Post Five: Relatable Class Texts
The two in class texts that I thought really related to my topic were the poem The Welder by Cherrie Moraga from This Bridge Called My Back and The Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism by Audre Lorde.
Audre Lords talks about anger that forms from being in oppressive systems. That anger is important because it warrants change. In the end, it helps everyone since the voice that emerges from that anger is criticizing and calling out what’s wrong in our society. People can’t fix the problem until they know what the problem is.
I think The Welder is relevant because the poem talks about bridging the gap between different races and becoming a whole community. It’s about seeing past the barriers and systematic structures that are designed to separate us. I think the message to take from it coupled with Lorde’s statements on anger mean to make a difference in the world and to not remain silent.
We have to stop waiting for the change we want to see and start taking action. If there aren’t enough well developed African American characters then we need to start writing and making them. There aren’t enough WOC writers and producers and directors so become one. If studdios don’t want to accept your script and don’t want an African American Woman as the lead make an independent film, raise the money and release it, or find one that will. Nothing’s going to change if we don’t make it and call attention to the injustices. Even the film audience plays a part because they have to go out and support these film and projects because when studios see these movies make money they don’t see it as a gamble from a business perspective. And if financially they can’t make a lot give reviews of the film spread the word on how good they are and maybe they can win critical acclaim. Movies like Hidden Figures, Fences, Moonlight, and Loving got Oscar attention and buzz which makes Hollywood see that good movies are good movies. Beyond Skin tone and gender if a story is engaging and evokes emotion then people will go see them.
