Entertainment
You Enjoyed ‘Tiger King’ – Now Engage with This by Maria Smith
Updated: June 5, 2020
Originally Published: June 5, 2020
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the World Health Organization, our nation found unity in a bizarre phenomenon: Netflix’s Tiger King. This wild documentary series became a shared experience, allowing us to momentarily escape the grim realities of the health crisis. We laughed at memes and engaged in discussions about a world far removed from the daily struggles in hospitals.
Now, we are confronted with another urgent crisis—one that has been festering for generations: the pandemic of racism and racial injustice. Just as we rallied around a television series previously, we have an opportunity to cultivate a national dialogue on this critical issue. This time, however, our focus needs to shift from entertainment to introspection and action, aiming for meaningful change.
Stay Informed: Understanding Racial Movements
The Black Lives Matter movement has evolved from a grassroots hashtag into a powerful force advocating for justice and equality. This documentary provides insight into the origins of the movement through the perspectives of activists, protestors, and public figures, clarifying its true purpose.
The 13th
Ava DuVernay’s compelling documentary examines the Thirteenth Amendment and its role in the mass incarceration of black males in profit-driven prison systems. Garnering multiple accolades including an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary, it investigates the historical injustices entrenched in our justice system, revealing the coded language behind phrases like “law and order.”
When They See Us
Also directed by Ava DuVernay, this miniseries recounts the harrowing events surrounding the 1989 Central Park jogger case and the Exonerated Five—black and Latino teens wrongfully convicted of a crime. The series highlights the media’s role and systemic failures that led to these unjust convictions.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender activist, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, initially ruled a suicide. This documentary explores her life and the lack of a thorough investigation into her death, as a friend and fellow activist, Victoria Cruz, seeks to honor her legacy.
Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story
This docuseries revisits the 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, by George Zimmerman. The series delves into the racial tensions that arose and the movement that followed, which sparked the Black Lives Matter initiative.
America to Me
Filmmaker Steve James presents a ten-part series that follows twelve students in Oak Park, Illinois, investigating the racial and economic disparities in American education and why white students often succeed while their black peers do not.
Let It Fall
Timed with the 25th anniversary of the Los Angeles uprisings, this documentary examines the long-standing tension between police and the black community, revealing the roots of civil unrest that led to the riots.
Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
The suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Sandra Bland, an activist who died in police custody, are scrutinized in this documentary, forcing a discussion about accountability and justice.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story
This six-part docuseries chronicles the life of Kalief Browder, who spent three years on Riker’s Island without a conviction after being accused of a crime. His story highlights the failings of the bail system and the impact of incarceration.
Slavery By Another Name
This documentary raises the question of whether slavery truly ended with the Civil War. It explores the systematic re-enslavement of freed black individuals through legal loopholes and forced labor.
Dark Girls
Focusing on the experiences of dark-skinned women in America, this documentary examines the societal biases surrounding beauty and the psychological effects of colorism.
Just Mercy
Based on the real-life story of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy follows the fight to exonerate a black man wrongfully convicted of murder. The film tackles systemic injustices and the challenges faced by black individuals in the legal system.
As we navigate a post-pandemic world, it is crucial to engage in conversations about racial injustice, even as we may not be glued to our screens as we once were. If we could unite over Tiger King, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to confront racial inequality with the same fervor. For additional insights, check out this blog post on social awareness.
In summary, these documentaries and series provide essential perspectives on racial injustice, encouraging reflection and action. They serve as a call to arms for us to engage meaningfully with the issues that affect our society.