Freedom Riders (2010)

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Freedom Riders was released in February 2010, in the USA. The American documentary film was produced by American Experience Films. The movie was written and directed by Stanley Nelson. The documentary is created to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of the event. The film won 3 Primetime Emmy awards in 2011[1].

Plot

In 1961, segregation law has created America to become more out of control. Lots of states have imposed the law brutally, despite that the federal government in the Kennedy era remain silent to not comment on those[2]. Eventually, the Congress of Racial Equality recruited a group of young men and women who are an idealist. At first, they are being naive as the reality did not go to what they expected. The recruited group then traveled together between African Americans and White Americans in the same train from Washington New Orleans, the deepest south of America. Throughout the journey, the recruited group received insult, beaten and jailed for defending their idea of racial equality. The film also shows interviews such as Joh Patterson, an Alabama governor in 1961, admitting his fault for not against the senior management[3].

Black Empowerment

Although the federal government was late, they initiate the civil rights action against racism by showing people can live next to each other despite the skin color differences. In the last scene during the interview, it can be seen that several participants said would give their life for fighting racism which shows how important racism needs to be eradicated. Their action does not only affect the government at the time, but they have changed the history how people should see each other[4]

Controversy

It can be seen that living in the era of the film is intensified with racism. Sign spot indicating "Whites Only" are everywhere especially south. The scene in Southerners from Tennessee was threatening people who signed to go against racism. The prejudice even worse in Alabama where assault to the traveled group and its bus is burnt due to friendship between the White Americans and African Americans[5].

References