New Netflix Documentary '13TH'
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Anonymous
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Anyone see this yet? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/30/movies/13th-review-ava-duvernay.html If not, its a must see. IMO Ava DuVernay ('Selma') did another award winning job.
The documentary essentially explains within 90+ mins or so, how the 13th amendment in the U.S. constitution, which abolished slavery, also came with a loophole that effectively still allows slavery: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,[u] shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. " '13TH' shows how this loophole was exploited and how it eventually led to the current mass incarceration of Black people in America today. It details how both state and federal governments, both Dems and Rs, have used law enforcement as a tool to oppress Blacks one way or another, from post-civil war, to more modern times under the guise of "law and order" or "war on drugs." After watching this film, its indisputable to me that today's 40% Black prison population, and the general mass incarceration of all, mostly poor, citizens of all colors since the 60s, is intentional and economically driven by BOTH parties. From a balancing standpoint DuVernay does a great job of keeping the film's focus on the role and actions of the government. "White people," like myself, are NOT the demon here. At least not directly. Surprisingly, neither are law enforcement or police officers (directly). Its strictly government-focused. There also isn't much on 'Black Lives Matter' (which I still don't agree with, but understand). But its makes it clear 'Black Lives Matter' is just a small part of a movement that has been ongoing for 150 years. I honestly feel like I need to watch it again. So much to unpack. And as a lover of history, I'm pretty ashamed that I did not know or fully understand at least 1/2 of the issues outlined in the film. I almost feel like DuVernay made this film with the intent to "awaken" moderates (like myself). This film isn't going to move the hearts of trolls or people who seek quick/shallow answers or talking points, or who fail or choose not to understand the difference between correlation and causality, regarding complex social issues. For all others, particularly those who care about the dignity of all human life in this country, this is your film. |
Anonymous
| Haven't had time yet, but I'm going to this weekend. Me and hubby will watch with our boys, 16 and 11. |
Anonymous
Its on Netflix, so you can on demand it now. I didn't know that until I saw the ad for it on CNN after the debates. |
Anonymous
| Yes I saw it and I agree with everything you said. |
Anonymous
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I'm 20 minutes in and had to pause. I know the history, read the books, my parents fought for civil rights, father quoted MLK so much in our house I knew whole passages by age 10.
But it's still hard to look at photographs of leering faces over lynched bodies, followed by the images of fire hoses and police dogs, then Emmet Till, Ruby Bridges, that man in a suit who looked like my father being kicked and shoved as he walked down the street. I'm AA and I just can't even fathom it |
Anonymous
| We watched it last night. A+ |
Anonymous
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Watched it last night. Horrifying.
I was hoping to show it to my kids (10y), but after seeing it, I think we need to wait until they are 12 or 13 at least. |
Anonymous
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What really got me was howf the original film 'Birth of a Nation' had such a profound effect on our country. I had NO idea that film, which was well revered at the time (probably still is?), helped lead to the uptick and normalization of white supremacy and the clan.
I also didn't realize the whole Reagan/Nixon war on drugs was meant to lock up AAs and silence hippies, and that administrative officials at the time have actually admitted this. If we allow the U.S. government to do this to AAs, will they do to the rest of us? |
Anonymous
The documentary clearly shows Democrats including Hilary also supporting these policies.... TO BE FAIR... |
Anonymous
And also show why they did. Fear of blacks and hispanics was an extremely successful political tool at all government levels. Still is. |
Anonymous
Absolutely. Clinton was the biggest offender. Prison population nearly doubled under his watch. But as the film points out, whether or not WJC believed it or not, he had to take those positions to secure the moderate white vote against GHB. GHB's "tough on crime" stance is part of the reason he beat Michael Dukakis (soft on crime-- soft on defense, etc.) |
Anonymous
| My (white) friend keeps pushing everyone to watch it. |
Anonymous
| I could've skipped it, thoroughly covered terrain. |
Anonymous
I would have thought so, but the corporate use of prison labor was an eye-opener in this era of under-employment. I think Trump supporters can look at ALEC as a major source of Job loss and a lot more. |
Anonymous
| I just watched this today. It's so well done and perfect for todays climate. I suggest everyone take the time to watch it and think about the history of African Americans in our country. |