Screening Circle sparks conversation on culture and identity at SDSU

Students gathered at the Montezuma Theatre on Nov. 3 for a Screening Circle event featuring Muslim Matchmaker, a show that explores modern Muslim dating and cultural traditions.

The event and discussion gave students a chance to reflect on how media shapes perceptions of identity and community.

Dr. Temple Northup, director of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, said the goal of Screening Circles is to create space for conversations around stories that challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices.

“With Muslim Matchmaker, you are introduced to Muslim people who are as diverse as those who follow Islam are. We see people who come from different racial backgrounds, who follow Islam in different ways, who fall outside the typical stereotypes of what has been shown in the media,” Northup said.

For many students, that intentional representation resonated deeply.

Marissa May Hammond, a senior psychology major with a minor in digital and media studies, said events like these help bridge the gap between what students see in the media and the lived experiences of real people.

“It’s really hard to trust what you see in the media all the time,” Hammond said. “In our classes, we talk about how information spreads, so I think it’s really impactful when you hear from people directly, in person.”

For Olivia Etri, a sophomore majoring in journalism and media studies, the event highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and representation on campus.

“If someone’s not part of that culture, they can still learn something new. Especially for minority groups, that’s really important,” Etri said. 

Etri said screenings like Muslim Matchmaker can open students’ minds to diverse perspectives.

“It gives them insight into different communities and cultural practices they wouldn’t normally participate in,” she said.

The Screening Circle, part of SDSU’s ongoing effort to promote inclusivity through dialogue, offered a space for students to connect across differences and challenge stereotypes often reinforced by mainstream media.

As Hammond put it, “It’s more meaningful when you hear stories directly from people, that’s what really helps us understand each other.”