Postmodern Critic
Morgan Bell
Jeff MusallHow should you respond to blatant and unrepentant displays of racism?
March 18th 2009 07:29
Consider this short film, called The Black Rider:
How do you feel about this short film, in particular, the young man's actions?
Did you consider the lady beyond redemption, and hence deserving of being punished for something she did not do? Is it poetic justice for her to suffer financially for her racism? The man might be said to be acting under the belief that desperate times call for desperate measures, but even though we can imagine him feeling better over a) getting rid of her and b) creating an undesirable situation for her, he isn't doing anything to make the situation better.
What are the various ways he could have acted instead?
Perhaps he could have informed her verbally that her comments are offensive and unwelcome instead of listening silently to her misgivings? How could he have done this? Could he have made a brisk but weighty statement to 'shut her up'? How about engaging her in conversation? Too unlikely considering how stubborn people can be in clinging to their prejudices in old age? And yet, are we really to believe that this woman is beyond redemption? Is it appropriate to write her off as too stuck in her ways to bother educating?
What might 'The Black Rider' have said to her, had he attempted to speak? Humanise his race for her by telling her some personal insights of his? Tackle big picture concerns instead? For those of you who are inspired, imagine you are the Rider and write a speech (of whatever length you like) in response to the lady.
Some thoughts upon the silence of others: It is said that it is apathy that allows societal ills such like racism to flourish, so next time you are witness to behaviour which you identify as inappropriate, state your disapproval in a safe but emphatic way. You will change not just your own mindset (for being proactive is inspiring and liberating), but, if you genuinely care about the person who is harming themselves with their inappropriate attitude, you will change them as well. And sometimes it's the realisation that the person on the street can see a better version of you that causes someone lacking better role models to change.
All these thoughts considering, the resolution of the film still makes me laugh.
Which makes them no less worthy of consideration - perhaps even more so, as it's quite an open-ended piece. It earned Pepe Danquart an Oscar for Best Short Film, I believe.
How do you feel about this short film, in particular, the young man's actions?
Did you consider the lady beyond redemption, and hence deserving of being punished for something she did not do? Is it poetic justice for her to suffer financially for her racism? The man might be said to be acting under the belief that desperate times call for desperate measures, but even though we can imagine him feeling better over a) getting rid of her and b) creating an undesirable situation for her, he isn't doing anything to make the situation better.
What are the various ways he could have acted instead?
Perhaps he could have informed her verbally that her comments are offensive and unwelcome instead of listening silently to her misgivings? How could he have done this? Could he have made a brisk but weighty statement to 'shut her up'? How about engaging her in conversation? Too unlikely considering how stubborn people can be in clinging to their prejudices in old age? And yet, are we really to believe that this woman is beyond redemption? Is it appropriate to write her off as too stuck in her ways to bother educating?
What might 'The Black Rider' have said to her, had he attempted to speak? Humanise his race for her by telling her some personal insights of his? Tackle big picture concerns instead? For those of you who are inspired, imagine you are the Rider and write a speech (of whatever length you like) in response to the lady.
Some thoughts upon the silence of others: It is said that it is apathy that allows societal ills such like racism to flourish, so next time you are witness to behaviour which you identify as inappropriate, state your disapproval in a safe but emphatic way. You will change not just your own mindset (for being proactive is inspiring and liberating), but, if you genuinely care about the person who is harming themselves with their inappropriate attitude, you will change them as well. And sometimes it's the realisation that the person on the street can see a better version of you that causes someone lacking better role models to change.
All these thoughts considering, the resolution of the film still makes me laugh.
Which makes them no less worthy of consideration - perhaps even more so, as it's quite an open-ended piece. It earned Pepe Danquart an Oscar for Best Short Film, I believe.
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Comment by Spike 2
Wordophilia
Qwerk
Peanut Butter
I know someone who's terribly racist in his own way (though much less so than this case) and there's nothing that will change it. I say nothing unless he asks me: then I'll quite happily tell him he's way out of date and out of line. Doesn't change a thing, which is why I don't bother correcting him if he's just ranting.
Only time and education changes stupid preconceptions.
Comment by Postmodern Critic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Everyone in my family is appallingly racist, so I've learnt to pick my battles with them and conserve my energy. I agree, time and education are on our side, and it's amazing how fast the world is changing (oftentimes for the better).
Comment by samaritan
Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
Samaritan
Comment by Postmodern Critic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I was thinking that he could have attempted to strike up a conversation with her, somehow proven himself a worthy conversant. This would have shattered her preconceived notions of black people. But yes, that was not a possibility that the film actively encouraged people to consider, perhaps.