General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTaking my kids to see Selma tomorrow.
Has anyone else? We've had a lot of conversations but I want them to realize what people went through to get to vote.
Skidmore
(37,364 posts)We went to see "Selma" on Friday afternoon. It may have been the time we went to see it, but the theater was only partially full and all members of the audience were older people like us. My husband was the only black person there. Thank you for taking them. It is a film all young people should see.
onecaliberal
(32,894 posts)aikoaiko
(34,183 posts)I generally trust common sense media. They suggest it for 13 year olds.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/selma
Positive messages
Reveals the triumphs and challenges of the civil rights movement and the importance of gathering a diverse community to fight institutional racism in the Jim Crow South. Shows how the civil rights workers put their lives and privacy at risk in the face of tremendous odds.
Positive role models
King isn't idealized here -- his flaws, including infidelity, are addressed. But there's no shortage of incredible role models among the civil rights leaders, including King and his wife; their friends Hosea Williams, Bayard Ruskin, and a young John Lewis; Diane Nash; James Bevel; and others who supported the cause of nonviolent protest and raised national consciousness about inequality in the South.
Violence
Southern whites terrorize the black marchers and potential voters -- attacking them with sticks, bats, guns, barbed stakes, and even whips. Selma police use tear gas and batons to viciously beat protestors until they're bloody and unable to walk. Angry segregationists blow up a church, killing four girls; they also beat a white clergyman to death. MLK and his friends refer to lynchings and the murders of Medgar Evars, Malcolm X, and Robert F. Kennedy.
Sex
A few kisses and embraces between couples. One scene in which Coretta listens to a recording of two people having sex, presumably to make her think it's her husband and a mistress. Coretta and Martin have a conversation about his infidelity.
Language
Infrequent (except for the racial slurs) use of words including "f--k," "s--," "bulls--t," "ass," and "goddamn." Much more frequent use of the "N" word, "nigras," "negroes," "coon," "white n----r," "bastard," and more.
onecaliberal
(32,894 posts)I do worry about the use of the N word because my daughter's best friend is AA. They've encountered some of that ignorance at school and my daughter was horrified. Still I want them to see this country for what it is. I'm very active politically so they are aware of a lot.
I would be a little apprehensive if I were you too.
Skidmore
(37,364 posts)back then could be used to underscore the change that has occurred in that respect. However, you will find yourself being struck by how many of the same attitudes and problems are still here but with a glossy coating. Again, I do think that young people need to see this film.
onecaliberal
(32,894 posts)mnhtnbb
(31,404 posts)We are old geezers (he's 72 and I'm 63) who remember the events of the 60's.
His family is from Georgia, and he actually spied on a Klan meeting when
he was visiting them from California--where he grew up--one time.
onecaliberal
(32,894 posts)They are both compassionate kids but I want them to see the struggle. How people died. That it's not okay to skip voting when they turn 18.
NanceGreggs
(27,818 posts)I found it to be not a "great" film. But then I'm a senior, who lived through that period of history.
That being said, I think it affords a great education for teens and younger adults who didn't witness these events in real time. The violence against blacks is depicted in ways that make the point, without being so graphic as to assault the sensibilities of those of your kids' ages.
Just my opinion, but I think this film will serve as a great educational tool for younger citizens, and will spark much-needed conversation about that era and its impact on the country as a whole amongst those too young to have "been there", but need to understand what "being there" was all about.
onecaliberal
(32,894 posts)bigwillq
(72,790 posts)Fairly standard biopic.
I think it's an important movie to see.
Brother Buzz
(36,463 posts)onecaliberal
(32,894 posts)It is another day off from school, without a clue why.
Brother Buzz
(36,463 posts)Images of an event interpreted by a director born half a decade after Kings death. I guess I'm officially an old fart.