Listening to others and getting their view on situations can be a challenging task. The New York Times op-docs show in video form the outlook and experiences of others. There are many different subjects that these op-docs showcase such as discrimination. These op-docs allow you to learn about different issues in a short amount of time. Personally this is beneficial because you are able to learn so much and get a better perspective on different subjects quickly rather than watching a full length documentary.
You can't speak about other people's experience if you never took the time to listen. In A conversation with Black Women on Race by Joe Brewster and Michele Stevenson many women of color explain their experiences in our world. While they spoke on experiences of police brutality and discrimination they also revealed situations I never would have thought of. One woman shared her experience with a makeup/hair dresser while performing for a play. The white woman surrounding her had beautiful clothing and hair done. She was neglected of the same treatment of her hair because the hairdresser didn't think her hair could “look that nice”. The comment insinuating that her hair is not good enough was shocking. Something as simple as her hair texture was being shamed. Personally I wasn't aware even of something this minor was being discriminated against. Another woman spoke about how her boss told her that her hair was “unprofessional” A hairstyle should not determine if you are professional or not. This is blatant discrimination and shouldn’t be tolerated. Asking a woman of color to change her hairstyle is hurtful and makes them feel less than as a person. Both women said that these comments made them feel like they weren't good enough just because of their hair.
The Public Square op-doc is set in the middle of times square in NYC. Pastor Terry Jones spoke his anti-Islamic speech to everyone around him with his microphone. He was blaming the attack of 9/11 on Muslims. Everyone around him was in utter disgust. You could see from the people's faces how shocked they looked. As more people gathered and heard his views they decided to drown out this noise. Altogether everyone started to sing “All you need is Love “by the Beatles. The unity shown at times square to spread love rather than hate was a breath of fresh air. It's delightful and meaningful to see that many people are changing this negative experience into something positive.
I recommend watching the black women on race op-doc because it brings to light the situations they face daily that most of us have never considered. While becoming aware of these instances we can reflect and improve. Speaking out and standing up for these women can help make a positive change similar to The Public Square op-doc. When you want to watch something to make you feel a little bit of joy I recommend the public square. It shows the unity between others when hate speech occurs. Music is universal and can bring people together in many situations.
It really blows my mind that someone would say a black women's hair wouldn't "look that nice" as it would on a white women. It hurts me to see that our world is still like this after all of the movements we have had in this past year. Really just mind blowing
ReplyDeleteIt was very shocking to read how Terry Jones spoke about muslims and 9/11. I can't imagine the shock of the audience and what was going through his head to think that what he was saying is okay or true.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of people still discriminating against black women, especially over their hair really saddens me. I hope that the future is brighter.