"Purple Rain" History Night at the Movies

The Department of History hosted its first Night at the Movies of the semester by showing the 1984 film, Purple Rain. Cadets and faculty viewed the film as a primary source to gain a better understanding of U.S. society and culture in the 1980s. Major Flores led the discussion on the movie and its historical significance to the period. Through an in-depth historical discussion, viewers were able to connect the film to racial and gender dynamics, American society, and the larger political and economic trends of the decade. Furthermore, viewers compared and contrasted the societal norms portrayed in the film to those of today to gain a better sense of how American society and culture have changed over time.