For quite some time, Black Americans have been clamoring for
more films that tell our version of history, that showcase events not privy to
those outside of the “woke” crowd. Something other than a black man in a dress,
a dirty cop, the comedic relief, or something else that focuses on the negative
stereotypes that this nation has placed on our great race. In comes Nate Parker’s
Birth of a Nation, a film that
chronicles the exploits of Nat Turner leading up to the uprising he led in
1831. So, instead of giving Parker a standing ovation for a historical
docu-drama that was relevant and right on time, we as a people are busy doing
the devil’s work; tearing brother Nate, and his work apart.
I took my son to see some movie, knowing him, it was
probably something in the Marvel universe, where we saw a preview for The Birth of a Nation. I had heard that
Parker’s film had done tremendously well at Sundance and was picked up by a
major film company, but I was enamored to see it on the big screen and coming
soon. So I told my child that I would be taking him to see this because I knew
that seeing the visual representation of Nat Turner’s story would open the door
for a teaching lesson. Turner’s saga was something I was familiar with, and
something that I knew I wanted to share with him. And like a kid awaiting
Christmas, I anxiously looked forward to the premiere of this film.
As the date became closer and closer, I’ve noticed that
criticism against the film started was less about the film and more about the
director and starring actor, Mr. Parker. I cannot speak on the specifics of
Parker’s case, however, because he was acquitted, I’m going to let him enjoy
his freedom. I am not the rest of the general public and others have not been
so forgiving. Now, the beautiful representation of Nat Turner on the big screen
for others who may not know of his life and actions or to provide a visual to
something that has largely been words on a page has turned into Nate Parker
vindicating his status as a “rapist,” or how rape fueled one of the most
notorious slave revolts in history.
Let’s be clear, I saw The
Birth of a Nation, I enjoyed it, and I looked at it from a historical
standpoint, an entertainment standpoint, and I do not regret taking my ten year
old to see it. Am I terribly upset that Parker’s story focused on a romance
between Nat and Cherry despite there being a lack of evidence that Nat Turner
was even married in the first place? Not at all. I know enough about slavery to
know that marriages often went undocumented for fear of families being
separated or retribution for the actions of the patriarch being taken out on
family members. With that being said, I know that I would be out of my mind for
wondering why Nat Turner didn’t mention Cherry at one point in his confession.
But why would he, so she could meet a similar fate? What I did not see was the
rape of Cherry being the catalyst for Nat Turner’s rebellion. I did see it as a
contributing factor, but I think it was the treatment of slaves on other
plantations and the lies that Nat was being directed to tell through the gospel
was his motivation to take change by force.
Do I think that this movie has marginalized black women who
have been victims of sexual assault
and silenced them by giving the impression
that unless a man takes up their cause, they have no hope of becoming
vindicated? Another resounding “no!” I am not, nor have I ever been married,
but I do know that if a woman close to me was raped and I knew the perpetrator,
it would be difficult for me to sit by idly and do nothing. I am one of the
biggest supporters of black girl magic, and do not believe that women cannot
take up arms to support a cause or themselves without the help of a man.
Furthermore, neither should you. The film was a beautiful story that needed to
be told, despite your feelings about Nate Parker or the topic of rape within
the film. If you feel that strongly and don’t want to put money in Parker’s
pocket, then go get the bootleg…
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