Hmmm...I dont know how this would play out, but we just saw Selma, and Id love to have a discussion on all the topics and issues and tactics displayed in that movie - which is incredible - compared to today after others have seen it. (Bits of spoilers, just tiny bits...but you know the story, anyway, right...) I was struck by a few things after watching it: 1. Much of what were pressing concerns in 1964 still are concerns today: equal protection of our rights under the law; an end to discrimination; protection from abusive law enforcement; quality jobs; quality education. In a pivotal conversation, someone says, Whats the use of being able to sit at the lunch counter when you cant afford the burger? 2. The media has distorted the image of African Americans for centuries in America for the sole purpose of pitting poor Whites against poor Blacks to maintain the power structure for the few at the top then, and theyre doing it still. Because it works. Note what George Wallaces character says to LBJ during their meeting. The same lies are being today about Black people not wanting to work. 3. Just like the media was used to distort the image of African Americans, it was also used to bring the experience of the violence African Americans frequently faced at the hands of law enforcement into the living rooms of White America, the utter brutality of racism people lived with every day. The televising of Bloody Sunday was pivotal in broadening support among White (and other ethnicities) Americans because the lie of the genteel South, at least for African Americans, was shattered. The same way the Eric Garner video did via social media today. What other similarities to todays climate and events have others noted? When you see the movie, of course. :-)
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:46:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015