Corporal Ira Clark In The Movie 'Lincoln'

In my opinion, I believe that Corporal Ira Clark was in fact portrayed fairly, accurately, and properly throughout the movie “Lincoln”. During the late 1800’s when the civil war, and the abolishment of slavery was the topic of debate, many African Americans could join the army and help with the civil war. In other words, African Americans were being used because of the fact they could fight in the war, but could not have certain jobs being offered to them outside of the war itself. In addition, many African Americans couldn’t find jobs as well after the war. This particular point throughout the movie, was definitely portrayed as a time that equality between races could finally be acted upon. Since African Americans and white soldiers were not

getting paid equally throughout the war. Clark was a prime example of this, because he fought in the war, and he was also African American who was not paid fairly at all. Furthermore, the likelihood of him trying to find a job after the war would be limited, and extremely difficult to find. This was shown throughout the article that proves the fact that Blacks were not getting paid fairly, “ Black soldiers were initially paid $10 per month from which $3 was automatically deducted for clothing, resulting in a net pay of $7. In contrast, white soldiers received $13 per month from which no clothing allowance was drawn.” This ultimately proves the fact that African American soldiers were not getting paid fairly, and Clark is an example, because he wasn’t getting paid equally as well. This has changed American course tremendously, and helped progress the idea of segregation among races.
Another great reason why Mr.Clark was a great example of being portrayed, throughout the movie was his cue of trying to form infantry units on his own, to help others be able to become a military leader on foot, and fight for themselves, instead for others.

For example, the civil war. Clark, was a prime example of this because he also helped others to become successful, by creating infantry units to give jobs to African Americans who wanted them. This was a huge deal in the late 1800’s because many African Americans needed to get out of poverty, and needed to make change, to ultimately inform others, who advocated for segregation, that they will not stop until an solution will be implemented. This was shown throughout the article, Black Civil War Soldiers, in which proves the fact that many African Americans were trying to create infantry units, “Some blacks took this as their cue to begin forming infantry units of their own. African Americans from New Orleans formed three National Guard units: the First, Second and Third Louisiana Native Guard.” This has further helped the African American community. Therefore, this proved the fact that Corporal Ira Clark was in fact a great character portrayed during the late

1800’s.
Another reason why Mr.Clark was a great example of being portrayed, throughout the movie was his ambition of advocating for equality. The civil war was fought because of slavery and it ended regarding slavery, and Mr.Clark was a prime example, during that time that many African Americans was advocating for equality. He stood up by demanding respect, by convincing a lot of people, like Abraham Lincoln, (The president during this time) to help end segregation. This was also shown in the movie during the war, in which he spoke to the former president, Lincoln, trying to better the lives of many African Americans, by persuading him pass the 13th amendment to abolish slavery. This was exemplified through the Article, Lincoln: It's true because it works, in which Mr.Clark was hungry for equality and he would do anything to end racism, “Corporal Ira Clark (David Oyelowo)-- the former personable and polite, the latter making full use of the opportunity to push the President for greater equality beginning with equal pay for colored soldiers, then Negro commissioned officers and, maybe in a hundred years, the vote.” This ultimately proves the fact that his ambition was significant, and during this time, it promoted many advocates, such as Anna J. Cooper, and Frederick Douglass, which reflected Clark as being a good portrayal character in the movie because many prominent leaders rose up and advocated for what they believed was right.
In conclusion, Mr. Corporal Ira Clark was dedicated and represented throughout the movie, “Lincoln”, very well and properly. Everything that I mention throughout this essay, from the unequal pay throughout the war, creating infantry units, and advocating for equal rights during that time period actually was represented well about African Americans during the civil war age or the so called movie “Lincoln”. Everything throughout the movie, including, the scenes, the people, and the dialogue, was accurately portrayed throughout that time period, and it reflected absolutely amazing to give the audience a sense of what was going on during that time. Corporal Ira Clark was one particular cast member that promptly rose to an accurately African American soldier during the civil war era.