It’s hard to describe the complex feeling after watching the film Black Panther Still in Prison After 46 years. Put a side of the conflict between the government and Black Panther, all I see is that the families were destroyed in the conflict. This film actually made me think of the sacrifice of the individuals and their families during the revolution of Black Panther. There are countless black panther members and police who died during the revolution, and their families all suffer from the pain of losing their family members. Also, it’s ironic that a black panther member can get 46 years in prison for killing police and police get much less punishment for killing a black innocent.
Comment on film: Judas and the Black Messiah
The movie was great, it really illustrated the struggles and tragic journey of how black panthers grew under the suppression of the FBI. The characteristics of Fred Hamilton really stood out to me, he was wise, calm, and selfless, which were the complete opposite of William O’Neal, the traitor of the black panther party. When the crown member offers Hamilton a bag of money for him, Hamilton decided to use the money to operate a clinic in the community to serve the people and rather use the money to escape over the sea, which shows how he values the power of people comparing to himself in this revolution. Ironically, William who had faced a similar situation made a different decision, he was defeated by his fear and greed and decided to become a threadman of the FBI in Black Panther Party. Fred Hamilton and William O’Neal represented the conflict between selflessness and selfishness in the revolution. Other than the conflict between the leader and traitor, the film also shows the impact of the Black Panther Party on the community: They never a violent terrorist group but stopped the violent conflict between gangs and use the gang power into serving the community, they never rob a penny from the people but gather and united people in different skin color to dedicate to the community, they were never perpetrator but a victim of white dominant society on that time. Hope that one day in the future, there would be another leader stood up to unite the people, and yell out the slogan again:
I completely agree with what you said in the last sentence. It’s really sad thinking while the Black Panthers purpose was to protect and fight for community, many lives were lost, families torn apart, and unfair treatment.
I agree with this because it shows their hard work and sacrifice. Indicating that their goals weren’t easy and that the put themselves at risk.
I also agree with everything you said especially the last sentence, its really sad how much they suffer and went through but because of their sacrifices, they made major progress!!!!