Nate Parker, Birth of a Nation and Controversy!

Nate Parkers Birth of a Nation has been the talk of the year since the release of the film at the 2016 Sundance film festival. It was reported that the film hit a record breaking deal with Fox Searchlight for 17.5 million dollars. This was not only huge for anyone involved with the project, but huge for the black community. A black man that not only starred as Nat Turner but wrote and directed the film as well. The trailer was later released at the beginning of the summer; many people expressed excitement and eagerness to see the film. I even found myself sadden that I had to wait until October to see the film but nonetheless excited. As time went on the positive buzz dwindled. Social media and news outlets were flooded with Nate Parkers rape case back in 1999 when Parker was a student at Pennsylvania State University. Many people found themselves conflicted, angry and confused; unable to figure out if they could still support the film by separating the art from the person or boycotting the film. Others screamed conspiracy.

Since the Bill Cosby rape scandal, rape, sexual assault and consent seemed to become the forefront of social conversation. Just as the Nate Parker story, black people found themselves in a conflictual situation. Some believed that this was a conspiracy to put the black man down and others argued that it was not about race. Although I am not excusing Bill Cosbys behavior, I find it very interesting how much Bill Cosbys reputation was torn apart. All that Bill Cosby had built for himself and others was destroyed in a matter of months as stories continued to come to light. By sweeping these things under the rug for some and tearing down others for the same incident makes it difficult for people not to deviate from the main issue. I find it challenging not to make it about race due to comparing similar situations to Bill Cosbys white counterparts. I wont go into detail on who specifically but my point is that there has been various white actors, producers and directors accused of sexually assaulting individuals from children to women. However, people were able to separate their craft from their problematic past. No one boycotted the films or television shows of the white counterparts. Television and movie production companies continued to showcase their work. Yet when a successful black man is accused of the same crime, the reaction seems to be different.

This traumatic event happened 17 years ago. At what point do we forgive Nate Parker for his alleged criminal actions?

Many have claimed that this was another attempt of society putting down a successful black man, others disagreed and compared Nate Parkers situation to Bill Cosby. Although their situations find themselves in the same topic of discussion, they are not the same. Unlike Bill Cosby, Nate Parker has gone through the judiciary system and has been acquitted for his alleged crime. This traumatic event happened 17 years ago. At what point do we forgive Nate Parker for his alleged criminal actions? Is it possible to forgive someone for something so traumatizing? Or is this something that is unforgivable? It is unfortunate and sickening to think on the scheme of things if Nate Parker is actually guilty. Though I find it difficult to put a solidified opinion on something where only the individuals involved know what exactly happened. We may read the transcripts or look at the evidence to the case and form a solidified opinion. However, without being there I find it difficult choosing a side. I am in no way, shape or form dismissing the victim's story. I simply cannot back either party 100 percent when I do not know what happened. I try to see or understand both sides of the story because when we have bias we may be blinded from the facts regardless which side you choose. Some may think this is just excusing the behavior and dismissing the victim but its not. It is a way to not be biased so that I am able to comprehend the situation as much as possible.

I have decided to support Birth of a Nation because the film is beyond Nate Parker. Others have put in the time and effort to make this project a success. I want to support the message the film delivers for my people and my culture, it is imperative that we continue the conversation. On the flip side, we can also take the opportunity to continue the conversation about sexual assault and consent. Supporting the film does not have to take away the opportunity to educate others.

So what are your thoughts?