Educational Media Reviews Online

Come & Take It documents the evolution of a group of organizers and of a protest movement that started as a late-night dildo joke to friends on Facebook but made its way to The Daily Show and the White House. Disturbed by a new Texas law allowing concealed carry of handguns in public colleges and emboldened by the Texas Penal Code which bans the display of “male genitals in a discernibly turgid state,” Jessica Jin accidentally started the movement at the University of Texas at Austin to display dildos on students’ backpacks under the motto “cocks not glocks.”

Despite its brevity, and heavy doses of absurdity, Come & Take It presents a refreshingly nuanced view of the complexities of both the issues of guns and this novel approach to activism. The greatest strength of the film may be its focus on social media, including the role it played in Jin’s sudden fame, the inevitable doxing that follows, and the eventual criticism she receives from supporters after she meets with CJ Grisham, the President of Open Carry Texas, to learn more about the gun rights perspective. As such, this short would seem to lend itself very well to inclusion in a high school health class (though the phallic imagery and language, such as “Balls deep in the heart of Texas” and “69th amendment right to bear cocks,” will likely pose a barrier at many schools). Come & Take It is highly recommended for classes focused on social activism and organizing, as well as gender studies, social media and communications. Additionally, student groups focused on gun violence and organizing will be highly interested in showing this very thought provoking and energizing film.

Awards:
Winner, Best Short Documentary, New Orleans Film Festival; Winner, Best Short Documentary, Sidewalk Film Festival

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