12 years a slave... Critics are already comparing it to Schindler's List

[Loki]

I know that for a lot of white people hearing about slavery makes you feel like you're personally being attacked since very few rich white men in fact benefited from the free labor that slaves produced but the system of slavery has greatly benefited you because it created an ideology where your skin allows you freedom and consideration regardless of action where as being black affords the opposite. Slavery is mentioned to give insight into why things are the way they are and to not simply designate blacks as a throw away minority who for some reason just can't get their act together.
I sympathize with the fact that you don't see the benefits your whiteness gives you or maybe you do sometimes but I know that I have had to take a hard look at the benefits my maleness gives me. I don't have to be as cautious when leaving some place late at night, rape never crosses my mind nor does being kidnapped. I rarely think that I need the protection of others to navigate through life and I know for women that's not always the case but it should also be acknowledged that people aren't going to look at you as a threat that either needs to be killed or locked away. Your children go missing and the cops care when ours go missing its chalked up to kids just running away. Slavery is a huge part of American history, its a major reason why the US became a super power in the first place so like it or not its going to come up and subsequently how it made being white such an asset.

Well done, both the tone and content of this post is excellent.

 

[The Dark King]

Well done, both the tone and content of this post is excellent.

Thank you sir means a lot coming from you:smt085

 

[medullaslashin]

They're trying really hard to shove these 'servant' roles into an Oscar win.

I'm not buying it one bit. They can can keep their 'slaves' and 'butlers'.

^ this, all day. The one outtake that I've seen from the butler movie involves a clash between the nice, decent butler and a "black panther" type in a black beret. I wonder if this is the "theme" throughout :mrgreen:

 

[The Dark King]

I don't feel so much attacked, as I feel like saying "What do you want ME to do about what happened?" I didn't choose to be white any more than you chose to be black. But your other sentence makes a lot of sense. I can understand slavery being talked about in that context. But when some people like to bring it up as the reason that they can't progress or become something great, that slavery is always going to hold back the black community, I have a hard time with that. There are men right here on this forum who have realized great success, accomplishment and happiness despite the history of slavery, maybe (dare I say) even because of it.

That's a tad bit myopic and I get why people make that leap. It's part of the Obama effect where people think if a bm can become president some how all the prejudices surrounding race is some how either gone or greatly diminished more than it has. All I say is ask twenty bm and at least 80% will tell you otherwise.

 

[medullaslashin]

But when some people like to bring it up as the reason that they can't progress or become something great, that slavery is always going to hold back the black community, I have a hard time with that.

who does that? I've been black for a while now, and I haven't come across that.

sometimes I'll say stuff like "underclasses kill each other and commit more crime and folly throughout human societies all along the rainbow. Blacks are america's classic underclass. you can't get much more underclass than human chattel." Is that the kinda stuff you're talking about?

So when white people say you should move on, many are saying you need to accept that it was a terrible injustice which will never be remedied, but as a black man, you needn't let that be something that dogs you and keeps you from being successful.

Do you know many black men who say that slavery is what's keeping them from being successful? How does that work anyway? walk us through it.

Do they take 4-hour lunches to make up for the free labor during slavery? Do they break down and cry whenever someone says a word that rhymes with slave, thus upsetting workplace morale? Exactly how are black men letting slavery keep them from being successful?

I ask, because I have a feeling that that's a popular sentiment among white ppl.

It's good that you posted your opinion and I'm not attacking, so don't be shy. In fact, I agree with you when you called-out gorath's post for assuming that all white folks are proud of slavery. However, when you think black people sit around whining about slavery and using it as an excuse to not pursue goals, you're buying into a "stereotype" that's at least as cartoonish as the evil white person who's proud of slavery

 

[samson1701]

That's a tad bit myopic and I get why people make that leap. It's part of the Obama effect where people think if a bm can become president some how all the prejudices surrounding race is some how either gone or greatly diminished more than it has. All I say is ask twenty bm and at least 80% will tell you otherwise.

I agree 100%.

If Hilary wins in 2016, I guess that will mean women should just get over it and move on because their time at being oppressed will be officially over, right? I mean, I've never oppressed, exploited or discriminated against a woman so why should I feel bad? ...lol

 

[jaisee]

I find it quite interesting that people are very proud of their background and all of their ancestors accomplishments until it comes to the issue of slavery, at which point they are quick to separate from it.

The reason America still struggles with race so much as it does is because America has never tackled it head on. In many cases white America is quick to dismiss what is a very valid point and that is that slavery had a direct affect on todays social conditions. Quite a few of Todays big corporations can have their history directly tied to slavery, which is a time where blacks were refused the right to an education.

Furthermore, segregation was a direct descendant of slavery... and really it was not THAT long ago that blacks in Oakland and Chicago were taking up arms against police forces intent on unjustly imprisoning, beating and killing black Americans. It was not THAT long ago that blacks were not allowed to attend the same schools or use the same bathrooms as whites. A lot of people are quick to take issue with initiatives like affirmative action, but the reason that it is necessary is because my parents are unable to afford to send me to certain schools with my white peers due to the fact that their parents were unable to send them to certain schools with their white peers, due to the fact that they were black. Things are getting better... slowly, but lets not pretend that we are all on equal footing in this country, because we are not. The reason that we are not on equal footing is rooted in slavery.

 

[The Dark King]

who does that? I've been black for a while now, and I haven't come across that.

sometimes I'll say stuff like "underclasses kill each other and commit more crime and folly throughout human societies all along the rainbow. Blacks are america's classic underclass. you can't get much more underclass than human chattel." Is that the kinda stuff you're talking about?



Do you know many black men who say that slavery is what's keeping them from being successful? How does that work anyway? walk us through it.

Do they take 4-hour lunches to make up for the free labor during slavery? Do they break down and cry whenever someone says a word that rhymes with slave, thus upsetting workplace morale? Exactly how are black men letting slavery keep them from being successful?

I ask, because I have a feeling that that's a popular sentiment among white ppl.

It's good that you posted your opinion and I'm not attacking, so don't be shy. In fact, I agree with you when you called-out gorath's post for assuming that all white folks are proud of slavery. However, when you think black people sit around whining about slavery and using it as an excuse to not pursue goals, you're buying into a "stereotype" that's at least as cartoonish as the evil white person who's proud of slavery

Damn good post fam

 

[Hypestyle]

interesting. Considering the box office success of The Butler (relative to cost), I wonder will the same happen with this film? Also, considering that last year Django was a controversial success, will certain segments of the mainstream audience figure 'been there done that' with "slavery" films? hmm.. I hope the film turns out to be well made and doesn't shy away from the ignominy/brutality of the experience. If any number of films about the oppression of various other (Caucasian) ethnics in different times/places in history can be made, the same applies to American slavery.

 

[orejon4]

I find it quite interesting that people are very proud of their background and all of their ancestors accomplishments until it comes to the issue of slavery, at which point they are quick to separate from it.

The reason America still struggles with race so much as it does is because America has never tackled it head on. In many cases white America is quick to dismiss what is a very valid point and that is that slavery had a direct affect on todays social conditions. Quite a few of Todays big corporations can have their history directly tied to slavery, which is a time where blacks were refused the right to an education.

Furthermore, segregation was a direct descendant of slavery... and really it was not THAT long ago that blacks in Oakland and Chicago were taking up arms against police forces intent on unjustly imprisoning, beating and killing black Americans. It was not THAT long ago that blacks were not allowed to attend the same schools or use the same bathrooms as whites. A lot of people are quick to take issue with initiatives like affirmative action, but the reason that it is necessary is because my parents are unable to afford to send me to certain schools with my white peers due to the fact that their parents were unable to send them to certain schools with their white peers, due to the fact that they were black. Things are getting better... slowly, but lets not pretend that we are all on equal footing in this country, because we are not. The reason that we are not on equal footing is rooted in slavery.

Well said. Much of the US' dominance today is due to the huge leg-up that a free continental land mass, the resources that entails, and the free 300+ years of labor.

 

[pettyofficerj]

Pass, I'm sure it is a well made movie, but I go to the movies to be entertained not enraged.

 

[pettyofficerj]

Addressing the bolded points:

1. Neither do black folks.

2. And you know this how??? That's an unfair assumption.

3. You're right - people can't say just get over it and act like it didn't happen. However, what is to be gained by continually holding it up and allowing it be a stumbling block?

4. How many people are alive today that can actually own up to are reaping the benefits of their slaveowner forefathers?

I've read many posts like this over the last 2 years and have kept my mouth shut for fear of seeming unsympathetic. (Many here do seem to forget that half the members of this forum are WHITE!) But in my current mood, I'm just gonna spit out what I believe to be the truth from my vantage point: Too many black people want to keep holding the issue of slavery over the heads of white people, even today. I am not responsible for what white people did during the times of slavery. And neither is any white man or woman of this generation. We cannot change what happened and neither can you. So to keep it in the forefront of society's mind accomplishes what? Even if every white person on planet earth banded together in remorse over slavery, would that solve the problem? No. Truth is, nothing will ever make up for that injustice. NOTHING. So when white people say you should move on, many are saying you need to accept that it was a terrible injustice which will never be remedied, but as a black man, you needn't let that be something that dogs you and keeps you from being successful.

My apologies if I offended anyone.

 

[Ches]

who does that? I've been black for a while now, and I haven't come across that.

sometimes I'll say stuff like "underclasses kill each other and commit more crime and folly throughout human societies all along the rainbow. Blacks are america's classic underclass. you can't get much more underclass than human chattel." Is that the kinda stuff you're talking about?



Do you know many black men who say that slavery is what's keeping them from being successful? How does that work anyway? walk us through it.

Do they take 4-hour lunches to make up for the free labor during slavery? Do they break down and cry whenever someone says a word that rhymes with slave, thus upsetting workplace morale? Exactly how are black men letting slavery keep them from being successful?

I ask, because I have a feeling that that's a popular sentiment among white ppl.

It's good that you posted your opinion and I'm not attacking, so don't be shy. In fact, I agree with you when you called-out gorath's post for assuming that all white folks are proud of slavery. However, when you think black people sit around whining about slavery and using it as an excuse to not pursue goals, you're buying into a "stereotype" that's at least as cartoonish as the evil white person who's proud of slavery

That's just my thought after reading many posts on here in the last 2 years. It's an underlying current, if you will, imo. Has anyone actually verbalized that sentiment? "As a black man/woman, slavery is holding me back." Of course not. But it seems that it's the root for all kinds of ills. And maybe it is. As others are responding, I see more clearly, the far-reaching effects of slavery, how it is tied to the treatment of black people today. But in so many discussions (particularly those where blacks are portrayed in a negative light), the reason for it often seems to point back to slavery.

I know that, for many of you men, the women here are almost like one of you (in their thinking, anyway). We're here because we love, admire and respect you. But in the end, we are white. And some of the (often caustic) comments made about white people, sting. I find myself staying out of discussions I'd like to join, again for fear of being seen as unsympathetic or just simply being out of my element and being verbally beaten into silence. But a couple of the comments made earlier just kinda snapped my patience.

It's funny how getting older makes one braver. (Or makes one not give a sh*t what people think any more. )

 

[The Dark King]

That's just my thought after reading many posts on here in the last 2 years. It's an underlying current, if you will, imo. Has anyone actually verbalized that sentiment? "As a black man/woman, slavery is holding me back." Of course not. But it seems that it's the root for all kinds of ills. And maybe it is. As others are responding, I see more clearly, the far-reaching effects of slavery, how it is tied to the treatment of black people today. But in so many discussions (particularly those where blacks are portrayed in a negative light), the reason for it often seems to point back to slavery.

I know that, for many of you men, the women here are almost like one of you (in their thinking, anyway). We're here because we love, admire and respect you. But in the end, we are white. And some of the (often caustic) comments made about white people, sting. I find myself staying out of discussions I'd like to join, again for fear of being seen as unsympathetic or just simply being out of my element and being verbally beaten into silence. But a couple of the comments made earlier just kinda snapped my patience.

It's funny how getting older makes one braver. (Or makes one not give a sh*t what people think any more. )

When did anyone say that slavery is the reason particular behavior where a black person is held in a negative light. Here's the thing Ches I think a lot of people make sweeping comments like"why is there such a high level dropping out in the black community" slavery may be part of the explanation but never the sole read given but unfortunately people only hear the slavery part and think "omg that happened so long ago. When are they just gonna get over it". Rarely is consideration given to the whole picture. And as for women on here being supportive I think we all understand and appreciate that but when speaking about white culture you should know we are obviously not speaking about anyone on this forum. Just like when I have relatives complain about how Americans are bullies I know they aren't speaking about me

 

[flaminghetero]

who does that? I've been black for a while now, and I haven't come across that.

sometimes I'll say stuff like "underclasses kill each other and commit more crime and folly throughout human societies all along the rainbow. Blacks are america's classic underclass. you can't get much more underclass than human chattel." Is that the kinda stuff you're talking about?



Do you know many black men who say that slavery is what's keeping them from being successful? How does that work anyway? walk us through it.

Do they take 4-hour lunches to make up for the free labor during slavery? Do they break down and cry whenever someone says a word that rhymes with slave, thus upsetting workplace morale? Exactly how are black men letting slavery keep them from being successful?

I ask, because I have a feeling that that's a popular sentiment among white ppl.

It's good that you posted your opinion and I'm not attacking, so don't be shy. In fact, I agree with you when you called-out gorath's post for assuming that all white folks are proud of slavery. However, when you think black people sit around whining about slavery and using it as an excuse to not pursue goals, you're buying into a "stereotype" that's at least as cartoonish as the evil white person who's proud of slavery

 

[Stumper]

Well said. Much of the US' dominance today is due to the huge leg-up that a free continental land mass, the resources that entails, and the free 300+ years of labor.

That's not true. The United States was an average country, even after WWI. US dominance only came to be after the mass industrialization for WWII and after it.

 

[The Dark King]

That's not true. The United States was an average country, even after WWI. US dominance only came to be after the mass industrialization for WWII and after it.

And where did the money for that come from since this country wasn't a loot and plunder country?

 

[Stumper]

And where did the money for that come from since this country wasn't a loot and plunder country?

You see, there's this concept called "War Bonds." You might want to google that for your own intellectual growth, instead of making STUPID and uninformed questions.

There's no country on earth hasn't "benefitted" from looting and plundering guy. On top of war bonds, go read about the great empires and countries of world history. One trend might surprise you....

 

[Gorath]

You see, there's this concept called "War Bonds." You might want to google that for your own intellectual growth, instead of making STUPID and uninformed questions.

There's no country on earth hasn't "benefitted" from looting and plundering guy. On top of war bonds, go read about the great empires and countries of world history. One trend might surprise you....

Investing in war bonds back in WW2 was important. Retail stores sold them and Hollywood films took part in advocating it. Stage shows also took part in it. Radio shows took part in it. Even giving away old pots and pans helped in the war effort.

 

[The Dark King]

You see, there's this concept called "War Bonds." You might want to google that for your own intellectual growth, instead of making STUPID and uninformed questions.

There's no country on earth hasn't "benefitted" from looting and plundering guy. On top of war bonds, go read about the great empires and countries of world history. One trend might surprise you....

Umm no jack ass. Most of America's wealth can be traced back to the slavdry sra where the US had the market cornered on rice cotton and indigo. Sure land expansion within in.the continental US helped but by loot and plunder the US wasn't pulling a Great Britain and setting up a shit ton of colonies. Make more sense?