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Video Analysis: The Case Of Lena Baker

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The video discussed the case of Lena Baker, an African American woman who was convicted of killing her white employer in self-defense in 1945 and subsequently sentenced to death. The video emphasized the prevalence of racial discrimination and injustice during the Jim Crow era in the United States. The video showed how Lena Baker was denied a fair trial and was not given the opportunity to defend herself adequately. The legal system at that time was biased against African Americans, and Lena's case was a clear example of the injustice faced by people of color. The video also highlighted the struggle of women during that period, especially women of color. Lena was a single mother who worked as a domestic worker to support her family, and she was subjected to sexual exploitation by her employer. This underscores the exploitation and vulnerability that many women faced during this time. Furthermore, the video also showcased the power dynamics of race, gender, and class during this time. Lena's white employer, who was wealthy and powerful, was able to manipulate the legal system to ensure that Lena was convicted and …show more content…

It shed light on the issues of racial discrimination, gender inequality, and class struggles prevalent in the Jim Crow era of the United States. The video humanized Lena Baker and showed how she was a victim of circumstances beyond her control. It highlighted the struggle of African Americans during that period and showcased the resilience and strength of people who fought against the injustices of that time. Additionally, the video also showcased the importance of intersectionality in understanding issues of social inequality. It showed how race, gender, and class intersected to shape the experiences of individuals during that period. The video also highlighted the power of storytelling in bringing attention to social issues and creating awareness about the struggles faced by marginalized

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An advocate of “fundamental social transformation”, this belief, combined with Ella Baker’s consistent confidence of change beginning within the local people of the movement, paved her path to becoming a life-time activist for civil liberties and equality among all Americans. (194) While she may be renown amongst Civil Rights enthusiasts, Baker’s involvement and impact on the movement remains relatively unknown to the majority of Americans. Barbara Ransby’s book Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement attempts to end this silence, and does so very convincingly. Throughout her book, Ransby points out example-after-example of how Baker is either directly or indirectly involved with many of the Civil Rights Movement’s most famous moments – creation of the NAACP, freedom rides, the SCLC, Birmingham, Albany, the SNCC, etc. After reading about her dedication and the sacrifices she made for the

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I learned that Mexican-Americans were discriminated against more than I was aware of during this time in our history. An example from the video showed a sign outside of a restaurant that said “We serve whites only – No Spanish or Mexicans.” I also learned that the Hernandez v. Texas was the first Mexican-American civil rights case involving Mexican-American lawyers to reach the U.S Supreme Court. (PBS) o What does the video tell you about civil rights in America – for example, 1) how have our views of civil rights changed?

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Many of the speakers are frustrated at the fact that systemic racism is still very much alive, yet they remain professional. They discuss issues and problems in detail to give the audience a full understanding of the topic. Because of this and their desire to be direct, glossing-over details and censorship does not occur. The documentary has two main points of discussion: the history of oppression in America, and the prison industrial-complex. During the first half of the film, wherein the speakers discuss the discrimination of African-Americans, the tone used is factual and [smth].

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For example, sanitation workers had to carry bags of garbage that had holes in them and since they were paid low wages, they ended up poor on welfare. Not only was this film was a way of seeing another turning point during the civil rights movement but also, African Americans fighting for justice. Even though I was not born during that time, I can understand how they felt because it wasn’t that easy. In today’s society racism isn’t as bad as what it was during that time. Besides we still have times were we face racism in our lives so I would say in some areas racism is still a

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Instantly, her story is captivating due to the nature of the emotion she encases us in with the events before and following the riots. Due to the nature of her race, Korean-American, she is not qualified for medical treatment, food stamps, welfare, and many prominent necessities poorer Americans need and receive from the federal government. What’s enlightening, in the negative connotation, is the fact that we learn about how “Many Afro-Americans…who never worked…get [the] minimum amount” where they are unable to get all of that since many Korean-Americans have a semi-successful business and have the luxury of having cars and homes while being high taxpayers. From this, we can determine that not only is there a highlight of racism between the white Americans and the Afro-Americans, but there is evidence of mistreatment of these Korean-American people that have come to the United States for freedom and to live a better life, which may or

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She received an education at an all black school as a child and graduated college at Shaw University as class valedictorian. She was always disagreeing and questioning why African Americans weren't treated equally. Growing up with a grandmother who informed her about her life as a slave, Baker knew at a young age that blacks weren’t being treated equally. She could also see the inequality occurring in her community. When Baker was six years old, she slapped a white boy for calling her a racial slur.

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Due to traditional norms and gender roles, Baker's sisters were not given the same opportunity to attend college as his brother. Baker's African American friends also faced systematic bias and discrimination that made it hard for them to go to college or move up in their jobs. These stories show that not every person has the same obstacles to realizing the American Dream and that systemic hurdles to opportunity and social mobility still remain in American

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In her speech, Josephine Baker explains the discrimination she faced when she came to America, and how she decided to stand up against it. She also encourages the audience to support the cause she’s been fighting for. In her speech, she states, “And when I got to New York way back then, I had other blows—when they would not let me check into the good hotels because I was colored, or eat in certain restaurants.” This demonstrates how big a problem racial injustice was in America. Baker explains how in France, the color of her skin didn’t matter, but it was a whole different story in America.

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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.

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In the past I have struggled with my biracial identity. As a child I was confused about which community I belonged in because I am a mix of Navajo and Caucasian. As I got older, I began to question myself and who I was. I felt like I did not belong to either the Native or Caucasian community because in both groups I felt like someone else. I felt as if I had to live two lives that were completely separated.

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Lena is a caring woman who loves her family. She is understanding of the problems of others, and can look past their mistakes no matter the gravity of what they've done. Even though both of her children are grown adults, she still has the motherly drive to protect them as if they were still young children.

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Since her husband died she has taken charge. In every decision she makes she shows how much she cares about her family and puts them first. After her husband unexpectedly died the dreams he had for his family were placed into her hands and sprouted from there. Lena is very caring supportive, not only of her kids and

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The movie clearly exposes the many ways that the human dignity of African- American maids was ignored. They had suffered daily embarrassment but were able to claim their own way dignity. The film described about empowerment of individuals as well as about social justice for a group. It is a moving story depicting dehumanization in a racist culture but also the ability to move beyond the unjust structures of society and to declare the value of every human being.

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Black women are treated less than because of their ascribed traits, their gender and race, and are often dehumanized and belittled throughout the movie. They are treated like slaves and are seen as easily disposable. There are several moments throughout the film that show the racial, gender, and class inequalities. These moments also show exploitation and opportunity hoarding. The Help also explains historical context of the inequality that occurred during that time period.

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All the victims speaking up for the movement indicates that they will no longer tolerate the silencing of their voices because of political and social power. The movement is a great example of how intersectionality is considered in modern day issues and is a very effective tool for creating consideration of all factors in

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