis Smiley discusses the impact of stereotypes on different communities and how these can lead to prejudice and discrimination. They explore the psychological mechanisms underlying these phenomena and how they can be addressed. Smiley also talks to Purdue-Vaughns about the role of education in fostering intergroup relations and how schools can promote more positive attitudes towards diversity.

Overall, the season 8 episode 211 of Tavis Smiley provides a thought-provoking discussion on important issues related to art, social categories, and diversity. The guests, Nate Parker and Dr. Valerie Purdue-Vaughns, bring their unique perspectives and insights, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in these topics. The show is an excellent example of how television can be used to promote education and social change.