Higher Learning: A Timeless Reflection on American Society
John Singleton's Higher Learning, released in 1995, remains a relevant and thought-provoking film that explores complex social issues within the microcosm of a university campus. Singleton uses the fictional Columbus University to represent the racial and sexual powder keg of America. While some critics at the time found the film to be flawed in its execution, its themes of race, identity, sexual assault, and the search for belonging continue to resonate with audiences today. The film serves as a powerful portrait of college life in the 1990s, following a group of incoming freshmen as they navigate newfound independence and confront challenging social realities.
A Campus as a Microcosm of America
Singleton himself stated that American college campuses are the only place you can see America in its purest form. He took a fictitious campus and made it a metaphor for America itself. The film presents a diverse student body, including varsity athlete Malik Williams (Omar Epps), sheltered Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson), and awkward Remy (Michael Rapaport), all of whom struggle to find their place and purpose. Blacks, whites, Asians and Latins converge on this campus. By placing these characters in everyday perils, Singleton exacerbates differences and shares his vision of the nation.
The Intertwined Struggles of Identity and Belonging
Higher Learning delves into the struggles faced by students from different backgrounds as they grapple with issues of identity and belonging.
Malik's Awakening to Systemic Racism
Malik, a black track star, initially believes that his athletic abilities are all that the university cares about. However, he soon confronts the reality of systemic racism on campus. He experiences micro-aggressions from white students and mistreatment from campus security. Singleton dubs Malik his voice in the film.
Singleton regularly expressed similar sentiments about the Hollywood establishment. He felt, as Malik did, alienated, and often spoke of his unease that there were only a few black people allowed in. Malik feels alienated and has to fight his way through, explained Singleton, much like the director himself.
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Kristen's Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
Kristen, a sheltered suburban girl, experiences a traumatic sexual assault and subsequently befriends Taryn (Jennifer Connelly), the head of an anti-sexism group. She declines to report it, saying it’s not going to do anything. They’re just going to make me feel like shit and make me look like I asked for it. Her healing comes through a romantic relationship with activist Taryn (Jennifer Connelly), and Wayne, Malik’s white roommate. It is more than curiosity, it is Kristen learning how to trust again. Singleton told Roger Ebert he intended to make her storyline feel real.
Remy's Descent into White Supremacy
Perhaps the most unsettling storyline is that of Remy, an awkward and isolated student who falls prey to the insidious influence of white supremacists. Corroded by isolation, it is in the cover of dark when he is approached by skinheads under the American flag and is the start of his devolution. The film highlights the reality of the pack mentality sheltered and fostered by white supremacists. Remy's radicalization serves as a chilling commentary on the dangers of hate and the ease with which vulnerable individuals can be drawn into extremist ideologies.
Singleton's Unapologetic Confrontation
John Singleton directs an unapologetically confrontational film that uses a fictional campus, Columbus University, to represent the racial and sexual powder keg of America. Singleton tends to shout his objectives. The film directly addresses issues of racism, sexual assault, and the rise of white supremacy.
Critical Reception and Lasting Impact
Despite its avant-garde commentary, Higher Learning was not well received at the time of its release. While Roger Ebert praised Singleton for his “clear eye and a strong will”, saying “Higher Learning has no easy answers,” most reviews gave solid praise for its content but ultimately pilloried its execution. Todd McCarthy of Variety said it presented a “complex mosaic of contemporary culture” but called it “naggingly uneven”. Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers said, “Higher Learning is seriously intended and seriously flawed. Singleton tends to shout his objectives.”
However, in retrospect, Higher Learning is recognized for its prescience and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects. The film's exploration of systemic racism, sexual assault, and the dangers of extremism remains relevant in today's society. In a world where shouting into a void is a meme, Singleton’s Higher Learning is a looking glass.
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