It is very rare for me to find a movie that leaves me feeling sick to my stomach and upset. "The BlacKKKlansman" was that rare movie that left me leaving the movie theatre in that exact feeling. I'll be honest, I wasn't fond of going to see the BlacKKKlansman because the trailer made it seem like it was another "Django Unchained." Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the directing of Quentin Tarantino, but I wanted something different. The BlacKKKlansman was more than just different, it was an awakening to the hatred and racism that still occurs today.
The movie takes place in the 1970's so the line of racism and segregation is clearly drawn. The first few minutes unravel on the stories behind each character and how they came to be. Ron Stallworth, who is the protagonist of the movie, holds a rare position as being the only African American police officer in his unit. The workers there remind him of his color in very bold ways, which makes Stallworth question his position.
Stallworth is eventually placed into a "higher position," which requires him to betray his own people and form a new identity as a white man. He is able to mask his identity by using one of his Jewish workers, Flip Zimmerman, to play the role of a recruiting member of the klan. Throughout the movie, the roles of race and perspective are switched in order to assimilate to the environment each character is faced with.
Most movies regarding racism or hatred end with a happy ending or moral. However, justice isn't necessarily served here. Rather than ending on a somber note, the plot completely changes. The screen transitions to real life events and protests that have occurred in the past year. The movie turns for an even darker twist by leaving pictures of individuals who died during these rallies. At this point, my mind is inflicted by the cruel reminder that racism is very much alive in our society.
What made things completely dark, were the last five minutes when the American flag is shown in its iconic colors: red, white and blue. Slowly, it is turned upside down and its colors fade to black and white. I didn't understand why this was necessary until it clicked. America is slowly reverting back to the old slavery, black and white mentality, instead of standing strong with the mentality of the colors of the flag (red white, and blue) standing for freedom for all.
As much as we say that we love one another despite color and differences, there are many who are disgusted by the thought of colored people being associated with them. Some say racism is in our nature, but I don't think that's true. As far as I know, researchers have not found a "racist gene." However, that doesn't mean if you were taught to hate something or someone, that you can't change.
Your perspective and mindset of others is in complete control of you and can ultimately influence crowds of people. Many influential and inspirational leaders advocated and pushed for history to never repeat itself. We should be welcoming of those despite color and differences. America for many years has been known as a melting pot of color and culture. Without its rich diversity, we wouldn't have the influential leaders or rights that are given to all today. "The BlacKKKlansman" is a harsh reminder that this world is what we make of it. Hatred can only go so far and in the end is destructive to all.
