A film may be entertaining,
involving,
exhausting;
But it is only the next day,
and the next,
that you know:
"This is a great film."
The Butler
is such a film.
I saw it yesterday.
In a manner of speaking
I am an extra in the film.
Every American
who lived
through those times,
is.
If you want to remember,
gain perspective,
or understand
who we are
and how we got here:
Go See
"The Butler."
The "Negro domestics"
that my husband and I both
knew in our homes
educated us,
raised us,
made us
who we are.
Mine were ladies
who rode that long bus
out to the suburbs
to clean our house
one day a week.
They taught me
that life was not fair
to all,
that there is great
dignity
in work
and in how you
carry yourself.
I knew that their
children
did not enjoy
what I had,
what I could do;
their future
was circumscribed
as mine was not.
Kids know:
Unfair!
My husband
had practically
a second mother
who loved him,
scolded him,
and helped to give him
the heart that I love.
We speak of her often.
When I was little,
I couldn't fathom
the courage
of the Freedom Riders.
Heroes;
Children;
Defenseless.
When I was a little older,
Dr. King was shot
and my city burned.
Dad, uncle, others,
who worked in the neighborhoods
stayed home
for days
worrying.
Some of them
lost businesses.
So much of this film
was a trip through my own times
and life.
It was a powerful experience.
Watching the film trailer below
got me emotional again.
At a time
when voting rights
are under attack
in this country
AGAIN
we need to remember
the aged warriors
who already laid their lives
on the line.
We're not there yet.
But someday,
We're gonna get there.
Together.
Take a young person to see
The Butler
and discuss it with them.
Share your life,
your wisdom.
Fondly, cloudia
18 comments:
Those pretty colors make me dream, beautiful light! Very interesting movie!
I love that you have retained and built on your early recognition of injustice.
Grazie
Beautiful post.
Have a great day.
I completely agree! My girlfriend and I went to see it today! It's beyond remarkable. Excellent!
Glad :-)
Thanks
A very fine reading, Cloudia!
Beautiful post!
Good one.
Thank you both kindly
I was disappointed to see a rather not so good review of The Butler in the news because I wanted to see it. Thank you for your endorsement, Cloudia. I'll make it a point to put it on my list of movies to see. Your post is so wonderful and touching.
I'm no critic looking for flaws in order to look smart. I'm always hoping for success in a meal, book, friend, or movie :-)
This one worked for me
Thanks, Neighbor
Must see it!!
xoxox,
CC
Wonderful post Cloudia.
We who live outside your country cannot have this same experience. The history of slavery is buried in our past but I fear means little to our young people today. There is a lot of food for thought here. Thank you Cloudia for bringing it to the forefront of our minds.
I also went to the first showing; nice performances by all; excellent trip through so many years towards civil rights. I liked how Oprah wasn't the main actor and played her subdued role well. I too had my Mom's twice- weekly maid as a confidant for things I couldn't talk about with my parents. A real angel, Myrtle. DrumMajor
Poignant
Namaste /\ from Mumbai
Aloha!!
wonderful post my sweet friend!
everything mentioned in this post is so poignant!
aloha!!
Hi Cloudia, I'm back in Italy the time spent in yours islands was great... as usual
Aloha
Stefano
Thanks, dear friends!
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