selma: A timely awakening
Recently, the U.S.A. has been in an uproar. “Selma” the movie, is about Martin Luther King Jr.’s march from Selma to Montgomery. However, it is not simply a movie about Martin Luther King Jr. and the other heroes who fought for racial equality. Some see it as an inspiration, an awakening that our society must keep fighting for social justice that is still rampant today.
Considering its timely entrance, it may be true. Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner are just a few of the victims that have been killed by the police because of racial aggression. Michael Brown became the fuse that was lit igniting thousands of people to stand up and protest against racial prejudice. Despite the time difference of 50 years, there are noticeable traits that are still similar which is the passion the protesters have today and that of 50 years ago. Critics say that the movie portrayed an inaccurate version of Lyndon B. Johnson, the former U.S. president that changed U.S. history as a reluctant hero. However, what they are forgetting is that “Selma” is a story of the people who fought for change with desperation and zeal. For many African Americans who lived during the period of the segregation, the movie was a vivid recollection of experiencing a change in their country. It also gave them a chance to show the new generation their forgotten history and their appreciation for what they fought for. Film critics note the incredible character of how Martin Luther King Jr. was portrayed. Over time, the image of King Jr. has become distorted and changed with a very condensed version of him being taught in school. The film, painted a very different picture of King Jr.; impenetrable, fearless and his leadership. The movie showed that he was flawed and insecure, but it also showed that he had an unparalleled courage. He lived every day with certainty that he would be killed for what he said, yet he kept saying it because it was necessary. If more people saw the film, they would not only appreciate the day, but perhaps they would speak up against the still-staggering problems and injustices this country, and what the rest of the world faces currently. This movie provided a realization that the fight that happened 50 years ago is still not over. |
STORY :: MICHELLE CHO
YENA JIN EDITOR :: SARAH JUNG DESIGN :: SEAN JS LEE This is where people are protesting the death of Michael Brown. “Hands up don’t shoot!” became the slogan of many protestors.
A photo of Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders during the march from Selma to Montgomery.
This is a scene from the movie Selma where they bravely stand as segregation protesters who are about to be shot. They are raising hands, to show no harm.
|