Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by James H — 14 Mar 2005

[center][b][font=Times New Roman][size=2][color=white]The Birth of a Nation[/color][/size][/font][/b][/center].

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[center][b][font=Times New Roman][size=2][color=white]Viewpoint #1, Question #1[/color][/size][/font][/b][/center].

[center][b][font=Times New Roman][size=2][color=white]By: Brent M. Farmer[/color][/size][/font][/b][/center].

[center][b][font=Times New Roman][color=white]History of Motion Pictures[/color][/font][/b][/center].

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[center][b][font=Times New Roman][size=2][color=white]FIL 2400[/color][/size][/font][/b][/center].

[font=Times New Roman][color=white]D.W. Griffith?s [i]The Birth of a Nation [/i]is arguably the best example of the power of persuasion cinema can potentially wield over humankind. The story told through this film cleverly manages to justify bigotry towards African-Americans by victimizing racist and portraying blacks as inhuman monsters in general. The emotions displayed by the victims become understandable and immediately the audience can begin to relate to the members of the KKK (Klu Klux Klan) at a human level. Modern audiences may not be as impressionable as audiences of the past, but the persuasion within Griffith?s film is undeniably powerful even today.[/color][/font].

[font=Times New Roman][color=white]While it is understandable that some groups may not want this film to be allowed for public audience, it would be a mistake not to educate them about the film?s content and the responsibility we have to acknowledge racism as a problem that has not yet been solved. [i]The Birth of a Nation [/i]had the power to move people and change their views almost a century ago, and the idea that it could do so again is most certainly not out of realm of possibilities. However, persuasion can work both ways. This film can persuade minds to support racism, but with a warning prior to viewing and an educational discussion afterwards it could also be used to persuade minds to support civil rights and maybe even allow racist people to change their ways.[/color][/font].

[font=Times New Roman][color=white]Ignoring a powerful film such this would be irresponsible and could potentially lead to future growth of racist ideology. It is undeniable that it?s content is objectionable and rightly so, but ignoring the problem by banning it does not make it go away. Problems are solved through confrontation and understanding and that is why [i]The Birth of a Nation [/i]is an important piece of cinematic history that should preserved.[/color][/font].