Perspective: Will Smith’s “Emancipation” shows scars of “Whipped Peter,” slavery
The man who would come to be known as “Whipped Peter,” spoke little English and answered in French — the language spoken by thousands of enslaved Africans in Louisiana and Mississippi. He told them an overseer had whipped him with a leather strap just before Christmas in 1862. To deepen the pain, the White man had poured salt into Peter’s open wounds.
The story of “Whipped Peter” is captured in the new film “Emancipation,” starring Will Smith. The film was inspired by the 1863 photos of Peter, which were taken during that medical examination at the Union Army camp.The drama, which debuted in theaters Dec. 2 and released internationally on Apple TV Dec. 9, follows Peter’s escape from slavery and his relentless quest for freedom.
There can never be too many movies, documentaries or films showing the barbaric truth of slavery, a subject White-supremacists have tried to wash out of history.Only now, are some people learning about the true horrors of what happened. So much was hidden in attics, buried in swamps and mass graves. White historians covered up and distorted the narrative while building monuments to Confederate soldiers.
Movies like “Emancipation” give audiences an opportunity to encounter astounding details of enslavement, raising the perpetual question: What kind of people would do this to other human beings?These films help peel back the truth buried in history. They need to be seen by audiences far and wide. In the darkness of the screening, I scribbled notes. I stilled myself knowing the scenes were hard to watch, but told myself, “The pain I feel watching the pain on the screen is nothing compared to the brutality my enslaved ancestors endured.”I cheered when Will Smith’s character said: “I fight them. They beat me. They whip me. They break the bones in my bodies more times than I can count. But they never, never break me.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Did ADHD Evolve to Help Us?ADHD undoubtedly causes challenges today. But researchers believe that our early ancestors relied on those with ADHD traits to help survive their harsh environments. justin_garson explains why.
Weiterlesen »
NASA launches fresh water observation satellite | Digital TrendsNASA has launched its first mission to survey fresh water systems from a global perspective.
Weiterlesen »
Perspective | Pussy Riot arrives in Iceland, urinates on a Putin portraitPerspective: The first Pussy Riot retrospective reveals the Russian artists at their defiant best
Weiterlesen »
Mike Mills and Peter Buck Join All-Star R.E.M. Tribute to Chronic TownSeveral legendary musicians, include two members of R.E.M., gathered to pay tribute to the band's first EP and to raise money for Planned Parenthood.
Weiterlesen »
Dior’s Peter Philips on What’s Next in Makeup.Dior’s creative and image director fleshes out what’s catching his eye in prestige beauty’s largest category.
Weiterlesen »
How Peter Alexander celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas with his kids“Together for our girls we’re kind of blending the two.' Peter Alexander explains how his family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas.
Weiterlesen »