A matter of perspective

[recumbentgoat]

White vs. black perspectives on history are at odds in movies and in sculpture. While I don't feel that this is a 'racist' portrayal of the 54th regiment--it does present the African American experience through a white perspective. The black soldiers aren't stereotyped--I guess we should be grateful--but when will black soldiers be glorified for

Comments

[wicked_sassy]

along the same lines: what do you think of the movie 'glory'?

Cross-identification

[recumbentgoat]

It's been a while since I've seen that movie. Denzel Washington's performance though is the only thing I can really remember from it.

As a movie I vaguely remember that it hit all its marks--but content again, you know?

I'm not saying that this wasn't a movie that shouldn't have been made--but is this the only way white/mainstream America can find a place in this narrative; through a white main character?

Or is this something America will always have to deal with as long as whites are the 'majority'?

Can white people cross-identify with a compelling black historical figure like Paul Cuffe? Like so many 'non-white' people do with various figures from the mainstream?

Or mainstream does already-- so long as they are martyrs like MLK?

Re: Cross-identification

[writeli]

Interesting points. Re: the identification with MLK and other martyrs, I think I would go as far as to say that identification with is too strong of a term. I think it's more being able to accept MLK, Gandhi, etc not just because they were martyred, but because their stance isn't one that openly threatened their own position. People are fine hearing that others want equal rights as long as no one reminds them of the effect it will have on their lives. I'm babbling, but I guess my point is that people are fine with the idea that others get a piece of the pie, as long as they're not reminded that their piece of the pie will have to get smaller for that to happen

Re: Cross-identification

[recumbentgoat]

Ah, right. Not so much cross-identify--that implies equal power and respect. More like a beloved pet. Something easily controlled and disciplined.

Memorial

[bostonhistory]

The memorial to the 54th is a fairly literal representation of ahistoric event--the 54th mustered in front of the Statehouse, which is across the street from the memorial, and then proceeded to move down Beacon Street to begin their journey to the South. One would imagine that if a battlefield memorial were to be created, then we might see a depiction of heroism on the battlefield.

Re: Memorial

[recumbentgoat]

Right. Again, it's a matter of perspective. Too often that perspective is through a white/mainstream lens.

This memorial smacks too much of "Dances with Wolves/A Man Called Horse/Last Samurai". After all, RGS was only called upon because folks were uncomfortable with a black c.o.