Nappy Headed Black Child

skip to 6:10



So we watched these scene in the last day of class and were asked to discuss

To be held up by the police and be treated in such a manner after growing up in a household where you are taught to defy and fight against this oppression. add to that to the fact that if Cuba's character does challenge the officer he will be shot and chances are the Officer will get away with it. Cuba's character doesnt fight back and aftewards his frustration is apparent and then his pain and vulnerability shows in front of Nia Long's character (gotta love black love in movies).

However the "why" behind the frustration is where the differences in the class were.

We all agreed that were Cuba's character's self concept of manhood was damage because of his failure to fight back for fear of his life. During that situation his character is angry and upset and wants to resist which is explains the breakdown he has in his girlfriends house.

I and some others also stated that in a similar position we would have resisted. For me specifically i cannot and will not let myself give into oppression. I realize in that context it would have cost me my life. But i refuse to surrender my dignity or my manhood to that on a matter of principle because if you do not stand for whats right then wrong will continue to be done. Thats something i got from my father, never compromise on whats right.

but the point that was brought Why is Cuba less of a man because he fights back. obviously if he does he will die and all his potential he has will be lost. Cuba's Character knows he is a man and he doesnt have to prove it. While he was treated unfairly he is stil alive.

I didnt have an answer for that.

She went on to say that if he dies then the community loses its example. Our communites already need men to actually act like men and be examples to their communities and families we cant afford to lose them senselessly like that.


I didnt have an answer for this either.


Essentially, where does one draw the line. Is Pride and Principle worth sacraficing sometimes? Guess it depends on where you sit.

Gimme some feedback on this one.