(By Kellie Carter-Jackson) – So I feel compelled to say a few things about these “Harriet”
naysayers...many of whom have not seen the film. First, there was the
controversy about Cynthia Erivo. She's black y'all! They didn't ask Scarlet
Johansen to play her! Second, her comments about black Americans...c’mon. Don't
act y'all don't hear the same ish from black Americans… ever have a meaningful
conversation with a black conservative? Same thing. Third, this whole thing
about a black slave catcher being the villain... Yes, historically, there were
black slave catchers. They were used to win fugitives trust and then betray
them for coin. There will ALWAYS be hired hands and mercenaries. Period. Fourth,
clearly the greatest villain is slavery. Harriet was combating SLAVERY!!!
Perhaps, the film assumes you know this.
If you're first impulse in a film
about Harriet is to complain about how black men are portrayed, that's a
problem. It’s like black women can’t shine without making sure that first no
harm was caused to a black man. Folks, complained the black bounty hunter was
too violent…really?? MORE VIOLENT than slavery????
