Hollywood in History

[Anisha Andrews]

I’ve always loved African American history. I really enjoyed learning about the progress African Americans have made, beginning with Reconstruction and continuing now. Personally, I take pride in learning about past struggles and how a group of people, whom I identify with, overcame those struggles. It would be very difficult to discuss or teach African American history without talking about race relations between African Americans and Whites. If I were to teach a course or lesson African American history I would have my students watch the movies “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “A Time to Kill.” I would discuss the setting of the court room scenes in each movie. Watching the film you see black men being prosecuted, for tow different crimes, and both of their fates rest in the hands of white people. In each case a white man comes to the rescue, although the outcomes of the case are different. These Hollywood interpretations derail the progress made towards social justice for African Americans. The film contributes to the idea that African Americans will not succeed if we do not maintain our dependence on whites. This idea plays out in several films concerning racial issues, the notion that blacks must wait for whites to in a step and “save the day.” Whites in movies are often dressed better than and are better spoken than that of African American characters. The manner in which these characters are depicted further contributes to thought that African Americans will never measure up to or be sophisticated as whites, dispute the fact that African American history tell us otherwise.
I have chosen the closing argument scene from “A Time to Kill” where Matthew Macohnoey’s character tells a very descriptive story of the rape and attempted murder of a young African American girl. Every time I watch this movie I still get emotional watching this scene. I think this scene is a great tool for educators who promote social justice when it comes to the Social Studies curriculum. It breaks down barriers of white vs. black and forces the person to look pass race and really feel empathy for the little girl in that situation.

[Jason Bolchalk]

I really enjoyed reading over your summary of "A Time to Kill." I have never actually seen this movie in its entirety but found what you wrote to be very thought provoking and well written. This would be a good movie to show for all of the reasons you mention. It is sad that even in movies today, African Americans are pegged in certain roles that glorify stereotypes. The hidden racism is all over movies that are created to show other cultures and races supposedly as equals to whites. I know that it has gotten better over the years but it is still a painful reminder or what our country holds as morals and especially as entertainment. This movie tries to show, like you said, the white man coming to save the day for a helpless African American because there are no African American lawyers. Still today in movies and on TV, you will see more characters and roles for African Americans in these types of positions, but it doesn't necessarily mean they are well written or on point. Who knows when we will see the big picture and be able to watch films and TV where there are no stereotypes and hidden agendas. Nice job again!!