The dark side of humanity
Science & Cocktails invites all beings from planet Earth and outer space to an episode in which the darkest sides of humanity are highlighted, studied, and discussed. The root of human evil and extreme destructiveness come to light with Alexander Hinton, author of “Perpetrators: Encountering Humanity’s Dark Side” and Professor of Anthropology as well as director of the center for the study of genocide and human rights at Rutgers University. Before guiding us through some of the darkest events in human history, Tigeroak nominated as “most innovative concert experience of the year” will play underground jazz, hip-hop and neo-soul. In between expect french 60's vibes and kitschy easy listening genres like exotica, space age pop, and
lounge music by DJ Ms. Jekel.
What is the dark side of humanity? Is it true that only evil people commit evil acts? What are the causes of mass human destructiveness? Why do people commit evil acts? Is evil a part of human nature or linked to the human condition – or both? What can be done to prevent the excesses of the dark side of humanity?
Evil deeds are done by evil people. Evidence of this seeming truism appears everywhere. History books teach us about despots like Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, and Mao. Every day, the media reports on the excesses of extremism and the ravages of war. Indeed, evil would seem to be most clearly revealed in such extremes of human destructiveness, especially genocide.
As an example, Professor Alex Hinton will tell the story of his courtroom face-off with Pol Pot's right-hand man at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal; and cover a wide range of cases where evil appears to be lurking.
Drawing on decades of research on this issue, including interviews with former guards, executioners, and torturers, Professor Alex Hinton’s talk will explore this dark side of humanity and whether there is more to the story about the nature of human evil.
Event held in English with the generous support of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Talk by
Alexander Hinton
Alex Hinton is Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Director for the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, and UNESCO Chair in Genocide Prevention at Rutgers University. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books, including, most recently, Perpetrators: Encountering Humanity’s Dark Side (Stanford, 2023) as well as It Can Happen Here: White Power and the Rising Threat of Genocide in the US (NYU, 2021), The Justice Facade: Trials of Transition in Cambodia (Oxford, 2018), and Man or Monster? The Trial of a Khmer Rouge Torturer (Duke, 2016). In recognition of his work on Genocide, The American Anthropological Association selected Hinton as the recipient of the 2009 Robert B. Textor and Family Prize for Excellence in Anticipatory Anthropology. Professor Hinton is also a past president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2011-13), a Member/Visitor at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton (2011-13), and co-convener of the Global Consortium on Bigotry and Hate (2018-24). He has been invited to speak around the world and completed a book, Anthropological Witness, about his 2016 experience testifying as an expert witness at the Khmer Rouge tribunal in Cambodia.
Music by
Tigeroak
Already nominated as “most innovative concert experience of the year” and selected for Jazz Denmark’s National Jazz Competitionin, in their homeland of Denmark, hotly-tipped Neo-soul group ‘Tigeroak’ present their debut album ‘Living and Living’ (Feb 24th on April Records). Led by the duo of Laurits Steen Møberg, an electronic musician, producer, and guitarist, and Anna Prinds, a vocalist and lyrical composer, the music is inspired by underground jazz, hip-hop and neo-soul.
Combined with their Nordic roots, the music is crafted with a nuanced palette of sounds and bridges the gap between accessible songs and an experimental jazz spirit. Propulsive grooves, melodic choruses and figurative lyrics grab the attention, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll hear intricate rhythms, complex lines and ear-catching effects.
Recorded at Abbey Road, Living and Angel Studios, ‘ Living and Living’ features exceptional modern production which combines warm, jazz musicianship with immersive electronic and atmospheric textures. Thick vocal harmonies, intimate recordings of acoustic instruments, and hard-hitting drum beats effortlessly come together to form a dynamic and immersive sound world.
Live act by
Ms. Jekel
An avid collector of french retromusic on vinyl for the past 20 years, she has made her mark as a regular DJ in the Copenhagen scene playing her vast and eclectic record collection! At Science and Cocktails she will tour de france with a variety of genres from old school chanson over mod-jazz and rare 60's yé-yé pop. She'll mix it up with some lounge music and a bit of groovy soul that goes hand in hand with a good glass of wine.
