Whose Streets? (2017)

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Whose Streets? was released on August 11, 2017, in the USA. The American documentary film was produced by Magnolia Pictures. The movie storyline was written and directed by Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis[1].

Plot

The documentary tries to portray how a movement against racism in Missouri occurs in 2014. It all starts when Michael Brown, an African American teenager, is shot twelve times and killed by police despite Brown's hands are put in the air. His body is left on the street for hours. This creates tension among the citizens of Ferguson. People in Ferguson gather and rallies towards police in protesting for the death of a teenager. In return, the state sends heavily armed officers in full gear and fortified vehicles to force back protestors. Artists, teachers, activists, parents encourage the protest from around the country in showing the resistance towards racism[2].

Black Empowerment

Protest in Ferguson[3]

This is shown that heroes in fighting racism can be from African Americans, not white savior which usually shown in the movie[4]. The documentary also shows that newer generations believe in fighting racism and taking the fight for having the same right in politics, social, and psychic wholeness. The protest encourages younger people to be proactive in fighting racism and aware of the situation. As what they always want, they only aspire to receive equal justice under the law. Just like Reed, one of the lead protestors, says "We don't do this because we hate the police, we do this because we love each other"[5].

Controversy

Police in Ferguson[6]

It is shown the police were not trying to make peace and resolution towards the protestors. Activists around there say the police are actually trying to show their power by bringing full gear police with a loaded gun to the protestors instead of bringing the usual police around the city. It can be seen that the police throws flares, gas and even red-dot laser are seem across the protesters[7]. The documentary displays that the media are also shown to justify what the does to Brown such ABC[8].

References