I went last night to see The Butler with two of my most favorite people. I went in excited to just see Oprah because we all know about my love for her. I left the movie in tears, unable to properly express my thoughts and feelings.
I love comedies. I love laughing, and I find it enjoyable to not have to think much for two hours. That was not the case with this movie. I felt uncomfortable for two hours, and while most people might think that is not a good thing, in this case, it was. I think we have tried to sweep the issue of racism and the ugliness of slavery under the rug. We don't talk about it. We act as though it never happened. The Butler not only brought the issue out in the open, it threw it directly in my face. I was shocked, horrified, and deeply saddened to watch what not only one man but an entire group of people faced for hundreds of years.
I will never understand what what these people went through or ever be able to imagine what it felt like, but I refuse to act like it never happened. We all must learn from history. We all must teach our children what can happen when we dehumanize others. We must teach our children that the only thing to judge is a person's character. We must remember the power our words hold.
I sincerely hope everyone goes and watches this film. I have thought about it all day. Treat everyone with the respect they deserve. There is absolutely nothing about our race, gender, orientation, religion, etc, that makes anyone better than someone else, and no one, NO ONE, deserves to be treated with such blatant disrespect.
Go do great things and watch The Butler!
EP
