“The Hate U Give”
Sunshine Peña
October 27, 2020
The image above captures a BLACK LIVES MATTER movement. This novel/film encourages teenagers to see and speak up on this social justice issue.
I have first been introduced to “The Hate U Give” from the book that eventually made it on the screen. The film addresses urgent political concern subjects from an emotional perspective that emphasizes the trouble-filled engagement with society at large.
In “The Hate U Give,” a white cop pulls over Khalil (Aglee Smith) for a routine traffic stop that turns violent. Starr (Amandla Sternberg) is the only witness. The central character, Starr Carter, vows to continue to fight for justice on behalf of black people and Khalil that were killed at the hands of police.
The movie’s title professes that racist practices and attitudes are fundamental to the movie’s central idea. This film puts the background into the foreground that shows its characters’ struggles and dreams with a clear observed political and historical environment.
This film relates to what is happening in today’s society. Today’s social movement is to eliminate white supremacy and to build local power to intercede in the violence effectuated on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By opposing and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy. We all are working for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically targeted for demise.
Even though “The Hate U Give” was first introduced in 2017, it is still relevant to what many Black communities have to face every day. This film has encouraged me to speak up on the matter and share my personal experiences that I had to face growing up in a cruel world.
When I was first learning how to drive, I had my dad teach me, and I will never forget his advice. He told me if I were to get pulled over by the police because of my skin color, I would have to prepare for police interactions. He talked to me about many things, from understanding my rights to being respectful and to comply with what they have to say. Also, he told me if the officer was feeling threatened, all I had to say is “I’m unarmed, and I have nothing that will hurt you.” He told me to keep my hands on the steering wheel and don’t remove it from there. My license and registration have to be placed on the dashboard before the officer approaches. This advice was not to bash police officers because there are good police officers out there, but some cops would use any excuse to harm others. The crazy thing about this is that if you’re white in America, there’s a strong possibility that you never have to say those words or be taught them by your parents. It was a tough conversation, but it was something that had to be told, and that is something I use to this day if I ever were to get pulled over by the cops, and it has worked.
Police brutality inflicted on Black people is why the movement began in 2013. Like the film, we need to use our voices to ensure that police brutality ends and takes a step closer to reaching equality between all people regardless of their skin color.
The actions I have taken to support this social justice movement is by being an ally and educating myself and others. By recognizing my privilege, using my voice to lift and heighten Black voices, making an effort to have conversations with the Black community, understanding their struggle, and actively speaking up against the injustices when I witness them.
I have protested in my local community and attended more protests with a train trip to NYC. Protests are why we have been able to advance social and political justice while keeping the COVID-19 pandemic mindset.
Also, I have used my voice by taking the time to vote. I encouraged others to learn which candidates are on their ballot and the issues they stand for.
Overall, the film has a powerful message of race and identity that relates to the Black community and the emotional, honest portrayal of what they have to face. It touches on police brutality themes and being a minority, and especially being a woman of color.
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