Activity: Prejudice and Tolerance

Is it possible to send a moral message condemning racial prejudice by portraying both the positve and negative sides of both racial groups (Blacks and Whites)?

Yes, I think it is possible. I think that both sides have their strengths and weaknesses, and only showing one side of each racial group would be unfair and lead to a mistaken moral message. However, I think that if you want to send a moral message, you need to emphasize on one sides strength or weakness, but the other side should always be shown.

I think that this was not done well in Mississippi Burning, where the whites were portrayed as callous and violent, and the blacks were spiritual and enduring. I think that this makes it hard for the audience to identify with either side, as they are either too perfect or too corrupted. However, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and I believe that if that is shown in the movie, the audience would enjoy it more.

I believe that if racial prejudice is shown in more than one way, it helps to emphasize the moral message. In Mississippi burning, only a few ways were emphasized eg. Assault, arson while others were ignored for much of the film eg. segregation. I would have felt more strongly for the blacks if other prejudices were shown.

In conclusion, I believe that racial prejudice can be shown even with both sides strengths and weaknesses shown, but either the strength or weakness must be emphasized.