I actually said that I would NOT read the book or see the movie. But on yesterday, I changed my mind. Now, I am left with my own thoughts regarding the matter.
Why did it have to be a big deal? To read or not to read? Or any deal at all? Well, here are a few of my thoughts:
- I am a Brown Southern Girl. Home Pride. I am super-sensitive to anything that attempts to tell stories about my world. There...I admit it.
- I have an amazing family. A black family. African-American, if you will. I am in awe when I hear stories about my great-grandfather, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and older cousins. Many of whom were living during the Civil Rights Era. But their type of struggles, survival and accomplishments are rarely a part of the enlightenment.
- As a Brown Southern Girl, I really want people to see more "Part Twos". Or just a different viewpoint of our story. In print. Or on the Big Screen. Yes, Black Folks in Alabama actually owned land before Civil Rights. Black Folks owned businesses in Alabama too. Some Black Folks in Alabama were "the help" while they saw their children off to places like Tuskegee Institute, Howard University and Harvard Law. Some Black Folks from Alabama were Colonels in the Army with wives as homemakers....during Civil Rights.
I don't want to spend too much time touting the accomplishments of my own family......but maybe I should. Hmmm. If I want more books and movies out there speaking to my kind-of-family history, maybe it's my responsibility to write them. Instead of being slightly annoyed with media/hollywood, maybe I should write my own book. Maybe this is what it's all about? Getting a fire in my own belly! Now, that's food for thought.
And just in case you're wondering.....I actually enjoyed the movie :o)
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