chazzmsu

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The Boys of Baraka

Watching The Boys of Baraka, an insightful and tragic documentary created by Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady about a troubled group of African American youth who are at risk of failing in Baltimore city. Who attend the Baraka program to help them moderate their behavior and allow them to pass through high school.  Throughout the film the directors showcased how this program helped each of the African American youth, by improving their grades and attitudes towards others. Clearly, showing how a better environment makes all the difference. When the African American youth were taught in Baltimore city, their education system failed them. Only allowing them to become simple products of their environment. But through the Baraka school in Kenya, West Africa the African American youth showed how a positive environment can change any African Americans youth's life.

Furthermore, in the documentary Baraka school recruiter Mavis Jackson proves an important point that the youth of Baltimore city have three options. One is to end up in an orange jumpsuit and head to prison, two is to own a nice black suit and suitcase, the third is to graduate with a cap, gown, and diploma. It should be noted that only seventy-six percent of African American boys do not graduate high school. Richard, a thirteen-year-old who is one of the at risk African American youth says that he knows his Baltimore city neighborhood is full of drug dealers. He even states that he does not want his younger brother Romesh to grow up in the project around drug dealers. Richard also states that “he knows he smart if he is not surrounded by dumb people.” Clearly, this proves the Baltimore city projects is not the best neighborhood to grow up as an impressionable African American youth. Just as Jackson states you will most likely end up in a gang or selling drugs which will lead you to prison or a tragic death.

Moreover, the family structure also plays a huge role in the African American youth’s lives. Without a positive role model there for these young African American boys, they act out and refuse to get help. Resulting in untreated aggression that could lead to them doing more dangerous activities in Baltimore like becoming a gang member. They all ultimately become a victim to their terrible environment. For example, Montrey has been suspended eighteen different times for disrespecting his fellow classmates’ mothers resulting in multiple physical altercations. Montrey’s father is in jail serving a thirteen-year sentence, he visits him from jail in the documentary. Montrey’s mother wants him to go to Baraka because she doesn’t want him to end up like the youth in Baltimore city.

In addition, after a year into the program the boys all improve, and Montrey finally understands that if he does not get an education he cannot go anywhere in life. The change in environment aloud the boys to truly focus and try to improve their lives. Keith a counselor at Baraka interviews the boys on their views of Africa and Montrey says that the African people are unified and use their natural resources without using technology. Montrey’s comment highlights the entire point of the documentary. The boys who were exposed to the terrible environment of Baltimore city projects where African Americans are not unified with drugs and gangs. Versus the simple lives of Africans all working together to survive. All this fell apart however, when the boys could not attend the second year of the program due to war. Which upset the parents, claiming the war is here and that if "you send a boy to Baltimore city school you are sending them to jail."

In conclusion, The Boys of Baraka was a very insightful and tragic documentary. It proves that with a positive environment away from the distractions of the projects and a good education, can make all the difference to the youth of Baltimore. I would definitely recommend this documentary to understand the troubled African American youth in Baltimore. Showing how a better environment could help and improve other children’s lives for a better future.

[chazzmsu]

12-O-Clock Boys

Watching Twelve-O-Clock Boys, a documentary created by Lofty Nathan illustrates a beautifully crafted cinematic film centered around young African American youth named Pug. The film focuses on his love and passion of dirt bikes that he learned from watching a local dirt bike gang from Baltimore city called the Twelve-O-Clock riders. Pug was so inspired that he created his own dirt bike gang called the Twelve-O-Clock boys and brought his own dirt bike. This documentary not only highlights the positive impact the Twelve-o-Clock Riders had on Pug and the community and but the freedom and creativity those felt who rode dirt bikes. Showcasing a culture that was suppressed by terrible enforcement of the law by corrupt cops. Highlighting the rampant police brutality and racism that still exists to this day in Baltimore city.

Furthermore, as a fellow Baltimore city resident I can say without a doubt the Baltimore police department still has a huge corruption problem. This documentary only takes place from two thousand and ten to twenty thirteen and highlights multiple instances of police officers running dirt bike riders off the roads and hitting them. Knowing well that the law prevents law enforcement to chase dirt bike riders for the safety pedestrians. Sadly, even when they are laws preventing them from chasing bikers they do so anyway leading to needless deaths of many young African Americans. For example, in the documentary a Twelve-O-Clock rider member Superman talks about Officer Albert Lemon and the murder of Marvin. He describes how Officer Lemon chased down Marvin on his dirt bike. Officer Lemon chased Marvin on the curb with his police car. Eventually leading to Officer Lemon bumping Marvin’s back wheel of his dirt bike pushing him into a black Sedan sending him one hundred feet in the air, plummeting to the ground. Superman says that Marvin changed his life riding dirt bikes that he was only twenty years old, and his nickname was Giggles.

Without a doubt, I do not understand how you can just kill someone like that in cold blood. As a police officer you are supposed to protect your community, not destroy it. Law enforcement for a very long time still harbor a racist attitude to African Americans and slaughter them like their lives mean nothing to them. As well as this nearly happened to Pug as well in the documentary during the summer of twenty twelve. Pug damages his leg by sliding on it to escape pursuing police officers. Pug states that the police were shouting “get up I want you to get up.” Not only were the police officers breaking their own law by chasing dirt bike riders, but they were willing to kill a young African American just for the sick thrill of it.

In conclusion, it should be noted that just two years after the documentary in twenty fifteen the corrupt law enforcement behavior to murder and brutalize African Americans finally reached a boiling point and led to a riot in Baltimore city due to the death of Freddie Gray. I think it’s important that African Americans watch this documentary. Not only because it highlights the beautiful culture of dirt bike riding and Pug’s story but the police corruption that still exists to this day. I wholeheartedly recommend this film to learn about the dirt bike culture and police corruption that still plagues Baltimore city.

[chazzmsu]

Black Girl

 Watching Black Girl, a truly sad film with a triumphant ending directed by Ossie Davis. The director showcases the complexities and trials of everyday life as an African American woman during in the nineteen seventies. Following the main character Billie Jean an African American women trying to fulfill her dream of becoming a dancer. Throughout the film Billie Jean tries to prove to her mother Rosie that dancing was something she wanted to do. But her mother always dismisses her claim telling her she would never make any money dancing. It only gets worse for Billie Jean when her sisters Norma and Ruth Ann let slip to Rosie that she dropped out of school. Further putting pressure on her throughout the film to give up on her dream.

 Furthermore, the director clearly created the characters Norma and Ruth Ann to be antagonists of the film. Both sisters were not shining examples of achievement as both were caught soliciting themselves for money. Rosie even argues with their father Earl that their behavior could influence Billie Jean. Ruth Ann was basically the “baby momma” in the film only basing her meager success over child support. Their actions and behaviors throughout the film showed both characters to be very mean to anyone that makes something of themselves. For example, Norma and Ruth Ann hated Netta for going to college. Rosie throughout the film had held Netta in high praise compared to the other siblings. This behavior and clear jealously causes Norma to hide her letters from college from not only Rosie but Billie Jean to spite her. Clearly, both sisters wanted Billie Jean to be as dumb as them. To abandon her dream as a dancer and live as a loose prostitute with no career path. Eventually getting pregnant living with their mother forever.

 Moreover, through various scenes in the film Norma and Ruth Ann constantly belittled and tried to sabotage Billie Jean’s career as a dancer out of pure jealousy and spite of Netta. Norma and Ruth Ann plot to bully Netta when she returns on Mother’s Day.  Billie Jean wanted desperately to make enough money to buy her mother Rosie a new house one day.  Working shifts at the Groovy Grill only earning three dollars an hour. When she has to eventually tell Rosie about the place she was working at. Rosie gets angry, saying she doesn’t want her dancing their and tells her to go back to school or else.

 Clearly, that scene was a clear turning point in the film. As her Norma and Ruth Ann recruit Billie Jean into the scheme to turn the house against Netta. As Norma tells her Billie Jean that she was always the favorite. Explaining that she was almost eighteen and Rosie would give up her room to Netta when she came back. This plan fell apart when Netta finally arrives back home. As Norma and Ruth Ann constantly belittle her for studying and not fooling around with other men. Billie Jean learns the truth about the letters Netta sent. Netta wanted to send Billie Jean an application to a dancing school but never received it due to Norma hiding the letters. Their plans eventually fall apart as Netta gives finally gives Billie Jean the application. In the end, Billie Jean attempts to explain to her mother that she wants to finish school where Netta is and finally start her career in dancing. Her sisters call her crazy and attempt to sway Rosie into sending her to reform school. Rosie agrees leading to a fight between the sisters, leading to Mu’Dear Rosie’s mother to come to her senses and to let Billie Jean go. Rosie finally lets her go to school and finally achieve her dream only explaining she didn’t want her to end up like her.

 In conclusion, Black Girl showcases the complexities, trials, and stereotypes of African American womanhood throughout the film. Norma and Ruth Ann were complex characters that depicted traits of sexuality and violence. Billie Jean wanted to achieve her dream but was constantly held back. I would definitely recommend this film due to its powerful message of perseverance. That no matter what you must never give up to achieve your dreams.

[chazzmsu]

The Black Candle

 Watching The Black Candle, a heavily informative documentary directed by professor M.K Asante. Showcases the history and celebration of Kwanzaa. As well as the considerable damage that racism has caused to African Americans and the African American youth in our society. The African American youth do not know who they truly are. They do not know where they are from or their African roots. Resulting in a huge cultural crisis for African American children. They often reject their African roots due to misconceptions about the African people. Like the usage of the insult “African booty scratcher.” This insult actively discourages them to embrace their cultural heritage. To the point where they feel ashamed to be African.

 Furthermore, to me personally this documentary was very eye opening. While growing up I have always felt that African American culture that I grew up with was sort of flawed. All the media during the time was just taking drugs, selling drugs, joining gangs, and owning big mansions. As an African American youth, I have heard of Kwanzaa as some sort of religious African celebration and thought nothing of it. I had never truly been taught about Kwanzaa or African culture. The history teachings in school were just like the documentary, mainly European. I never heard a single thing about African heritage or their culture growing up. It got to the point where my mother would ask me after school if I was ever taught black history. I’d always answer “no.”  Growing up there wasn’t a single teacher that taught us about black history. The most I learned about African American culture was from the teacher’s African American aids. They taught me about black history month and the civil rights movement for the first time in second grade.

 Moreover, the further I learned about Kwanzaa from this documentary. The more gratified I felt over now knowing about the seven principles. growing up, I had a skewed outlook on African American culture. Hearing about strong African American leaders changing the world we live in for the better. To the media and world, I was exposed to comprised of greed and ignorance. I didn’t know about the second principle Kujichagulia (Self-determination). That teaches you to know your past and honor it. as well as to engage your future and improve it. The more I have learned about my African American Heritage and past inspired me. My original negative outlook changed into a more positive one. That if I wanted to see positive change, it all starts with helping my community. Just like the first principle Umoja (unity), African Americans must lift each other up and live harmoniously. In the current era I think that the principle of Umoja is very prevalent in African American society. Everyone wants to support black owned businesses to keep the wealth circulating throughout their community.

  In conclusion, the documentary helped further my knowledge on Kwanzaa and changed the way I viewed my African American culture and heritage. If every African American learns about Kwanzaa and if it was taught in public schools. We would never have a cultural crisis at all. I would definitely recommend this documentary for its very detailed explanation on the history Kwanzaa, it’s teachings and what it represents to be African American.

[chazzmsu]

The Spook Who Sat by The Door

Watching The Spook Who Sat by The Door, a documentary directed by Van Dixon and co-written by Sam Greenlee. Was a very thought-provoking film about the use of the central intelligence agencies tactics and practices by everyday ghetto African Americans. The main character of the story Dan Freeman introduces these tactics to a local Chicago gang known as the king cobras. He utilizes the group and organizes them into called Freedom Fighters. Freeman wants to liberate a race which he states that has been beaten enslaved through mind and body. In the end, the film holds a strong theme of liberation and freedom. As African Americans are finally fighting back through freeman's teachings and through the use of guerrilla warfare.

Furthermore, an interesting fact about the co-writer Sam Greenlee and the suppression of The Spook Who Sat by The Door film. Greenlee appeared in an independent documentary called Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of The Spook Who Sat by The Door. The two thousand eleven documentary was filmed by Christine Acham and Clifford Ward. In which Greenlee spoke out about the suppression of the film after its initial release   . He then meets Aubrey Lewis, one of the first African American Federal Bureau of Investigations agents recruited in nineteen sixty-two. He told Greenlee lee that the film The Spook Who Sat by The Door was required reading at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Obviously, the main reason the film was never screened to the public was due to the ideologies represented in the film. Dan Freeman, an African American CIA agent. A minority who graduated top of his class. Managed to trade CIA top secrets to ghetto Chicago gang members and other African Americans. Even going as far to exploit his old friend Dalton, who was on the police force as his inside man. He uses all of this to start a successful war within the ghetto in an effort to liberate his people. Clearly, this was viewed as dangerous propaganda for the nineteen seventies. After all Dan Freedman ideas that he expressed in the film could inspire African Americans to start countrywide riots. It is no wonder why FBI academy made the film a required reading. The Spook Who Sat by The Door could’ve easily arose into multiple campaigns of African Americans using the same tactics used in the film against groups like the CIA and FBI.

Especially, in groups such as Black Panthers and the US movement. These groups who were constantly under tyranny and harassment from law enforcement and propaganda campaigns. The Spook Who Sat by The Door could have easily inspired each organization to use tactics displayed in the film. To the point of even infiltrating their members among organizations such as the FBI and CIA. In order to keep the flow of information going years down the line.  

In conclusion, Films and literature can influence people and change the way they think about certain issues. I understand why the film The Spook Who Sat by The Door was suppressed. After all, during that era of the 1970’s the film would’ve inspired riots, bombings and far worse. For example, in the ending of the film when Freeman kills Dalton after he discovers he is the true leader. It ends up with blacks killing blacks again, slaughtering each other for liberation. Killing your fellow brother or sister over an ideology of freedom and liberation. Would’ve caused unknown amounts of bloodshed to the African American people. Although, in the current era I would recommend this film. Due to Freeman’s fearless actions but also its warnings about going to far for the sake of liberation.

[chazzmsu]

Moolaade

Watching Moolaade, a very hard to watch and emotionally invoking film. Directed by Ousmane Sembène, who clearly showcases how ancient traditions hurt societies and their women. It was upsetting to see the needless deaths that happened to the young children throughout the film due to the negligence of the male elders. Through their decisions, they have created a misogynistic society that brutalities their women. Although, there was a rise of defiance and feminism in the film which proved that the village could change. Through the actions of Colle Ardo.

Furthermore, in the film a mother named Colle Ardo, protected her daughter Amsatou and four other young girls in the village from the deadly ritual known as purification. Purification was a brutal ritual of genital mutilation performed on girls as young as seven years old. This ritual was extremely painful causing serious complications with childbirth later in their lives. Colle explains this to Amsatou in the film, where she had to have a French doctor cut open her stomach so that she could be born. Not to mention, many girls have died from the purification. The village elders insist it is an ancient rite in the name of Allah that must be done so they can be wed. Otherwise, they would become Bilakoro, ones who could never be married. Colle refused to allow her child and the four village children to be mutilated. To the point where she would rather be beaten to death than release them.

Moreover, the villages brutal practices cause two other young girls to commit suicide in the local well to avoid purification. It should be noted that the male village elders completely ignore this. They are so caught up in their own old traditional ways that they refused to notice as serious problem in their village and make Colle Ardo the scapegoat. Personally, I cannot imagine one of my female siblings killing themselves or dying because of a brutal ritual. Then, attending their funerals pretending that there was nothing that you could’ve done to save them. I understand that they have a much different customs and culture, but it does not justify letting them get away with torture and murder.

Clearly, I agree with Colle Ardo in the film, none of this should’ve happened to anyone. Their wives and children shouldn’t be afraid that one day your precious daughter will be brutally murdered because of tradition. As well as being unable to cope with the loss of your child as they scream and writhe in pain from the ritual. This all happened Salba and her daughter Daitu in the film. Salba thought by rescuing Daitu from Colle she would be able to marry, and everything would be fine. Only for her daughter to die in her arms during the ritual. Leaving Salba mourning over her lost daughter.

In Addition, the village elders try to censor information by getting rid of radios and televisions. This was an attempt to prevent any outside knowledge that would be contradictory to their culture. Doucoure the rich son in the film, states that they cannot silence the media. Doucoure was correct in his statement as Colle Ardo finds out on the radio that the purification rite was not a custom demanded by Allah. She confronts the elders about this, and they try to silence her only for the other women in the village to support her.

In conclusion, Moolaade was a truly saddening film with an uplifting ending. Highlighting what happens to a society with barbaric traditions supported male elders. These elders did not respect their women and would rather beat them than believe their traditions were wrong. Overall, I would recommend this film for its positive ending message. That women are not powerless and can make significant change. If they stand together and fight for what they believe in.

[chazzmsu]

Let The Fire Burn

Watching Let the Fire Burn, a documentary directed by Jason Oder. Showcased what happens when you let a corrupt police force deal with a very delicate situation with a group of people and turning it into a brutal and violent tragedy. The Move organization who some might call a cult or religion expressed their views as any other organization. They had freedom of speech like any other natural born citizen of the United States. But the police around every corner in the documentary tried to sabotage them. Causing yet another case to add to the pile of the federal government’s inhumane treatment of various organizations and groups such as the native Americans.

Furthermore, the Move organization tragedy could easily be related to the government corruption the Panthers and the US movement suffered from. because each organization was torn apart by false reporting, propaganda and from police brutality. For example, Such as the incident on March twenty-eight nineteen seventy-seven. Move members have returned from prison and started to party. Cops were called during the incident and an argument led to fight move put up resistance and a baby was killed during the police raid. An investigation never took place which was terrible because someone’s infant was killed during the incident and the police just turned a blind eye to the whole confrontation.  

As well as this, it was made clear throughout the documentary that the Federal Government chose to disrupt their organization to the point where they were treating them like domestic terrorist because of their teachings. Their teaching involves speaking about the system and the corruption in the system. Especially so in the documentary, A women named Sue Africa was interviewed and states that school teaches you separation and conflict war. Her statement fits exactly with what the government did to the Panther and US groups. If you push the idea of separation among the youth to point out their differences, they will be less likely to come together. Rather they would fight amongst each other than form factions. The Federal Government clearly takes advantage of this to this day. So people that are different will never truly come together as people to solve their issues.  

Moreover, While the Move organization were not the nicest to their neighbors in their communities. The police pulled the trigger causing later conflicts that would spiral into a horrifying house fire. For example, on May twentieth nineteen seventy-seven, Move brandished rifles outside their compound. These guns were seized and were proven incapable of firing. Another incident occurred on August eighth nineteen seventy-eight, where police use force to take the compound. The police alleged that Move shot first and wounded firemen and officers. This incident ended with the death of officer ramp. The officers brutally beat move members and found functional firearms from the compound that day. The main problem with this was that after the fire the rifles Move was alleged to have used during the firefight were incapable of firing. The officers lied, brutally beat and jailed Move members over planted and fabricated evidence. None of the officers involved with the incidents were charged causing another incident of great injustice to another group of African Americans.

In conclusion, the most horrifying part of this documentary to me was George Sambor, the chief of police saying, “Let the bunker burn.” Directly ignoring the orders from the mayor Wilson Goode. All those women and children died that day because of lies. The worst part of the whole ordeal was that no one involved was ever charged. This documentary was very great and informative. It opened my eyes to yet another tragedy the Federal Government caused due to corruption, and it is a film I would recommend.

[chazzmsu]

Bastards of the Party

Watching Bastards of the party a documentary directed by Cle Sloan otherwise known as Bone. Presents an Authentic documentary from the perspective of a gang member a documentary focusing on the origins of the infamous Blood and Crip gangs. The director Clearly highlights the historic rise of African American pride by showcasing the more significant origins of these gangs. So much so, that the African American people had their own political party. And the inevitable fall from grace each organization faced through and to the betrayal and subjugation from the government and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Furthermore, from the very beginning of the documentary it showcases that public schools in south central Los Angeles are losing funding and a significant number of children are turning towards gangs. The director Cle Sloan, even states that he joined the Afton Park bloods at the age of twelve or thirteen years old. As well as that, later in the documentary it showcases that a lot of the youth in the south-central Los Angeles joined gangs because their fathers or brothers were into gangs. This is still a problem in the present-day young kids in inner city projects do not want to go to school that is severely underfunded. For example, in Baltimore City public schools didn’t have proper heating and air conditioning in their buildings for years. Why would kids want to learn anything in those terrible conditions when they could just join a gang. They would rather join a gang and live the gang lifestyle. Which has always glamorized in media to this day. So much so, that in the director Bones confirms why young people chose gangs and stay in gangs. Bones states that young kids join gangs for the trend. They constantly get pressured into doing things for the gang like beating someone up. But once they get hurt, they become fully committed to continuing the vicious cycle of killing their own race over and over again.

Moreover, the foundations of these gangs in the nineteen forties were very humble. In the documentary African Americans moved away from the racist south to Los Angeles to find better jobs. Instead, they were met with more hardships as most homes and jobs were reserved for whites only. They were forced into ghettos, and they received very little aid from the government. Mike Davis, a historian in the documentary explores further into the origins by stating central Ave was the birthplace of gangs in south central LA. African Americans during this time were being extorted and harassed by the Los Angeles Police Department. Who was run by Chief William Parker a prolific supporter of segregation and anti-race mixing. Clearly, this shows that even after years of slavery African Americans were still being exploited by a system that wanted nothing to do with them.

In addition to this, during the civil rights movement in the nineteen sixties and throughout the next thirty years. African Americans in LA began to thrive underneath the tyranny. The white flight movement, where whites fled out of the Slosun area. Allowed African Americans to move into greater LA. During this time African Americans began to fight back and form the first gangs in Slosun park to combat the racist anti-black gangs. These gangs soon evolved into The Black Panther movement and US movement. During these years Africans Americans did not fight amongst each other they knew who their true enemy was. They were willing to help their community by providing support where the government didn’t. Because of this the government utterly betrayed the African American people by using the FBI to launch a propaganda campaign against the Black Panther and US organizations to cause them to fight with one another. When the propaganda was not effective, they resorted to neutralizing each group by calling them domestic terrorist organizations, killing many members. The FBI notorious got the leader of the LA Black Panthers Bunchy Carty killed and blamed it on the US organizations leader Karinga. Most importantly that assassination caused both movements to fall apart.

In Conclusion, the Government, and the FBI single-handedly destroyed two powerful movements and replaced them with ones they knew they could control. Causing drugs to flood into African American communities and the creation of the “Bastard offspring” the Bloods and Crips. If you want to understand the history of what transformed powerful movements into bloody gangs, watch this documentary, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[chazzmsu]

Sorry To Bother You

Watching Sorry to Bother You a very dream-like and surreal film. The Film was directed by Boots Riley. I think the director intentionally showed that the film was about corporate greed going unchecked by allowing rich people to do whatever they want. For example, allowing cruel experimentation on human subjects to make a better slave-like workforce. Clearly, that was shown through the journey our main character Cassius Green. As his friends and co-workers take a clear stance against the moral implications of wage slaving.

Furthermore, the journey of our character Cassius Green is very relatable. Cassius is stuck living in his uncle’s Sergio’s garage going from job to job. He is four months late on rent and Surge needs his money in two weeks. He also is driving his uncle’s beat up car that constantly smokes and breaks down. Of course, being in a terrible living situation while making barely making any money. From your job or multiple jobs is something everyone can relate to. Especially, in this current era where you have to have a career field to prevent yourself from struggling. Not having a career can put you into working a lot of dead-end jobs that barely pay you anything. Aswell as that, you have all these jobs that you can work for that barely offer living wages. As you try pay off all your bills and by the end of the day. Then barley have enough money to feed yourself or others.

Clearly, this also ties into Cassius more nihilistic side as he says to his girlfriend, Detroit in bed that his “life means nothing.” And he goes further on to state say, “That one day the sun will explode and that nothing matters.” This very negative side of Cassius character starts to affect his work at Regal View Marketing as a telemarketer. Whenever he tries to call anyone, they always hang up. Later during a break, he tells his best friend Sal that he was having trouble making a sale and he “feels incompetent.” He then falls further into despair until the top power caller whose name goes unspoken for the rest of the film. That he should “use his white voice.” When Cassius starts to use his white voice and starts making sales, his resourcefulness is highlighted here. For example, In the beginning of the film Cassius lies to try and land the job by buying fake trophies and telling his boss about false accolades he achieved. Like how he was manager of a businesses, a bank teller and was employee of the month. Clearly, Cassius has always had a talent at false confidence to convince others.

This confidence finally brought him up to the rank of power caller. But, with this promotion caused a rift in his relationship with his girlfriend and his friends. Squeeze, one of Cassius co-workers formed a union and started a workers strike for fair wages. Cassius feels that he can support them from the inside as a power caller, but they all disagree. Each of them abandoning Cassius for supporting Regal View. Due to their mistreatment of workers and selling slave labor. Cassius continues to follow the money that being a power caller brings ignoring all the moral implications that come with it. Eventually he can no longer stand it after being introduced to Steve lift CEO of WORRY-FREE to form a deal. Cassius discovers half horse half man hybrids in Steve’s mansion and decides that he wants no part of the deal. Clearly, throughout Cassius’s entire journey he had opportunities to say no and stand up and fight these corporations but decided not to because of the money. But after his horrible discovery he returned to the union to put a stop to the cruelty.

In conclusion Sorry to Bother You was a film about what happens when you let corporate greed consume you. Cassius was in a terrible situation where he needed money and was willing to do anything to get it. Only to realize the value of his friendships were more important than forcing people into slave labor for the sake of money. This films message is very important and it’s a film I would recommend.

[chazzmsu]

Chameleon Street Review

Watching Chameleon Street was a very interesting experience due to the character Doug Street. The director, writer, and actor Wendell B Harris Jr crafts a puppet like character. Who throughout the film, steals and lies about his identity to get money through any means even if it means tricking those around him. He would constantly change his roles and the way he talks to convince those around him that he is always more than what he seems. Throughout the film Doug desires money and instead of earning it the traditional way of working hard for it he’d rather earn it through coercion.

Furthermore, During the film I have noticed that Doug Street’s constant lying and social adaptability to fit into any role he desires is very similar to what I try to do in life. Although, I would never go as far as to lie in a job interview about going to Yale. As doing so as shown in the film leads to imprisonment. I also would never pretend to learn a foreign language and make my entire identify around the language to stay at Yale. Only to get called out by someone who knows the language. But I try to change the way I talk and act around certain individuals all the time for teachers or adults. Around my friends I can act normally I don’t have to become extremely careful around what I say about them. And I know they wouldn’t try to extort me, get me in trouble over what I have told them or the actions I have done around them.

Unlike Doug’s wife Gabrielle, who constantly tries to ridicule him during his most vulnerable moments throughout the film. Clearly, the director decided to write Gabrielle as a character who most people would consider the last person to turn on you during hard or difficult times in your life. It was very realistic for their relationship to fall apart throughout the film due to Doug not knowing truly who he was. He constantly tried to adopt new personas only for his parasitic nature to come out and expose him at every turn. For example, during his infiltration of Yale’s campus. He had an affair with another women named Tatiana. As he formed a relationship with Tatiana, he began to resent Gabrielle and wanted to marry her. Although Tatiana immediately saw through him knew he was already married and denied his request. This affair, his impersonation of another individual at Yale. And of course, his strange attitude towards his own daughter caused Gabriel to call the police on Doug.

In conclusion, Doug Street was a truly sick individual who truly had no clue who he was. He tried adopting so many roles only for him to be caught every time. For example, in the scene in the hospital where a woman needed her heart checked. He tried meticulously to maintain his persona as a doctor by reading the manuals and staying calm and collected. Almost as if he truly went to medical school. Although his facade quickly fell apart as soon as the women screamed in his ear, where he immediately freaked out and called her a “bitch”. The title of the film Chameleon Street and its ending was a very smart reference to how Doug changes to fit roles only showing how crazy he was. A film I would recommend to observe how an individual slowly drives themselves into madness as their numerous lies and personas slowly consume him.

[chazzmsu]

Pumzi Review

Watching Pumzi, a short film that I felt was very mysterious. There was very little dialogue mainly actions taken by the main character with an abrupt ending. It had a very short prologue before the movie officially started. stating a "water war" happened in the movies setting causing massive scarcity. After doing some research on these short films setting, I learned that films were set in Maitu, An east African community. and the massive war that happened was World War three, an event this film takes place thirty-five years after. The films message of preservation in the end left me confused but eventually I understood what the film was trying to say.

Furthermore, the fact that this movie takes place thirty-five years after World War three frightens me. In this current era, it feels like this movies plot would be very plausible. Especially, due to ongoing conflict of Russia versus Ukraine. If things get any worse, we are going to realistically enter an era of nuclear bombing and warfare across the globe. And experience things very similar to this short film. From An overbearing government forcing its citizens to recycle precious resources after a massive nuclear warfare. To citizens having to generate their own source of power underneath a highly policed community. Where the outside was a barren and nuclear filled waste land is a scary thought.

As well as that, in the films beginning sequence the main character falls asleep has a dream about a giant fertile tree. Her computer than tells her to take her dream suppressants. Which she promptly takes. She even references this dream later in the film when she finds the fertile soil and plant only to be told by the council that she needs to take her dream suppressants. Without a doubt, this whole notion that you’re not allowed to dream is tyrannical. I couldn’t imagine being in a society where my own creativity and thought could be suppressed, or my freedoms stripped from me. Your dreams are really important and defines who you are as a person. It makes you unique and stand out among the rest of society. The council doesn’t want that, they want to control human nature and make you into a living human battery. Clearly, this short films council could easily be related to current societies like China or North Korea. Where if you are not a model citizen and law-abiding member of society you are forced to work to death. Under the watchful eye of militarized police who would sooner beat you for stepping out of line., Versus actually serving their communities without corruption.

Importantly, this films message of scarcity, preservation of nature and the lack of communication helped me greatly understand the ending. Throughout the film the main characters dialogue was mainly voice over. And the only voice that spoke was the council. The first time the main character spoke the council quickly silenced her shutting down her ideas to pursue for fertile soil. And quickly sending in guards to destroy the museum. In every instance the council got the final say in all decisions. It wasn’t a society it was merely a dictatorship ruled by the members who were allowed to make decisions. Once she left and eventually died to let the sapling grow. It helped me understand that without proper communication in this society they were content with eventually all going to die. Instead of saving it by reclaiming the land. And that it takes the actions of the individual to take the first step to make great change.

In conclusion this short film was very inspiring. From its very power message of preservation. And the horrors of a voiceless society forcing people to under the guise of helping their communities to generate power and to recycle. A film I would recommend.

[chazzmsu]

Wattstax Review

Watching Wattstax, a very well-crafted documentary. Allowed me to see into the of lives of African Americans who lived in this community during the 70’s. People who lived during an era of oppression and racism. Each interview allowed me to uncover a deeper meaning from just regular citizens of the Wattstacks community. Each performance showed me how talented and strong the hearts and souls of those under oppression shined brightly. The documentary was like traveling to the past. Seeing proud hard working African Americans in their communities in the 70’s. Compared to the present-day disheveled projects and gangs. Showing me a strong presence of pride of their community rather than the destruction of it entirely. Wattstax is a film that shows you a clear picture into the lifestyles of African Americans from that period, their plight and fight equality.

Furthermore, In the very beginning of the documentary, it showcases the riot that took place in Wattstax. A citizen in an interview said that it takes the burning of the neighborhood for the white man to notice the problems of the black community. that quote was very depressing because it shows that in this time the government or police truly did turn a blind eye on the African American communities until they got out of hand. The riot could easily be compared to the present day where an injustice happens in the African American community, people start rioting. For example, during 2015 when Freddie Gray passed away due to police negligence. The Baltimore riot took place.

Moreover, another interviewer told his story about when he was a kid playing with his brother. One of his white friends told his lighter skinned brother that he was a nigger and that they shouldn’t play with him. He went on to explain that when his father got home. His father told him that if anyone were to call him a nigger he should "Kick his ass." further showing that during this time there was constant racism and remarks. And that the only way for African Americans to combat it would either be through violence or peaceful protest.

As well as that, the third subject that was shown in the documentary was a ton of churches. It seemed like on every corner there was a church. One interviewer stated that "Everyone knows the lord personally." Showing that the African American community was very spiritual and in touch with religion. So much so that the term “Black Church” was mentioned       in the documentary. Instead of a normal church service would be like sitting quietly, praying, and reading through scriptures, Black Church was very different. In Black Churches you would live bands with drums and pianos playing with such high energy to gospel music. Gospel music was all about singing about the lord and his blessings. And singing along to gospel songs made you feel good and left you with an important message from the scripture.

In conclusion this documentary left me feeling extremely positive about the community of Wattstax. Despite the many issues that were showcased in the film the people were happy and had pride and enthusiasm. The documentary left a lasting message that black is beautiful and that you should feel good about being black. Showing true oneness within the African American community regardless of where they come from. A very beautiful documentary of black perseverance.

[chazzmsu]

Classified X review

From the very beginning of the film, I had never seen black stereotype movies before, I always assumed they were bad parodies that everyone hated. But they were loved by racists and white supremacists. Theses stereotypes in these films did not fit African Americans of the modern era. And only exposed the audience to harmful stereotypes that serve only to demean African Americans. Those movies showcased in this film enforced a central theme of cowardice, dancing, and subservience. Painting every white person on the screen as a person of power that can change things throughout the films. Classified X was an eye-opening film about racial stereotypes, black exploitation and white savoir syndrome.

Furthermore, In the film Melvin Van Peebles describes the “new negro” coming to the movie screens. Due to World War II. When the United States launched a propaganda campaign where they needed the entire country to come together to help win the war. This painted the African American in war films not as racist caricatures but as human beings. The decision however, for the “new negro” was appalling. Melvin Van Peebles states if they can create a new one, they also created the old one. This was Hollywood’s deliberate attempt to play a new angle to bring in more African Americans to theaters. Clearly, if they make the African American look good but better than their white counterparts. they would make a profit as long as they were making profit, they could all make all the major decisions they wanted.

 Without a doubt, in these war films Africans Americans were very macho can-do characters. They had more to say than just yes sir and no sir. These characters had distinct roles in these films. They always seemed to be the ones who got things done and help throughout the films. Although these characters always died early or died in heroic sacrifices. Showing that in the end they were still going to sacrifice themselves for their white brothers in arms. These films reminded me of a current film like Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Where a black actor named John Boyega played as Finn. In this film his character had major promise to be a prominent main character. Only for all his characters potential to be thrown out and given to Rey who is a white character. His character was given a backseat to Rey for of the film. Clearly, showing that they were never going to make an African American a central lead. Not only that, but in a Chinese promotional poster for the movie. Boyega’s face was shrunken and tucked into the background. Showing these injustices to still happen to this day.

 It should be noted that, In the films where you had African American characters in more of a central three-dimensional role. Now white characters were being used as a tool for moral or tolerance manipulation. Where one white character will always stand up for the African American showing sympathy for them. To the point where other white characters in the film will shun them for trying to help or hate them. Obviously, this is a form white savoir syndrome. Creating almost like a paternal relationship between the African American characters and white characters. For example, in the film a white boy saves an older African American character from a southern lynch mob. Then the characters let him go after they had realized he was framed. They are showing that with these white characters actions that they are not racist and that they care about their lives and troubles of African Americans. These characters always seem disingenuous and forced. Showing that the plot of the movie wouldn’t continue without some great white character coming along and fixing all their problems.

 In conclusion Classified X was a very eye-opening film. It allowed me to see a racist perspective of cinema of that I would have never seen. Showing how Hollywood slightly tweaked and transformed the image of the African American to save face. Only to show that they were originally perpetuating the stereotypes in the first place. I would even say they still do that to this day in subtle ways. Overall, a film I would recommend for learning your history.