My Thoughts About Harriet (The Trailer)

When my daughter told me that a new movie about Harriet Tubman is scheduled to come out in November, I had conflicting thoughts. I have to admit, any other person whose name isn't Cicely Tyson portraying Harriet Tubman, wasn't an easy sell at first.  Yet, I had to immediately let that go.  I have to change with the times.

Secondly, like many other folks, I am a bit tired of seeing movies about slavery. More than one, every two or three years or more is quite enough in my opinion.  I agree with those who believe movies depicting slavery are a must.  In order to appreciate where we are, truly kids today need to know about America's history and the strange fruit our country bore.  Along with kids learning about slavery, adults who are somewhat knowledgeable of our painful past must never forget.  But, in all thy getting there must be understanding.  Meaning, while we are viewing our past, we must see and understand not only where we come from but how these movies aid us all in where we are going.

We must also understand there has to be balance.

Here is one aspect of the balance I'd like to speak on.  After viewing Harriet's trailer,  I clicked on several other videos where critics discussed whether they either loved or hated the trailer and/or how they feel about actually seeing the movie.  Several critics welcomed Harriet, while just as many loathed the idea.  I found those comments made by the critics who wasn't open to Harriet very very interesting.

Break....

Before I get into his comment, I'd like to add that when this type of movie comes out and ultimately becomes a block buster hit, the same energy should go into following up with a movie depicting black people in thriving (preferably more up to date) roles.  I suppose I must also say, relationships between people of different races should also be displayed harmoniously.  I believe that white and black people do live harmoniously more often than not in this day and time. So, after the slavery movie lets see racial harmony on the screen.  Because, I'd go out on a limb to say this is more than not my opinion.  It is fact.  So, why not show the viewers more of the truth, especially as it applies to today.

It is my opinion that following up with a movie where the characters who were the underdog (not even 1/4 of a person) before are now the achievers (the greatest thing since slice bread), would create a more balanced...a more positive idea/perspective about who they are and what they represent as a people today. Whether you know it or not, the media/cinema/television (tell-lie-vision) has a grip that I term "vice grip".  Once a person's mind has been fed information from these sources and many others, he/she walks away with someone else's idea of fact or fiction about himself/herself and other people.

At one time there was two or three slavery movies, back to back hit movies, that were shown in theaters all over.  I didn't see them back to back.  However, every where I turned there was talk of all.  There were images of all.  What kind of impression could this leave even on the strongest of minds?

Now back to why the negative criticism from the critics (not shown here).  It was said that Harriet may be a feel good movie where Harriet Tubman is displayed as an action figure or super hero instead of an enslaved person who happens to be the most influential/extraordinary leader, abolitionist, and African American woman to have ever been born. Having said that, the critic also expressed whether his concerns as to whether Harriet's character would be credible - a true human being, a slave, and a person who had great faith in God but had understandable fears.  Based on the trailer, he didn't see the story being portrayed or seen this way.  One critic (not shown here) believed the horror of slavery would be minimized as well.

Truly each critic (good and not so good opinions) gave me more and some more to think about.  It's so great to be at a point in life where you welcome another person's differences in opinion.  I really don't think any opinion given has influenced me in either way.  I was sold on seeing the movie after I heard it was coming out.  Fact!  But what really drove it home is when I saw the trailer.  Girl, I clutched my imaginary pearls.  I felt like I could do anything.  Remember how it felt when President Obama won the presidency?  If you felt like an eagle like I did when he won, then you know how I felt after Harriet's trailer.  Just to give you a clue as to how I felt here goes...

I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chaplain Nikki

www.nyasproject.com