Dr. Boyce: “Lincoln” is a Really Good Movie that Annoyed Me Just a Bit
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
In case you’re unaware of the standard narrative of historical films that involve black people, it’s quite simple: Black people advanced in America, not because of anything “you people” actually did. Instead, it was because there was some admirable and noble white guy who saved you. He was a visionary among his peers for having the audacity to treat black people as (gasp) human beings. He also had a couple of friends just like him, featured in the film, so the white audience has characters with whom they can identify themselves.
“Lincoln,” the new film burning up the theaters, fits that formula perfectly. The movie was actually very good. If it is historically-accurate, it shows that Lincoln did have the kind of courage necessary to do what is right instead of focusing on that which is politically convenient. For that, I respect the man immensely.
Also present in most historical films involving race are those evil white people who stood in the way of progress. They tend to be so horrible that Rush Limbaugh could watch the film with Sean Hannity and walk away feeling pretty good about himself for not trying to kill us. The black people? Oh you were as helpless as stage props, relegated the role of the wink-and-nod nanny or butler whose eyes light up in admiration of the wonderful white man who rode in on a white horse to save you. This was captured quite elegantly at the end of the film “Lincoln,” where Lincoln’s butler admired his boss’s silhouette as he dramatically walked out of the oval office. If a line were written in for the butler, it might be something like this: ”Dat der sho be a wonderful white man!”
While I do appreciate Lincoln’s extraordinary efforts during such a difficult time, I could not avoid the t******e-shrinking experience of watching a bunch of white guys argue over the fate of my ancestors and (to paraphrase a scene in the film), “the fates of all of the unborn black babies in America.” (Yes, that includes myself and every black person reading this article). The members of Congress were a bunch of rowdy, obnoxious, modestly intelligent men with questionable integrity (much like today), and I shiver at the idea that my fate lied in the hands of these selfish and myopic human beings.
With all due respect to the white superheroes of America, I grow tired of seeing my people portrayed as helpless sheep who depend on others to make us whole. The absence of Frederick Douglass from the film argues quite clearly that the filmmakers were tempted to embrace Lincoln’s role as the patronizing savior of black people. As much as I am willing to express my gratitude to those who stood up against the forces of evil and oppression, I am saddened by the liberal whites who often feel that we are in their eternal debt because they haven’t treated us as poorly as they could have (just watch MSNBC or Bill Maher as modern day cases-in-point).
Douglass was every bit as brave as Lincoln, probably tougher and surely smarter, given what he had to overcome in order to become such an esteemed member of society. Chances are that if Abraham Lincoln had been born a slave, he would have died a slave, that’s just a fact. So, while one cannot rightfully complain about the roles that were played by black people in this film, I refuse to believe that the best my people could be were maids, butlers and backup dancers in key moments of American history.
Again, the film is a good one and I recommend seeing it. But perhaps next time, they will tell the real story. While black people escaped the chains of physical dependence on whites in 1865, we have yet to obtain economic and psychological independence. The next Abraham Lincoln for black America is not going to be a wise white guy with a beard and pointy hat. Instead, he/she is going to have brown skin, a great education and an abundance of self-respect. Black self-sufficiency is the next step in our quest for true equality, so the job is not yet done.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, “Commercialized Hip-Hop: The Gospel o Self Destruction.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.
62 Responses to Dr. Boyce: “Lincoln” is a Really Good Movie that Annoyed Me Just a Bit
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It always seems to be done that way – especially in Hollywood. It was the same in “Armistad” and countless other films where the heroic acts of decency are always carried out by the honorable white guy, who often comes across as if he’s making some huge sacrifice by opting to behave like a human being. When, of course, the true heroes of these struggles were invariably the black men, women and children who had to endure the unendurable, usually with dignity beyond anything one can imagine. I will probably see the film because Daniel Day-Lewis always does an amazing job but I’m glad you prepared me for something I’d hoped – just for once, would be absent.
Why see a lie and pay money for a half truth? Dr. Boyce, a scholar would not want his students getting half the facts. 2+2=4 right? Or 3? The truth is vital and no black person should see a movie about our history without having read extensively about the subject. Did Spielberg do that with Schindler’s List? The Jews wouldn’t let him. Ill wait for DVD or get a bootleg ..for free! !! Hotep
And no Fredrick Douglass? Was Martin Delaney, William Lloyd Garrison, Robert Purvis or Lucretia and James Mott or Henry Highland Garnet mentioned? Read black folks, d**n the movie. Maat. .
Is the story not “real” or is the story not complete? I would have a hard time recommending something that I thought wasn’t “real”, but that’s me. How about a “Frederick Douglas” movie to complement the “Lincoln” movie? Maybe that would give us a full picture and show the other roles of black people involved in championing their own cause! And BTW, some black people are STILL depending on others to make us whole…though fortunately not all…
How about some movies about the REAL BLACK REBELS, who ACTUALLY freed our people and their minds? Such as, Nat Turner, Denmark Vesey, Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, H.Rap Brown (who has changed his name), Kwame Ture’ (Stokley Charmichael), and the other countless Rebels, who REBELLED against slavery and racism?
WHERE ARE THE BLACK DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS ON MOVIES OF THIS NATURE?
THE HE*LL WITH ALL THIS SLAVE SHYT!!! MAKE SOME MOVIES ON OUR REAL “ANCIENT OURstory” when we once ruled the world!!!
WE’RE ONLY SHOWN IN A SUBMISSIVE CONDITION BY THESE CAUCASOID DIRECTORS!!! The he*ll with racist spielberg. Remember this clown made racist remarks toward Black people, not too long ago!!!
I hear what you are saying about black people ending up as secondary characters. But at the same time, this movie was specifically about the politics that Lincoln had to go through to get the 13th Amendment passed – and like it or not, at that point the political process was all about white people. Lincoln had to get white men to line up with him on this, and he did and said whatever he could to make it happen. Like Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones) says (or words to that effect), “I will sell out every principle to make this amendment pass!” I really got the sense from the film that if Lincoln hadn’t done this, we may not have had slavery abolished for a long time after. That’s what the movie is really about, and it’s realistic that he ended up having to deal with mostly white men to make that happen.
You’re on the wrong website. Around here, Dr Boyce is the leader of the negroes who find insults where there is none.
Their speciality is the race card, victimhood, and finding fault in everything that doesn’t show them in the right light even though whatever they may be p****d about is actually accurate.
besides,if you ask dr boyce, the only white man that’s always right is Fther Pfelger because he sho love them chillun in chicago who are caught in the midst of gang violence……………………….because baby daddies and baby mammies have neglected to raise their children.
*are
Regarding the movie,(Lincoln). I have yet to see it. Some people proclaims that it’s a good movie. Maybe that’s true. On the other hand
from my studies years or decades ago, I have acknowledged something about (Lincoln). First let me say this,”most Black Americans actually believe that Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery.” From a heart-felt desire, NO!. Here is the truth about what Lincoln wrote to [a jounalist and political leader, Horace Geelely of the day.]
“Dear Sir: I have not meant to leave any one in doubt…
My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not
either to save or destroy SLAVERY. (If) I could save the Union without
freeing any slave,I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all
the slaves, I would do it;and if I could do it by feeing some and leaving other alone, I would also do that. What I do about SLAVERY and
the colored race, I do because it helps save the Union.” There you have it. Notice the word (if).
Reminds me of the story of the Corwin Amendment, and how as a last ditch effort, Lincoln and Congress tried to pass it, which protected slavery as long as the South didn’t secede. Good thing the South was hard-headed.
Lincoln was definitely a political opportunist, and I doubt he had any real loyalty to slaves/Blacks outside of the political benefits.
Like I mention in the first comment,”I have yet to see this movie,[LINCOLN]. Anyone that have watched this movie already and willing to watch as myself. I hope you pay attention to the words of [LINCOLN] that I recently posted to see if that particular speech was announced.
That’s Entertainment………….
Dr. Boyce, Have you read “Forced into Glory”?
Anything hellyweird (hollywood) puts on their silver screen about Black people’s OURstory will always be a LIE!
Lincoln DID NOT free our enslaved brothers and sisters…it was Sojourner Truth, who, he invited to the Black House, and that’s when she DEMANDED, that he ‘free’ her people!!! WAS THAT IN THE MOVIE? Lincoln also had a Black barber!!! WAS T HAT IN THE MOVIE?
PROOF:
“William de Fleurville (also known as “Florville”) was a Haitian-born businessman who met Mr. Lincoln in New Salem in 1831. After Mr. Lincoln helped him attract clients in that community, Fleurville moved to Springfield where he eventually opened barbershop across from the State House and served as Mr. Lincoln’s barber for 24 years.”
“Fleurville had moved from the Carribean to Baltimore around 1820, where he met future Lincoln friend Dr. Elias H. Merriman. He then relocated to New Orleans before he went to Illinois to reconnect with Merriman, who helped set him up in the barber business and attract a clientele.” [A Black man was Abe Lincoln's barber]
By the way, Lincoln’s father was a Black man from Afrika, and his mother was a caucasoid. He was a mulatto, which is another name from negro. This is why he always wore a hat to hide his ‘nappy’ hair because he denied his Blackness! Why wouldn’t he go to white barbers, if he was ‘white’? Why was he called a ‘niqqer” by politricksters? Did they know he was a negro?
THIS IS WHY HE WAS MURDERED!!! They [government] found out he was Black and, this is the REAL reason he was asassinated. Booth was the front guy for the government, and this is why he got away with killing the prez for so long, because they [the government] didn’t give a da*mn because they knew Lincoln was a negro!!!
If you look at at the features of O’Drama and Lincoln; they favor each other, quite a bit. Both are tall and lanky, both are “light pale” in color, both had interracial parents, both of them didn’t care about their OWN people! If you put a beard on O’Drama, he would look exactly, like Lincoln. This is why he had his speech in front of Lincoln’s memorial because he admired Lincoln because BOTH of them are really BLACK, but DENY their BLACKNESS.
Dr. Boyce; this film is not close to accuracy!!! Where was the Black presence in the movie? Where was the Black barber? Where was Sojourner Truth, and the other Black Rebels, who communicated with Lincoln? Where were the Black heroes, who won the confederate war? Why are caucasoids ALWAYS portrayed as the ‘good guys’ during our slave days, but they murdered, raped, sodomized, hung, killed INNOCENT Black men, women, children and BABIES during their ‘nig*gardly deeds” of slavery? See, who the real ‘nig*gards’ were/are.
I HAVEN’T BEEN TO A FAKE HELLYWEIRD (hollywood) MOVIE IN 24 YEARS!!!
SOURCE
The Six Black Presidents [Black Face/White Mask] by a Black author by the name of Dr. Auset BaKufu
READ & LEARN
@Dr. Boyce:
“Lincoln,” the new film burning up the theaters, fits that formula perfectly. The movie was actually very good. If it is historically-accurate, it shows that Lincoln did have the kind of courage necessary to do what is right instead of focusing on that which is politically convenient. For that, I respect the man immensely.”
==============================================================
Abraham Lincoln Quote
“I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in anyway the social and political equality of the white and black races – that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality.
And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.
I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied everything.”
DO YOU STILL “HIGHLY” RESPECT THIS MULATTO, NOW? YOU SHOULD TALK ABOUT HIS MULATTO JUST LIKE YOU DO O’DRAMA…THEIR ONE-IN-THE-SAME!!!
I do not think the movie was factual. It was more like ‘cherry picking’ the facts. Some of it was downright misrepresentations. However, I do agree with Dr. Watkin general assessment that Lincoln had some honorable qualities. But I think him being some Hero or Saviour of the black race in Slavery is very overrated. There were other white men around during that time who deserved a lot more credit. But they are only a footnote in history because of this.
I was surprised that as a scholar, you would describe the movie Lincoln as “good.” In my blog I called for a boycott by Afrikan/Black people as I saw some TV ads and knew right away that it was a clear distortion of history by Steven “spiel” Spielberg. Why would we as Afrikan/Black people support this lie with the knowledge that Lincoln was a full fledged racist who was only interested in savng the union. I suggest you and your followers read the December 4, 2012 edition of the Final Call newspaper. The research department of the Nation Of Islam did a good job of exposing Lincoln for the racist that he was and Spielberg being a producer of racist propaganda. My blog entry about the “Lincoln lie” is also in that edition. It is important that we reveal the truth, especially for our young people.
I have a dream that Spike Lee, Tyler Perry ,Oprah Winfrey, Magic Johnson and all the big money hollywood black people would form a film company dedicated to making true historical films from a black perspective. Just make one good movie a year. I wish we would stop letting only white people tell our historical stories. There are so many historical books written by black people and there are unemployed black screenwriters that could make them into movies. This would help also build the self esteem of our young people because this media is so powerful and could be used to help young people learn about some of their history. Let’s do this as actions speak louder than words. The tools are there but is the commitment. How about a redo of Birth of a Nation from a black perspective, the life of Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, or any historical character from the 1800′s.
You have a dream that I have too. But I do not think it will ever happen in my lifetime….or ever. We are not the kind of people who will pay the price to do this.
Hollywood is scared to re-make a motion picture about John Brown, I wonder why? Because he was a real abolitionist.
When u make the movie, u pick the heroes.
I still feel enslaved in some ways living in the U.S. When I look around and see how most African-Amercans just ‘get by’, it make me real angry.
This is one of the few articles written by Dr. Boyce which rings home to me…Good Job!
…..those African Americans have been raised with a collectivist mindset that doesn’t encourage individualism and personal responsibility. So they fail and people like you get “really angry”; but the truth is……….god will save your a***s. lmao
Thank you for the review, Dr. Boyce. I didn’t plan on watching it based on the passive way blacks are shown in thurs movie as far add being helpless sheep waiting for s miracle. That and the absence I’d Douglas bothers me as well. If really like to see the American movie mallets move on from slavery and spend more time making movies about different aspects of black history. Red Tails was a start, and so are the made for TV movies like Miss Evers Boys.
Lincoln stopped slavery for economic reasons, just like illegal immigration has been allowed for so long, all about money except this time the white man is to stupid to modify the amendments to stop citizenship to illegals born here thus causing the financial collapse that is soon coming thus leading us into a third world country. slavery was about money the american white man made it about race.
Boyce, I am reading Forced in Glory by Jerome Bennett jr ,just began it though.But this book is supposed to be well cited.I see a whole different Lincoln, already.I refuse to see the movie until I complete the book.The name of Spielberg’s movie be HisStory to make His Money!
Boyce, I am reading Forced in Glory by Jerome Bennett jr ,just began it though.But this book is supposed to be well cited.I see a whole different Lincoln, already.I refuse to see the movie until I complete the book.The name of Spielberg’s movie be HisStory to make His Money!
Thanks for your movie review Dr. Watkins; although I had no plans of seeing the movie.
ALL of the comments from the posters were fascinating to read!
PBS has a program coming up January 8, 2013 on “American Experience” about the REAL Abolitionists. Want to see Frederick Douglas and John Brown? I will definitely be watching this, and it’s FREE!
Just saw the movie. Right on point with the analysis Dr. Boyce Watkins. thank you!!!!!!
WOW!! Is it true Lincoln father was from africa? Where is that information? Why Spike Lee or the other black film makers don’t make real black films to off set films like Lincoln and tell the truth? How george washington use to have s*x and babies with the black women who worked in his house!! Make a film exposing these lies,george washington did not discover america. Make a movie showing how black men saved the United states and white people in war world two. If black people were not allowed to join the army the united states would be very different now
On point Bro D! !.
@Bro D ..Remember, Hollyhood shut out Mario Van Peebles whenhe started funding and telling ourstory with our peperspectives (Panther, Black cowboys. etc) . Cedric the entertainer said he will make a movie about Marcus Garvey with of conurse his own money cause Hollyhood will not back it. Hotep
@Bro Imhotep:
Where’s Spike Lee, Auntie Sambo Oprah, Tyler Perry, Singleton and the other Black millionaires, who make movies? Why can’t they start producing and directing True Black OURstory, and stop depending on these caucasoids to tell OURstory?
These negroid slaves can only do so much, because they are also, CONTROLLED by those f*gs up in hellyweird (hollywood). Unless, they’re putting on a wig, dress and heels, they will not support a True Black movie.
Remember, Cedric is a comedian, and his Truth about Marcus Garvey will be questioned, if he makes a movie about him.
With ALL of these Black million dollar ball players, why don’t they pool together, and DONATE money to these Black directors and producers, so they can tell the Truth about OURstory? The bottom-line is…they can’t. They can only support white causes, white organizations, white restaurants, white car dealerships, white bankers, lawyers, white gals, real estate agents, etc., etc.
This is why I always quote THE LAST POETS:
“Niqqas play football, baseball, and basketball, while the white boy cut off their b***s.”
SPORTS IS SLAVERY!!!
Ukuthula (which means ‘peace’ in the Zulu language)
Correction- of course
Lincoln wanted to save the union that was his main concen.
Excellent point, Dr Boyce, and to your point, may I add that those are the limits of a people who still, to this day, do not want to fully acknowledge the horrors of slavery enough to make serious attempts at reparations to a people who are not quite in step, economically-speaking.
Frederick Douglas was a true visionary, but the debate over American slavery had been going on for at least 50-70 years before the Civil War, while the UK had already abolished the institution in their territories. American slavery was soooo lucrative and since whites did not hold any moral compass on an institution that had been in place for over a hundred years, were close-minded to allowing an oppressed people to become free, even when the Constitution stated that all men were created equal. I agree that Lincoln had extraordinary courage and used his office to enact what was very unpopular by the voting public. He died for the greater good- he is a true American hero.
Herein lies today’s paradox- a people who celebrate this country’s history and at the same time don’t want to acknowledge the totality of that history, but instead leaving the sad legacy of an enslaved people to their descendants.
Boyce how can the film be good and you are recommending people to see it and then say you hope they will tell the real story next time.Lincoln was another racist just like the rest who did what he did to save the European Union state in the US.Lincoln said this.
Boyce is behaving as though he is confused and hence confusing people who are without knowledge. A lot of Afrikans in America still see Lincoln as some kind of hero in the liberation of the enslaved people and I am most embarrassed by Boyce’s statement.
Not sure if anyone will pick up my comments but the movie has just been released in the UK.
I too am yet to see the movie and I will see it for referencial purposes, not for entertainment.
I agreed with Dr. Boyce Watkins commentary but a few other parts of it I would question.
Case in point, in my view he applauded Abraham Lincoln by saying,
“If it is historically-accurate, it shows that Lincoln did have the kind of courage necessary to do what is right instead of focusing on that which is politically convenient. For that, I respect the man immensely.”
‘Derrick’ rightfully quoted a section of the Lincoln/Douglas Debates which in my view puts Dr Watkins’ aformentioned commentary to bed so to speak.
Lincoln, like his predecessors and those who follow him until this day, know that if a situation occurs which potentially threatens their supremacy as a people and a nation they do what it necessary to preserve their rule and this kind of thinking is the prerequesite knowledge that one must possess if they desire to serve this nation…in short, I guess this is called ‘political expediency’!
We must not give way to ambiguity particularly when historical facts stare at us in the face.
Dr. Boyce: “Lincoln” is a Really Good Movie that Annoyed Me Just a Bit | Black Blue Dog