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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 14 (4/19/23): Raoul Peck's "Exterminate All the Brutes" Continued Discussion #3

Despite all of our viewings and discussions these past weeks, when being presented with the question “Is it possible for people of color to choose not to learn about European history or the history of people of European descent in the Americas?” I gave my first answer that came into my head. I thought that yes, it was necessary for people of color to learn about European history as it is the history of this nation that we live in and that it is just as equally necessary to learn about this culture if we were to live with one another as equals. Just as how it is respectable to learn about other people’s culture and histories, they should do the same. But after viewing, discussing, and reflecting more and more about the significance and message behind Raoul Peck’s documentary series, “Exterminate All the Brutes” and with what my teacher, Anthony Whitfiled, had to say in response to my answer, it all made sense. It is true, as Mr. Whitfield mentioned, that in this nation, you really aren...
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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 13 (4/12/23): Raoul Peck's "Exterminate All the Brutes" Continued Discussion #2

  Although in a more comprehensive global perspective, "Exterminate All the Brutes" provides insight on racism in America. In addition to examining the larger systems of colonialism, capitalism, and white supremacy that have established international power relations and continue to support racism globally, the series also investigates the historical roots of racism and its manifestations in the United States. The ugly truths of slavery, genocide, and racism that have been utilized to establish and uphold Western dominance and privilege are exposed in Peck's series. He emphasizes how Western institutions and culture are complicit in maintaining these oppressive structures and makes the case that they still have an impact on the modern world. The show also emphasizes the continuous battles that people of color face in trying to thwart and overthrow these oppressive structures. It calls on viewers to join them in the fight for a more just and equitable society and honors the...
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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 12 (4/5/23): Raoul Peck's "Exterminate All the Brutes" Continued Discussion

Raoul Peck's four-part documentary series "Exterminate All the Brutes" explores the history of racism, genocide, and colonialism by Europeans in the Americas, Africa, and other parts of the world. The show delivers a fascinating and difficult critique of the prevalent Western historical narratives while delving into the intricate and interrelated histories of imperialism, capitalism, and white supremacy. Peck examines the violent underbelly of Western culture and its history of exploitation and brutality using a combination of documentary footage, reenactments, animation, and philosophical thoughts. He urges viewers to examine their own historical presumptions and face the difficult realities of racism and colonialism's pervasive effects on modern society. The concept of the "colonial gaze," which refers to the manner in which Western culture has created and perpetuated preconceptions and misconceptions about non-European peoples and cultures, is one of the ...
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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 11 (3/29/23): Raoul Peck's "Exterminate All the Brutes"

  Raoul Peck's four-part miniseries "Exterminate All The Brutes" examines the history of colonialism, genocide, and white supremacy from a variety of angles. In the first episode, Peck examines the historical causes of racism and colonialism in ancient Greece and Rome. He contends that Europeans established the idea of the "Other" to legitimize their dominance over other cultures and peoples. In episode 2, Peck looks at the awful effects on indigenous communities of the genocidal acts committed by European colonizers in the Americas. He also examines the ways in which the concept of the "frontier" and the notion of "Manifest Destiny" were utilized to support the colonization of the West and the eradication of Native Americans. Peck explores the horrific realities of slavery in the Americas and the transatlantic slave trade in episode 3. He also looks at how systematic inequality and racial relations are still shaped by slavery in contemporary...
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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 9 (3/15/23): "One Nation Under A Groove", "Colloquium on the legacy of Betty Carter", and "Bloodlight and Bami"

  The documentary "One Nation Under A Groove" chronicles the birth of the P-Funk movement in the 1970s, which George Clinton and his band Parliament-Funkadelic pioneered. The movie delves into the band's beginnings and shows how they combined several musical styles, including funk, rock, and soul, to produce a distinctive sound that appealed to listeners. The documentary includes rare footage of the band's performances as well as interviews with band members, music reviewers, and fans. The movie also looks at how P-Funk's music reflected the challenges and aspirations of the black community in the social and political setting of the day. In the end, "One Nation Under A Groove" honors P-Funk's enduring history and its influence on music and culture. The jazz soprano Betty Carter's life and legacy are discussed during the colloquium on her legacy. A panel of scholars and artists will talk about Carter's distinctive style and approach to jazz si...
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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 8 (3/8/23): "Nothing But A Man" and "Killer of Sheep"

  In the early 1960s, a Black man named Duff Anderson lived in the American South. His experience is told in the indie film "Nothing But A Man" filmed in 1964. In a society that is severely divided by racism and segregation, the movie examines issues of race, class, identity, and relationships. Duff Anderson, a train worker, develops feelings for Josie Dawson, a teacher. The social and cultural obstacles erected by their various cultures, as well as Duff's own struggles to find his identity and sense of purpose in a world that doesn't treat him with respect or decency, complicate their connection. The film's portrayal of the Black experience in the South is unvarnished and honest, highlighting the widespread prejudice and violence that Black people must endure on a daily basis. The movie also conveys a message of optimism and resilience, as Duff and Josie face their difficulties with strength and grace. "Nothing But A Man" is widely considered as a poten...
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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 7 (2/22/23): "Songs in the Key of Life" and "Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet"

  The "Songs in the Key of Life" documentary is a celebration of Stevie Wonder's renowned and well-regarded 1976 album. The documentary examines the recording of the album, highlighting Wonder's creative use of synthesizers and his blending of numerous musical styles, including gospel, jazz, and funk. It also looks at the album's themes of spirituality, social justice, and love and how they connected with listeners in the 1970s and still do today. Along with rare archival video of Wonder's interviews and concerts, the movie includes performances of some of the album's most recognizable songs. Wonder discusses the creation of "Songs in the Key of Life" and his artistic philosophy throughout the documentary. Overall, the film honors Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" for its brilliance and enduring influence and provides a detailed look into how one of the greatest albums in popular music history was created. In the documentar...
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