American Skin: A gross misrepresentation of Hope for African-Americans
Nate Parker’s American Skin is a failed cinematic experiment in social justice, comprised of a disappointing narrative that Parker constructs to represent systemic racism in the United States. America as a nation has a record of innumerable examples of police brutality and communal violence stemming from systemic racism that would automatically justify a movie like American Skin to stand on solid footing however, the point is lost when the protagonist is killed off at the end.
In an interview Parker said, “ I don’t care what they say about me, what they think about me. I don’t care. I’m gonna make art for our children’s children” (via IndieWire). Creating art for children? Really? Art that depicts a hopeless future, irresponsible at best, to imply to young black boys and girls that no matter what you do, you will not stand a chance at a fair and just life? My socially conscious spirit cringes at the thought of how such visceral depiction negatively declines our society’s morale, further crippling Americans from working together by portraying a negative ending of police shooting black men. Why could Parker not have led the direction of the story toward something reasonable (or optimistic) like having the protagonist stand trial? Instead of shoot him dead?
“Status quo, you know, is Latin for, ‘The mess we’re in” - Ronald Reagan
Public figures are often looked upon as de facto role models, regardless of their ability to lead the crowds that like or follow them. However, the dangers of morally irresponsible public figures is them creating content that may potentially misdirect the African-American community toward violence and hate.
Words are a powerful instrument of change. Words can create or destruct the future as writers project their narratives into the universe shaping people’s consciousness and subconsciousness. As new age as that sounds, it works. And those writers who consciously spin narratives that are morbid and hopeless with a potential to incite chaos and disfunction is ethically criminal. Taking into consideration the recent civil unrest and riots witnessed at the Capitol in Washington D.C. just days before the Presidential inauguration ceremony, ask yourself, (as a parent, sibling, or simply a responsible adult) what kind of country do you want to leave for your loved ones? In the heat of your passion (hate or dislike for whatever ideals you hold strong) are you willing to vomit your personal destructive narratives and weave tales of pessimistic beliefs into impressionable minds? Is that a socially just and responsible move?
