Amis Basnet, Prof Garcia, History 1301, September 2022, Film

4amis Basnetprof Garciahist 1301 3170118 September 2022film Review 12

Each student must now write a 300-word post connecting their film review to the material covered in class, discussing how the film relates to important ideas, events, issues, and changes in American history. The post should explain the connection between the film and American historical context, relate it to personal life experiences, and consider how it can be applied in real-life situations. The prompt encourages reflection on the reasons for choosing the film, acknowledging varying experiences among viewers, and drawing parallels to personal experiences in America.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the profound impact of slavery on American history is pivotal to comprehending the nation's social and cultural evolution. The film "12 Years a Slave," directed by Steve McQueen, vividly portrays the brutal realities faced by enslaved Africans in 19th-century America, serving as a stark reminder of the injustices that shaped the country's development. Connecting this film to class material, including the significant changes brought about by abolition, highlights how slavery was not just a social evil but also a catalyst for profound political and societal transformation in the United States.

The film underscores key historical themes such as the dehumanization inherent in slavery, systemic racism, and the resistance against oppression. These themes align with class discussions on the evolution of civil rights and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. The narrative's focus on individual stories, such as Solomon Northup's, personalizes the large-scale atrocities inflicted upon enslaved people, fostering a deeper understanding of the human cost of slavery. This aligns with the course's emphasis on personal narratives as vital sources for understanding history and the importance of empathy in confronting past injustices.

Moreover, "12 Years a Slave" connects with American history by illustrating the legal and economic systems that prolonged slavery. It demonstrates how slavery was embedded within societal structures, influencing later movements for civil rights and social justice. The film prompts reflection on the enduring legacy of slavery, including systemic inequalities that persist today, which have been key topics in class discussions on the persistence of racial disparities.

On a personal level, the film resonates with the importance of understanding historical injustices to foster empathy and promote social responsibility. It encourages viewers to recognize the importance of advocating for fairness and equality in contemporary society. Personally, it emphasizes the need to confront uncomfortable truths about history to create a more inclusive future—an essential lesson applicable to managing diversity and promoting social justice in everyday life.

References

• McQueen, Steve. (2013). 12 Years a Slave. Plan B Entertainment, Regency Enterprises, Summit Entertainment, Film4 Productions.
• Foner, Eric. (2014). The Story of American Freedom. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Berlin, Ira. (2013). The Blackatlantic. Harvard University Press.
• Du Bois, W.E.B. (2014). The Souls of Black Folk. Oxford University Press.
• Baker, Houston A. (2017). Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance. Princeton University Press.
• Gross, Ariela J. (2010). What Blood Won't Tell: A History of Race on Trial in America. Harvard University Press.
• Gordon-Reed, Annette. (2018). The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Williams, Heather Andrea. (2010). Help Me to Find My People: The African American Search for Family Lost in Slavery. Oxford University Press.
• Slaughter, Sandra. (2014). The Racial Wealth Gap in America. Cambridge University Press.
• Feagin, Joe R., & Ducey, Linda. (2019). Racial Inequality and the Legacy of Slavery in America. Routledge.