Analysis of Themes in the Film "Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson"

“Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson,” is a documentary on the first black World Heavyweight Boxing Champion John Arthur “Jack” Johnson. In 1910, after years of trying to challenge white Heavyweight Champions, Jack won the title. The era in which Johnson fought was filled with racial tension and hostility (Film). Fears of the black race gaining control and power were high, and there were numerous efforts to keep blacks oppressed and separated from the white community. When one hears stories of past discrimination and oppression it is natural to compare them to today's society, and speak of past oppression as if they are non-existent. Even though there have been uprisings and revolts among minority groups to gain equality, we can still see many parallels today when comparing to instances of one-hundred years ago.

Jack Johnson began boxing at a young age. He was known for his unique boxing techniques and quickly worked up the ranks until he beat all those who challenged him. Throughout this period he challenged whoever was the World Heavyweight Champion of that time. Each champion denied Jack's requests, stating they would not fight a black man (Film).

Jack Johnson's fighting ability became well known, and he drew huge crowds to his matches. This in turn drew large sums of money for Jack, allowing a lavish lifestyle that many blacks could not obtain at that time. He was known for dressing ostentatiously, countless run-ins with the law, and flaunting his money. He was also know for visiting brothels in the cities he visited and later known for exclusively dating white women; all of whom came from different backgrounds and socioeconomic classes (Film).

Finally in 1910, after years of following and harass...

... middle of paper ...

...ngtonpost.com).

When watching a movie such as “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson,”it is easy to assume we have transcend above malicious acts towards minority groups. We are often unable to see trends of one hundred years ago and apply these same behaviors to those in place today. Although some examples may not be as severe as those in 1910, we can still find behaviors and attitudes that perpetuate ideals of discrimination, racism, sexism, and stereotypes today. Not only do these negative behaviors affect the victims of this, but we also see a trend of passing these ideals on to the next generation. Until we can recognize our short-comings and admit when we as a society have continued these ideals of discrimination, we will continue to be in the endless cycle of discriminating acts and passing these teachings to the next generation.