The Film
American Totem seeks to shift the current debate by exploring the topic of guns in America from a more nuanced approach than the “more guns versus less guns” divide. The film recognizes that Americans have complex, and often contradictory, relationships with firearms. To focus solely on the object distracts us from addressing the deeper issues facing this country, including an uncertain economic future, the loss of community, increased rates of poverty, and shifting identities… Read More
The Issue
Both gun rights and gun control advocates have emotional connections and reactions to firearms. Both sides characterize the other side as fearful and too emotional, even using similar language. American Totem includes the many themes that cut across ideological positions. Firearms are unlike other tools. They often represent deeper social connections and often cannot be separated from the American narrative. For many, firearms are symbols of personal identity and community… Read More
Contribute!
As independent filmmakers we rely on our supporters to help make this film a reality. We are long past the acquisition phase and are ready to assemble this film. Our costs include all post-production work including audio mixing, computer graphics, color correction, closed captioning and final master distribution. Tax Deductible Contributions – Southern Oregon Public Television is our fiscal agent, therefore all contributions are tax deductible… Read More
CONTENT ADVISORS
Dr. Saul Cornell, Fordham University, history
- A Well-Regulated Militia: the Founding Fathers and the Origins of Gun Control in America (2006).
- The Other Founders: Anti-Federalism and the Dissenting Tradition in America (1999).
Dr. Firmin Debrabander – Maryland Institute College of Art, philosophy
- Do Guns Make Us Free?: Democracy and the Armed Society (2015)
- Spinoza and the Stoics: Power, Politics and Passions (2007)
Dr. Pamela Haag
- Blowin’ Up: Rap Dreams in South Central (University of Chicago Press, 2016).
- Gunshot (in progress)
Dr. Eric Mankowski – Portland State University, psychology
- Antecedents to gun violence: Gender and culture. In Gun violence: Prediction, prevention and policy, APA
- Men’s mental health and masculinities, Encyclopedia of mental health, 2nd edition, vol.3. Waltham, MA: Academic Press.
Dr. Harel Shapira – University of Texas – Austin, sociology