Under the coordination of psychology professor Richard Stegen, Houghton Student Enterprises (HSE), and Psi-Chi (the National Honor Society in Psychology), the film Inequality for All will make its debut at Houghton College on February 11 at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Recital Hall. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion among four members of the Houghton community.
The trailer of the award-winning documentary states, “Of all developed nations, the U.S. has the most unequal distribution of income, and we’re surging toward even greater inequality.” Activist Robert Reich, former United States Secretary of Labor is featured, promoting a left-leaning solution to income inequality in the United States and possible solutions toward greater equity.
Representing the right wing of the debate on income inequality will be professor of economics, Robert Black. Representing the left wing on the panel will be Rodney Glasspoole, an Allegany County probation officer. “Rodney has the most liberal viewpoint on the panel,” Stegen said. “ I believe what he has to say will be very provocative.”
Representing the moderates are right-leaning Joseph Gilligan ‘17 and left-leaning theology professor Richard Eckley.
Stegen stated he is “passionate” about the issue of income inequality, which led him to organize the event. As the moderator of the debate, he will explore each of the candidate’s ideas and proposed solutions to the issue from an economic, political, and Christian perspective.
Gilligan, however, stated he believed the film is a “neo-Marx presentation of income inequality” in the United States, an idea which he plans to expound upon, “when the debate happens.” Gilligan also offered his thoughts on how to discuss this polarizing issue well, and stated media, such as student newspapers, are a good outlet for students to encounter various opinions and viewpoints. He also suggested that everyone, particularly students, stay politically informed by reading a variety of news sources, such as the Washington Post and the New York Times. “Try to read from people who have different viewpoints than you,” he said.
As a theologian, Eckley said he frames his thoughts on income inequality around the Bible, which, he said, “supports preferential treatment of the poor.” He continued, “In the Bible, the poor are always given hope. I have no problem with [economic disparity] until it gets to the point where there is despair and hopelessness-when the rich pull the ladder up with them.”
The event, which is expected to last roughly three hours, is expected by the coordinators and panelists to spark lively and, hopefully, constructive discussion about economic justice and income inequality in the United States. The film and debate are free of charge and open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members.