13th

 Watching Ava DuVernay’s 13th honestly left me feeling torn, but in a very intresting way. On one hand, I completely understand why this documentary  and the thought behind it means so much to people. It brings attention to the 13th Amendment’s punishment clause and how they think it’s been tied to mass incarceration and racial injustice in America. While that’s an incredibly important topic, and I respect what the film is trying to do, I walked away feeling frustrated and maby even a little disappointed. It felt like the film cared more about making a statement than giving a fair, and balanced understanding of the issue they address. 

The interviews were powerful and emotional, and I really appreciated hearing from activists and historians who clearly cared deeply about the subject. But the editing made it feel like some voices were used more as tools to support a certain message rather than to inform. A lot of moments felt cut or arranged in a way that pushed one perspective really hard. It’s not that I disagreed with everything being said, but it felt like I wasn’t being trusted to think for myself — the film told me what to believe instead of letting me get there naturally. 

However, what really bothered me most, though, was the way that they used some political footage. There were clips of President Trump, Clinton, and Reagan that were very clearly taken out of context to fit there idologys and that honestly upset me quite a bit. While its far from anything new, the way it portrayed them. It made it seem like all of them were directly responsible for racial oppression at its core, when the full context of their speeches showed a lot more nuance. It felt extremly unfair, and it took away most of the credibility from the film. When a movie talks about something as serious as the 13th Amendment, I think it should handle history with complete honesty. 

The music and editing made the films emotional times, almost overwhelming at times. I could feel all of the pain and anger in it, and that’s part of what makes it so effective to some. But it also made me feel conflicted. I fully support the 13th Amendment and what it represents. Its the official end of slavery and a major step toward equality in the US. That’s why it bothered me to see it used as a way to push division instead of understanding. They would have a problem, and they would have a problem with how it was solved and so on and so forth. It was just a never ending cycle. 

Even with all of my frustrations, and complaints, I can’t say the film didn’t make me think and consider (again). It made me question not only the justice system in my country but also how easily the media can shape exactly what they want us to believe and shove it down our throats. I really ust wish 13th trusted its audience enough to tell the whole truth, not just the part that fit its message. 

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