Review of Selma (2014) by Randall S — 15 Mar 2015

Important movie. But not much has changed in 50 years.

'Selma' is a historic drama based upon the true events of the civil rights movement, in particular the march for voting rights for blacks in Alabama, USA in the year 1965.

It is one of a long list of educational and insightful films about that era. Some of my favorites include 'Separate but Equal' (Sidney Poitier), 'Ruby Bridges' (Penelope Ann Miller), Malcolm X (Denzel Washington), 'Ghosts of Mississippi (Whoopi Goldberg), 'Freedom Song' (Danny Glover), and movies about civil rights in other countries such as South Africa (Nelson Mandela) and India (Gandhi).

'Selma' has a courageous screenplay, touching on sensitive, yet crucial elements. A powerhouse cast of actors and actresses. Historic accuracy and respectful story-telling makes this film a winner.

However, I am reminded that even now in the year 2015 - a full half century later, the country has the exact same issues. Let us take a look at some:

Civil Rights - yes, blacks are still denied equal opportunity in many parts of the U.S. There are many systemic and deliberate laws still in place to keep them poor and uneducated. Voter apathy is encouraged by dumbing down the population with sports and religion.

Discrimination and inequality - from education, to income, to life expectancy. Blacks rank the lowest of any minority group. Not because they don't want an education or because they don't want to earn a good wage. But because of generational injustices and inequalities that have long been placed upon them by a racist government that has never considered them equal.

Police Brutality - how convenient has it become for police, or anyone, to murder a unarmed black man and be found non-guilty. America has never considered the black male equal or worthy. Has always been afraid of them and considered them suspect.

Apartheid and Segregation - from Detroit to Washington DC, from Los Angeles to Miami, blacks are still segregated. 'White Flight' into the more expensive suburbs relegates poorer blacks to the ghettos and hoods of America.

Immigration - latinos are lured to the U.S. to do the worst jobs for the worst pay, but 14 million of them are denied any path, whatsoever, to proper immigration. They remain with no work visa, no green card and no citizenship. Essentially living with absolutely no rights. Asians (India and China) immigrants after waiting a decade or more for a green card, eventually give up and go back to their home countries.

Incarceration and institutionalized Slavery - there are more black men in prison today, then there were black men in slavery 200 years ago. The justice system is determined to put as many black males inside a prison cell as possible. Once inside, they are used as slaves to do work for zero pay.

50 years. Not much progress. No real hope for change in this country for minorities. Very sad.