Reviewing the documentary Film 13th
Based on the documentary Film 13th on Netflix, which must be a total of at least 400 words total:
How did you feel after viewing 13th? Did you feel helpless, inspired, stirred to action, or a combination of all three? Do you think the message of the film was ultimately hopeful? Why or why not?
Have you ever had to confront direct or systemic racism in your life? If so, how were you affected?
How does 13th characterize our criminal justice system and political institutions? How does this film shape your understanding of the prison system? Was there a particular case or series of facts that altered or challenged any of your pre-existing views?
This documentary emphasized the current crisis of mass incarceration is directly related to our country’s legacy and history of slavery. By showing how slavery shifted to convict leasing, to Jim Crow segregation, to the war on drugs, 13th argues that “systems of oppression are durable and they often reinvent themselves.” As Angela Davis stated in the film, “Historically, when one looks at efforts to create reforms, they inevitably lead to more repression/.” What are ways you can end this cycle?
How do you think media and popular culture representations of Black Americans, particularly of Black men, have contributed to a dangerous climate of white fear and anxiety? Make sure to think about the way Zimmerman was heard describing Trayvon Martin, or the media frenzy around the Central Park Five that resulted in their wrongful imprisonment. How can we challenge these instances of racism and dehumanization?
Sample Solution
After watching the documentary 13th, I felt a mixture of both helplessness and motivation. The film presents a devastating but timely account of the systematic oppression of African-American people in the United States throughout history. From slavery to Jim Crow laws, incarceration rates and racial profiling to modern police brutality, it is clear that systemic racism has existed since this country’s inception; these injustices continue to plague society today (DuVernay 2016).
The hopelessness represented in the film is overwhelming; I found myself wishing there was something I could do to combat this oppressive system, yet knowing that my individual efforts may seem insignificant compared to what needs to be done for true social change. At the same time however, 13th did inspire me with its messages of hope – namely through its positive focus on how African-Americans are actively fighting against injustice and oppression by demanding reform from politicians as well as striving towards self-empowerment through education and activism (DuVernay 2016). This message ultimately left me feeling inspired: while enormous challenges remain ahead, I now know that there is much power which can be channeled towards overcoming them by working together with others who share similar goals.
In conclusion then, we can see how Ava DuVernay’s 13th evokes powerful emotions due its depiction of ongoing race issues in America. While depressing at times, it also presents stories which demonstrate how individuals can create meaningful social change when they come together for collective action. Although much more needs to be done if true equality is ever going to be achieved in this country, films like 13th provide us with invaluable insight into why such changes must take place so that everyone may experience justice regardless of background or identity.
