Fight Against Discrimination in African American History - Essay Example

Throughout the film, there are several events where the characters are shown to suffer or endure discrimination. The author uses multiple strategies to show and influence the viewers that prejudice should have no place in society. These strategies, on a personal note, are effective in conveying the message about prejudice and racism.

            The story is a product of three different periods in the history of African Americans. In the short film, Mildred Taylor talks about her family’s own experiences during the era of slavery and gives background information regarding the basis of her characters in the story. Taylor’s own family members were slaves in Mississippi. Interestingly, the main protagonist in her story, Cassie Logan, is also born into a family of former slaves. It can be said that the stories Taylor presents in the film have a solid and first-hand basis because of her personal experiences during the era of slavery. Going through the experiences Taylor relays through the characters’ stories, one can say that she is an admirably strong woman, and it makes me wonder how many more like Mildred Taylors suffered the same racism and discrimination without having the chance of being heard or recognized.

            Despite the sad outcome of the story, one can see a glimmer of hope in the ending. T.J.’s sentencing actually is not so harsh because of the many betrayals he earlier did. It is still wrong, however, because we know that he is sentenced not due to what he did, but due to his skin color. Personally, though, the outcome of this story also leaves people with a sense of cautious optimism that it is possible for whites and blacks to work together, as shown in their actions to put out the fire on the cotton farm. The story can serve as a tool in teaching children of any race and ethnicity a significant part of history: that the generation of “Cassie Logan” served as a great influence in furthering the Civil Rights movements of the 50s and 60s.

Booker T. Washington: The Life and the Legacy

            Booker T. Washington is a very famous personality, particularly in African American history. He is known to have risen from the bondage of slavery and gone through emancipation and become the most powerful African American during his time. His life and legacy are clearly shown in this film with its dramatic and realistic reenactments coupled with original photos taken during Mr. Washington’s time. Aside from learning the intricate details of this phenomenal man’s life, it is also interesting to learn more about the controversy surrounding his methods and strategies in dealing with the problems and issues due to racism.

            In the film, Mr. Washington encounters people who are not so much into his way of emancipated African Americans. One good example of this is W.E.B. Dubios. Mr. Dubois opposes Mr. Washington’s idea of progress for the blacks. For Dubois, he believes that confrontational means are necessary, and ultimately more effective. Washington believes otherwise. I believe that this is primarily due to his Southern upbringing, which is circled around the dominant religion of Baptism. His ideas are gentler perhaps, and his thoughts could even be more forgiving of the whites. This is most probably why his methods and strategies are towards giving blacks education and career. Washington’s other opponent, William Monroe Trotter, has ideas similar to that of Dubois. The way the controversies surrounding these opposing views are shown in the film makes the film highly informative and boosts critical thinking.

            From a personal standpoint, Washington cannot be judged as sycophant or complacent. It is easy to misunderstand Washington's core reasons for using his strategies. For me, though, his way is more effective than any other volatile strategies used during the era of slavery. Violence and hatred might have gotten people to where they are now, but it would have been tougher to get over the anger and hatred for each other. Instead, Washington wanted to educate the blacks in order to start a legacy that will be passed onward to future generations of African Americans. This, I believe, is true emancipation. Education provides one with the knowledge on how to rise up from his situation. It is something that cannot be stolen or taken away. I believe this is the best gift one can give to anyone oppressed. Washington is not into proving they can fight, or that they can be stronger. Instead, Washington taught the blacks that they could have a peaceful revolution while earning the label of equals in society.