Birth of a Nation 1915

This is a much needed film that I believe every single American needs to watch. Sadly in modern day America most americans havent even heard of or seen this film. Those well versed in the history of cinema have definetly seen it, and note that it was impressive in its time.


But this is a racist film that contributed to the rise of the KKK and in many ways set America backwards. But in many ways the movie shows a lot of illusions/ignorance/steotypes today. Here is a great clip of the movie


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-hkg3A7qls

The rest of the movie can be found on youtube its a bit long but I believe every American needs to watch it.

 

what teh fuck, mayne

 

What?

 

movie sucks and it seems like it is more insulting black people than objectively talking about racism or siding against racism.

 

dudes suspect as hell up in here

 

You should further clarify yourself, I assume that you want everyone to see it as an example of the kind of racism/stereotypes that can be perpetuated by mass media if we are not vigilant. Interesting (and enraging) historical note, is that President Wilson had a viewing in the whitehouse and gave it rave reviews, his quote was "It is like writing history with lightning and my only regret is that it is all so terribly true.

This is exactly why it is important to have positive uplifting images of Black people in general and Black men in particular to offset the barrage of crap images out there.


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yes indeed

 

I said in my thread that it was a racist film that needs to be seen by everyone so they can get a better picture of just how racist America was. Im suspect in thinking every American should be required to see this film?

 

Thats because it is insulting. The fact youve never seen it/heard of it is part of my reason why everyone should see it. The original intent of the film was to fabricate history and it gave rise to racism in the movie industry as well as to the KKK. While morally it is a terrible film doesent change my stance that ever American needs to see it.

 

yes of course..as if white people needed more movies to view to remind them of their guilt, as a group in America

while everyone's watching that, playback Roots and Armistad too...maybe throw in a little Glory for those Denzel fans

 

Movie is hot garbage. I tried watching it a few times in the past but it was so boring.

 

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Tamstrong again.


:smt023

 

To know how far we've come, it helps to understand where we left.

'Birth of a Nation' at the beginning of the 20th century, 50 years after the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War, still reflected the majority White view towards Blacks in this country.

There was a time in this country's history when this film was considered the definitive cinematic historical record of the USA.

Racism isn't something Black people made up to make White folk feel shitty.:smt078

The film is a powerful study in the role of political and cultural propaganda and how it can poison the mind of an entire country.

For the purpose of historical literacy, I too agree people should see the film, at least to understand the reference point when it's discussed in conversation.

The right-wing Republican 'Southern strategy' has its antecedents in 'Birth of a Nation', for example.:smt069

 

Well said :smt023

 

Thanks Tam, right back atcha! :smt023

 

I saw the movie for the first time just last year and I would agree the above quoted post 100%. I didn't care too much for it at all, but it did give me a much clearer understanding on the deep-seeded roots of racial and cultural misinformation.

I wouldn’t suggest that EVERYONE needed to see it because it may be too much for some to take.

I also wouldn’t go on this forum and start a thread to give it a public endorsement either.:|

 

Truth.

Last place I'd expect to see a post about 'Birth of a Nation' is on WWBM.:smt052:heart: