Gurleen Sandhu
Ms. Greff
English B30
13 June 2023
Revealing Racial Interactions: A Comparative Study of Visual Storytelling
In the contemporary world, engaging in significant dialogues regarding race and its profound influence on individuals and communities holds immense significance. By scrutinizing impactful creations in the realm of visual storytelling, we can uncover the complex strata of racial interactions and develop a more profound comprehension of their outcomes. In this article, we shall embark on an intriguing expedition, delving into the intellectually stimulating themes found in the cinematic production titled "Crash" and the serialized narrative named "Seven Seconds in the Bronx" Through an examination of duality of consciousness,
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In "Crash," the characters' experiences vividly portray this struggle. Anthony, a black man seeking validation in a racially biased world, yearns to assert his dignity. Reflecting on the complexity of his identity, he passionately asserts, "You think you know who I am? You don't know anything. I am not your enemy." These words challenge our preconceived notions, urging us to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of individual identities. Similarly, "Seven Seconds in the Bronx" sheds light on internal conflicts through the character of Brenton Butler. His tragic death at the hands of a police officer raises questions about racial profiling and the devaluation of black lives. Brenton's father mournfully remarks, "They don't see our humanity. They see a target." This line encapsulates the heartbreaking reality faced by many black individuals unjustly reduced to targets of racial biases. These powerful portrayals implore us to empathize with individuals wrestling with their racial identities, emphasizing the urgency of fostering understanding and dismantling harmful …show more content…
Both "Crash" and "Seven Seconds in the Bronx" portray instances where characters make quick assumptions based on race, leading to devastating consequences. In "Crash," Jean's immediate fear and mistrust upon encountering two black men highlight the prejudices ingrained in society. However, her character experiences a transformative moment, challenging her own biases and unraveling the layers of hasty judgments. This arc urges us to question our predispositions and strive for empathy and connection, rather than succumbing to divisive stereotypes. Similarly, "Seven Seconds in the Bronx" exposes the repercussions of hasty judgments within the criminal justice system. The rush to blame KJ. Similarly, "Seven Seconds in the Bronx" exposes the repercussions of hasty judgments within the criminal justice system. The rush to blame KJ, an African American teenager, for Brenton's death illustrates the prejudiced lens through which law enforcement operates. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the authorities hastily assume KJ's guilt, perpetuating a narrative that further entrenches racial biases. This hasty judgment not only affects KJ's life but also highlights the broader issue of racial profiling and the presumption of guilt placed on marginalized communities. By examining the destructive consequences of hasty judgments, these narratives invite viewers to question their own
It also explores the minority poor demonization to serve political ends contributing to minority unrealistic fear by the whites and to persistent police brutality problems against the minority communities. Videos taken by bystanders and by use of cams worn by officers and some placed in police cars show how the unarmed minorities were fatally shot by the police in minor confrontations in the 21st century. The film end with a graphic of recent videos of blacks’ fatal shooting by the police. Questions 1.
The essay by James Baldwin recounts his stay in a small Swiss town where no black man had ever visited. The people in the town were captivated by his skin color because they have never seen a black person before. Baldwin visited this town few times and the town’s people even though they knew his name they were still fascinated by the color of his skin. The people didn’t see him as a real person and the children in town run after him shouting names and even though their cries were innocent the words effected Baldwin. In the essay he shows the different ways we effect and reflect each other’s identity.
With Schutte’s background in journalism, social activism, and writing, she is able to bring out emotions within the reader. Schutte understands the past events relating to racism and is able to discuss the issues with the reader, with an informed background. The wording within the article demonstrates Schutte’s passion on the subject, and uses words such as defenseless, shock and horror to express her opinions on the racism that blacks fear and encounter daily. Schutte includes personal stories of victims of racial profiling and harm to establish pathos. Schutte discusses the discrimination that blacks face daily: being judged based on the color of their skin and not their intellectual ability or personality.
In the film “Do the Right Thing”, Spike depicts the problem in society regarding racial tension to provide understanding of the suffering of African Americans and minorities. As the film escalates, bits of tension build in every character
"Crash" delves deep into the prejudices and stereotypes held by people in a diverse L.A. community. Three striking stereotypes, surface: African Americans as criminals, Middle Easterners as terrorists, and Latinos as gang members. Graham, a black detective, grapples with the stereotype of being a potential criminal, impacting his self-esteem and infiltrating both his personal and professional life. Farhad, a Persian store owner, is mislabeled as an Arab terrorist, intensifying his isolation and fear. Daniel, a Latino locksmith, is harshly branded a gang member by a privileged white woman.
Systemic racism through racial prejudice makes life dangerous for Black people through police brutality, living in dangerous neighbourhoods, and the lack of justice for black people in the legal system. First off, the story depicts how police brutality, caused by racial prejudice makes the lives of black people perilous when Officer Moore killed Jerome. Jerome’s demise was a result of racial prejudice because the police officer who killed him did it because he felt threatened by Jerome, who he prejudged as big and scary. When Officer Moore was asked in his preliminary hearing to describe Jerome, he said, “He was big, hulking. Scary.”
A Hispanic man that works as a locksmith and tries to take care of his daughter and wife, and a Persian family man that is discriminated by an American in a shop and mistaking him from an Arabic man. Some of these people come in contact with each other in some way or another, in a negative situation that deals with racial stereotyping of each other and prejudices. (“Crash (2004 film),” 2015) The Hispanic man takes a distance from the stereotype that Hispanic men are gang members and criminals and does not want to be affiliated with that, he works as a locksmith to support his family. This stereotype was shown as an example when he was working for a white woman, as she loudly expresses her concern that he was going to steal they keys and give it to other gang members so they break in because of his background and his appearance.
He begins to stray from logos and uses pathos to earn a sense of sympathy and understanding from his White audience. In this, he longs for the people to create this personal connection and intimate experience with the speaker. Baldwin speaks of how African Americans cannot escape the pounding reality facing his people: “You are a worthless human being” (Baldwin). However, this was not what troubled him the most. He found it utterly disheartening that by the time one comes to terms with this corrupt system of reality, it has transferred to their beloved youth (Baldwin).
The speed of the camera adds a restlessness to the discourse through which the crowd discovers that the characters enable their own battles to meddle with their judgment about different
Throughout his essay, Staples is able to make the audience understand what he has to deal with as a black man. Staples does this by using words and phrases such as, “...her flight made me feel like an accomplice in tyranny” and “... I was indistinguishable from the muggers who occasionally seeped into the area…” (542). By writing and describing how he (Staples) feels, the audience is able to get an inside look into how black men are treated and better understand why society’s teachings, play a vital role in how we see each other. Staples’ powerful writing also allows the reader to take a step back and see how as a society, people make judgements on others based on appearance alone.
The climax of his career subsisted in the midst of national turmoil. During this time, African Americans were trying to define their Blackness and their humanity in a land where they were treated second class. Author Wallace Terry put in words the thoughts that spun through the minds of the African American community,
Moreover, demonstrate consequences are taken to oppress racial and ethnic minorities to keep them in a subservient position. Overall, this film has provided me with a visual depiction of how stereotypes are a mental tool that enforces racial segregation and self-hate. The label of “White” became a necessity for Sarah Jane to achieve in society. To attain it she needed to move to a new city, change her name and deny her mother.
He is constantly being looked down at for issue of the 9/11 terror attack. Here we witness an immigrant and his family trying to start a new life in a new country but are being neglected from becoming a part of the society because of these stereotypes. When these characters collide with one another, it’s very unpredictable how they will react. We understand whether they choose to believe in the stereotypes that are based on that certain group or completely erase that from their memory and focus on their actions. Crash teaches us about whether we should be judging one another based on their actions or choose to conform in these racial
‘A Time to Kill’ is a movie that depicts the racial tensions between the white and black Americans in the past. The movie revolves around the life of Jake Brigance, a lawyer, and Carl Lee Hailey, as he struggles with the law and racism after seeking justice for his raped 10-year old daughter. As Carl Lee approaches Brigance for help with his case, they both face the challenge of blurring the lines between the white and black Americans and helping Carl Lee escape the long arms of the law. In the movie, racism, negligence of one side of the story, and objectivity are applied.
The film, Crash, emphasizes the differences of cultures and classes. It focuses on the reality that we are all individuals and that adaptation of the human condition is hopeless. That the need to compete and the desire to win are more important than the justification for human decency. The tension of social and racial tension throughout this film I believe widens the chasm of discussion. I believe this because this film can be interpreted differently by individuals.