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Deep Dive: Through These Eyes (2004)

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Through These Eyes
Through These Eyes examines the 1970s American educational program Man: A Course of Study (MACOS), which used the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic to provide students with a new perspective on their own society. Central to this program was The Netsilik Film Series, produced by the National Film Board, which documented a year in the life of an Inuit family and portrayed their ancient culture as it faced external influences. The film captures the tension between educational innovation and cultural representation, illustrating how the graphic imagery of the Netsilik people sparked significant debate across the United States. The documentary reflects on the cultural clash that arose from MACOS, revealing the fragile dynamics between politics and education. It discusses how the program ignited a national controversy involving academic and conservative factions, leading to rifts within communities. Through These Eyes connects the historical context of MACOS to contemporary issues of American cultural influence on global societies, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of its themes.

Why Watch

  • •See the impact of MACOS on American education.
  • •Find out how Inuit culture was portrayed in the 1970s.
  • •Meet the controversies surrounding The Netsilik Film Series.

Did You Know

•The Netsilik Film Series was a benchmark of visual anthropology.
•MACOS was introduced in American elementary schools during the 1970s.
•The documentary runs for 68 minutes.
•The program faced backlash from both academic and conservative groups.

Perfect For

Educational policy debatesIndigenous cultural studiesVisual anthropology enthusiasts