If Ever There Were a Time for Kindness: ‘THE ANTIDOTE’
Event Summary
On March 16, AEI’s Katharine B. Stevens hosted filmmakers Kahane Cooperman and John Hoffman to discuss their new documentary, “THE ANTIDOTE,” which features nine stories of ordinary Americans working to strengthen their communities by lifting others up. From a nurse in Boston who invites homeless people into her clinic to soak their weather-damaged feet to a bike-shop owner in a low-income Indianapolis community dedicated to bringing out the gifts and talents of his neighbors, “THE ANTIDOTE” vividly illustrates kindness as a fierce tool for change.
While kindness is often considered “soft,” Ms. Cooperman and Mr. Hoffman described how their research spanning politics, history, economics, and biology led them to understand kindness as a powerful force for societal good. Even Charles Darwin emphasized “the survival of the kindest,” they explained, highlighting kindness, rather than competition, as the key to survival and success of the human race.
Ms. Cooperman and Mr. Hoffman hope their film drives a national conversation about the roles that kindness, decency, compassion, and respect play in a civilized, democratic society. Highlighted in the film for his extraordinary commitment to his students’ successes, Amarillo Community College’s president concluded: “The hate that exists in this country could be our destruction . . . or it could be our clarion call.”
Event Description
“THE ANTIDOTE” is a new documentary that weaves together stories of kindness, decency, and the power of community in America. It celebrates everyday people who are dedicated to honoring the value and dignity of every human being — those who choose to lift others up, even in the face of unkindness and contempt so prevalent in America today. The film is not about an idea or a policy, but rather how Americans treat each other in daily life. It shows us who we are — or, perhaps, who we can be.
Join AEI’s Katharine B. Stevens for a discussion with the filmmakers of “THE ANTIDOTE,” Academy Award–nominee Kahane Cooperman and six-time Emmy-winner John Hoffman, on how they hope their new film drives a national discussion about the essential role of kindness and compassion in a civil democracy.
Event Materials
Agenda
3:00 PM
Introduction:
Katharine B. Stevens, Visiting Scholar, AEI
3:05 PM
Discussion
Panelists:
Kahane Cooperman, Director and Producer, “THE ANTIDOTE”
John Hoffman, Director and Producer, “THE ANTIDOTE”
Moderator:
Katharine B. Stevens, Visiting Scholar, AEI
3:50 PM
Q&A
4:00 PM
Adjournment
See Also
Blog ~ November 6, 2017
Blog ~ October 15, 2018
Video ~ December 29, 2017