WHAT???? ‘Gone with the Wind’ racist?? Are they MAD????

Filed under: Era's, Era's of the 19th Century, Hollywood n' Style, Question Time, The Front Page — 6 Comments

August 29, 2017

Hattie mcDaniel as Mammy in Gone with the Wind (1939)

If Americans think that one of the biggest racial issues Trumpland is facing today, is the viewing of Gone with the Wind (1939); they’ve totally gone BONKERS!!

The Orpheum Theatre, in Memphis, Tennessee; recently pulled out the showing of this iconic Hollywood epic, on the grounds it was too insensitive for modern audiences. That’s soooo stupid. Are they insane??? Gone with the Wind, especially taking into account the time period it was made in (minus modern day technical wizardry), happens to be one of the greatest Hollywood creations ever. Plus, it’s my second favourite film ever (pls also see my post My Favourite movie by decade, My Favourite Oscar Winner per decade from March 2014; and my list of critiques Why I love …. from November/December 2012 on IMDB)

The movie depicts the Deep South, during the Civil War!!! A very racist era. So I don’t think the film itself is being racist. It just shows what Americans were like back then. And it actually could be educational, showcasing the way non-Caucasians were treated, in a secondary manner. One can learn as to how wrong slavery was, or any form of subjugation is, even today. The mistakes of past centuries are well highlighted. Added to which one shouldn’t forget that Hattie McDaniel bagged the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ trophy at the 12th Annual Academy Awards, for this movie (see my post 75 years ago – At The Oscars from February 2015). Not only did she win, but McDaniel became the first black actress to be nominated for, and win, an Oscar, ever. Making it a major landmark event, in modern American history. Besides there are far worse racist acts, all around the world, than showing a classic movie!!

What do you think, my fellow Bloggers??????

Nuwan Sen’s Film Sense

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6 Comments:

Cindy Bruchman

August 29, 2017 at 18:31

Ridiculous. You can’t nor should you rewrite history. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all a part of our American past. How can you glean wisdom if you don’t learn about the journey of how you got here, today? In other words, “You’ve come a long way, baby!” is a necessary journey to realize.

Reply
- nuwansenfilmsen
  
  August 30, 2017 at 10:16
  
  Exactly!!!!!
  THNX!!
  
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alexraphael

September 7, 2017 at 00:23

How very worrying. What Cindy said. And Patti McDaniel was the first black actor/actress to win an Oscar. A significant milestone.

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- nuwansenfilmsen
  
  September 7, 2017 at 11:13
  
  Truly!!! And apparently they are not going to show it next year 😦 (It seems they show classic movies every year, including Gone with the Wind)!!!
  
  Reply
dbmoviesblog

October 27, 2017 at 19:35

I agree with you. The film deals with the Civil war and it should show the racist past of that era. It is a movie. Moreover, the film itself was made in the past and people back then did not have the views which people share in the 21st century. To ban a film only because a poor film of 1939 does not have “the standards” of the 21st century mentality is the greatest of stupidities. And, you are right – we are talking about “Gone with the Wind”, one of the greatest films ever made!

Hmm, my only explanation is that people think that “Gone with the Wind” should also be “punished” for the way it handled the production and the aura surrounding the film in its premiere, after all, Hattie McDaniel DID sit separately from her co-stars at the ceremony and only because she was black. I don’t agree with it being any reason, of course, I am just looking at possible hatred for this film.

Reply
- nuwansenfilmsen
  
  October 30, 2017 at 18:53
  
  Sad that Hattie McDaniel had to sit separately, just because of her skin colour. BUT the 30’s America was still an era of segregation, so one has no right to blame the movie, for these minor facts. Rosa Parks was yet to refuse her seat to the white man. If McDaniel’s was made to sit separately from the late 50’s on wards, now that would have been an issue to punish a production.
  THNX, for agreeing!!! GWTW is one of my all time favourites!!! Love it!! AND Love McDaniel!!!! ❤
  
  Reply