Camera Crew From 1964 Goes On The Streets To Stump People With A Tricky Question

I made this documentary short subject in 1964 when man-on -the-street interviews were new. I carried a 40 pound camera shooting 16 mm. Almost every person that I filmed had not ever seen a 16mm camera before, that was handheld. My soundman carried a Nagra which recorded audio and weighed 26 pounds.
It was exciting to ask people a provocative question like what the word “brotherhood” meant to them, especially with the 1964 Civil Rights Voting Act creating public awareness of civil rights issues.
I entered my film in the Chicago Film Festival and it won the blue ribbon in its category. I went to Chicago to receive the award. This film and several other 16 mm short subjects started my career and demonstrated my talent to those who hired me.
Looked at from today, it's "ordinary" filmmaking but back then, this was experimental.
In 1964, the word "brotherhood" had a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it was used.
In the context of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, "brotherhood" referred to the aspiration for racial equality and the idea that all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity, should be treated as equals. It represented the goal of breaking down racial barriers and promoting unity among all Americans.
The term "brotherhood" was also commonly associated with fraternal organizations, such as the Freemasons, Elks, and other similar groups. These organizations often used the concept of brotherhood to signify the strong bonds and camaraderie among their members.
In the context of various social and political movements of the time, including the Civil Rights Movement, the word "brotherhood" was used to describe the sense of solidarity and unity among activists and supporters who were working together to bring about change. It represented the idea that individuals were standing together for a common cause.
Brotherhood could also carry religious and spiritual connotations, symbolizing a sense of community and shared faith among members of a religious group or congregation.
In the context of international relations, particularly during the Cold War, "brotherhood" might have been used to describe alliances or partnerships between countries or political blocs. It could signify cooperation and mutual support among nations.
The term "brotherhood" was often gendered, suggesting a focus on male camaraderie and solidarity. In many cases, the language of the time did not always emphasize inclusivity or gender equality.
1964 was a tumultuous year in many parts of the world, marked by significant social and political changes.
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States: In the United States, the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing in 1964. African Americans and their allies were advocating for racial equality and an end to segregation and discrimination. The year saw the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. While there were significant strides made in terms of legislation, the struggle for racial equality continued in both word and deed as individuals and communities worked to address deeply ingrained prejudices and systemic racism.
In many parts of the world, including the United States, racial and ethnic tensions were still very much present in 1964. These tensions often played out in both words and deeds, with instances of racial violence and discrimination occurring alongside efforts to promote unity and understanding among different racial and ethnic groups.
On the global stage, the Cold War was ongoing, and tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were high. The world was divided into political blocs, and ideological differences often overshadowed notions of brotherhood and cooperation. However, there were also efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and diplomacy between the superpowers.
1964 was a year of activism and protest in many parts of the world. In addition to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, there were protests against the Vietnam War, the rise of the counterculture movement, and various other social and political movements advocating for change and justice.
In other parts of the world, regional conflicts and tensions persisted, leading to divisions and sometimes violence. Examples include conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, where ethnic, religious, and political differences often led to strife rather than brotherhood.
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