I love this scene so much in the movie. I thought it was really interesting how like no days once we turn 18 were basically like ok I'm grown and no longer have to do what my parents say and can make my own choices. And most parents are going to let their kids make their own choices and mistakes and yea they will be there but they wont be waiting for us to ask for permission on everything we do, and in this scene John, a 37 year old man, is upset because his father just scolded him and is trying to still tell him how to live his life. Like the girl Joanna I think it said mostly lived at home. Which she still is young only 23 but now days most 23 year old have long been out of their parents house. These two people who are madly in love with each other and are both completely grown are still being told what to do by their parents. I was a little shocked to see John lay into his father like that though. He made it very clear how the older generation is stuck in their ways but times are completely changing. I loved the part when John said, "But you think of yourself as a colored man, I think of myself as a man." It so reminds me of today is this country and the way gay people are treated. I notice a lot of times if someone is talking about a gay person they will say something like oh my i ran into my gay friend Chris today, but if they ran into their straight friend they would not say oh I ran into my straight friend Chris today, if the person is straight then they just say my friend Chris but it's like if a person is gay then we have to make that known for some reason and I really don't understand it. People still do it with black people too and it's actually kind of sad because it just shows that people don't see people as just people. We always have to put a label on them if they are in someway different than us. I don't agree with what John said about how things will be different basically when that older generation dies off. We will always have racist and prejudice people in this world no matter what. I mean, just with me for example, I do not judge anyone. That is not my place it is God's place and I will never look down upon someone for anything weather it's being gay or maybe they smoke weed. I won't look down on you but that still does not mean I will ever support gay marriage and I know I believe that way because of my religion and the way I was raised and that's how it will be forever because people are always going to raise their children a certain way and a lot of times those beliefs will stick with us. -mybabygirl004
I agree with you. I am married to an African American man. When we were going through marriage counseling the pastor told us that we would go through some of the same things that "a gay couple" goes through. At first I didn't understand. Now, 12 years later I completely agree with him. There are some people who still look at interracial couples as being "taboo" or something that's against "God's Will". We have endured alot in our marriage and the most coming from our own families. We like to say that we don't see each other as a "white" woman and a "black" woman we are a man and woman. The part where the priest says something about how interracial couples are usually the strongest and able to endure the most because they face things that same race couples don't. This is absolutely true. Most of the time it is him and I against everyone else. I agree with you that people still refer to people as "black people" not just people. We are all people and bleed the same color blood.
I too, really liked this scene. I also want to note the comment you had about how things won't will be different when the older generation decreases. I think that different generations will be different. Sure, the new generations will still have prejudices and judgemental people, but the thing is is that those prejudices and judgements will be seen differently. I also want to mention comment you had on labels and judging. I respect your beliefs, but I on the other hand, judge everybody. It's the first thing I do when I see or meet anybody. I have to do it to get a good idea of the person first. It's like a first impression. I judge, but I do not express those judgements aloud. I think that the judging leads to the labels, it gives a “name” to the idea. -Happy004
Wow, powerful stuff! I remember Mayo Angelo's "We are more alike than we are not alike". All parents try to tell their chldren how to be, what to be, and who to be. It doesn't matter your race or religion. As humans when we've reached that age that "I'm grown" our parents don't understand our decisions because that's not what they did, or stood for. If more people would stand up for what they believe in and not what their parents grew up believing in, we probably would have less predjudice in our society. Usually when a parent says don't, we do so when you try to shield your children from things that are not the norm for you, your child often does the opposite. I have a sister in law who is white and her parent don't agree with the marriage. They are susposed to be religous people, in church everytime the doors open, but they still do not except my brother as family because he's black. It doesn't matter that their daughter is in love with him what matters to them is that this is not the norm. The Bible says "thou shalt not pass judgement against another". Who are they to judge? That's the problem in our society, not only race, but sexuality, and religion are being judged everyday. I am remided in the movie, when John said to his father "You think of yourself as a colored man, I think of myself as a man". It would be nice if everyone think of themselves as a person not a color, sexuality, or a certain religion, and vice versa. If we as society today could just look at one another as an individual and get to know that person it would be a move in the right direction for future generations to come. Still there would be some predjudice but not as bad as it was then or even now. myboys004
That is a very interesting way to look at it. It is true that for the most part it is hard for parents to let us control our own aspects of our lives after we have reached a certain age. Much so in the sense of becoming our own person. Our parents have an idea of who they want us to be or act or look or dress or talk. And that is fine when we are 6 and have no control over such things but as we become teenagers and adults we start to form our own ideas of what we like and who we are. Like the comment in class about your grandma could be racist and until you go off to college and meet that individual of said race and form our own opinion of them and realize that you don’t share the same belief as your grandma. -mysonmyworld004
It makes you think about the level of influence that our families have over us. One thing that I don't think people think about enough is that society has what I would describe as an "atmosphere." And what I mean by that is that even when ideologies are not always reinforce by voice, we are still communicating our true beliefs by non-verbal communication. They way we choose to respond to issues like the one in this movie can contribute to the social atmosphere even if there is no action taken. Your brother's situation is sadly like many who marry into the families of conservative people with rigid views about society and race. It sucks because we really benefit from our families help when we are starting families of our own. Your brother and his wife had to take stand for love much like John Prentice and Joanna Drayton. -004kylegoldheart
Very good film, I assume this was a long time ago in like the 70's or something but it was really good I sure enjoyed the scene. The best part of the scene was that he said something profound which was, "Dad, I love you, you are my Dad, but you think of yourself as a colored man and I think of myself as a man." That was really something, that scene made me think about how life is so different now from the past. The past was horrible for all African Americans and all races, now we think of ourselves as how we were raised to think of ourselves. He was raised very well, he thanked his father because his father was the one who raised him as well as his mother. In context of the film the message that the audience needed to hear was that from now on we don't think of ourselves as different from anyone else because everyone is as simple as a woman or a man we are all unique and there is nothing wrong with it.
That was actually my favorite part of the movie too. I loved when he said that he just thinks of himself as just a man. That's honestly how we should all think of each other, just as men and women and that's it but sadly that's not how it is. Like I said in my other post, when people refer to someone different than them, it's always that black guy, or that gay person. It's rarely ever just that person. Even people that aren't racist do it and it's like that don't even realize they are saying it that way but that's just how society kind of makes us. -mybabygirl004
This is one main scene that really caught my eye while watching the movie. I even wrote down his line about his father seeing himself as a colored man and him just seeing himself as a man. As we have learned in sociology a lot of what we think and who we are is taught to us. The older man’s generation was taught to see themselves as a black man. His son however, has had a much different life which has allowed him to form a different opinion. The part that he says it will not be until your whole generation dies will the “weight” be off our backs, meaning that the stigma of them being less than a man but rather a colored man will remain because that is how they were taught. Although I know this movie was ahead of its time back then I felt like it could have raised some ideas just like it has today. I find it very interesting that a white man (William Rose) who wrote the movie would have such an in depth view like this one around that time. It really goes to show the advancement of this movie compared to the times. The part where he claims he is owed something for working to take care of his son. I don’t really know how to feel about that part. I mean the son is right he does not owe you anything as it was your responsibility to do so since you brought him in to this world. Although, being grateful because you were given such an awesome upbringing and your dad working his butt off to ensure you had better than he did makes sense. I know I appreciate my dad working so hard to get us in to a better neighborhood and school district. I wouldn’t say my dad thinks I owe him anything for that but I would say that as I use that better opportunity he gave that I can ensure you I will always make sure my dad is taken care of no matter what after all I wouldn’t be where I am without the sacrifices he made many years ago. As for the clip over all it was very powerful and emotional. I would love to see the reactions to this clip back then. -mysonmyworld004
I like your view and your statements on this blog. It is very interesting how a white man wrote this, especially in that time period and to create a scene as powerful as this one with true sociological statements is incredible. I wonder what research and personal experiences led up to him writing such a controversial script for his time. I also agree that John had a different upbringing yet his life experiences changed his mind when it came to colored people and interracial marriages. I think it’s fascinating how so many people are hypocrites in today’s society when raising their children but following through with what they preach is another story. “Don’t be racist, but you can’t date or marry someone that is not your same color, don’t smoke, while I sit here smoking a pack a day, don’t have sex before marriage, while I had you out of wedlock.” People say your parents want better for you and just don’t want to make the same mistakes as they do, but it’s a whole other story when it comes to love support or acceptance when their children make choices or even mistakes. ~BabyB004
@mysonmyworld004 I appreciate your points of view. This scene was also one of my favorites. I liked it for many reasons but the biggest was when John talked about how he sees himself as a man not a colored man. This really affected me because my husband is African American. We tell people alot that we don't see each other as "black" and "white", we simply see each other as a man and woman. I think it was shocking to some of us when John told his dad that he didn't owe him anything. I think that in today's society we have so many "parents" having kids and not taking care of them that sometimes we forget that our kids don't owe us anything for raising them. Kids don't ask to be born and when we have kids we are expected to take care of them. I don't think John was saying this to be disrespectful. I think it was more of him trying to make a point that just because his father did raise him and worked hard to get him through medical school doesn't give him the right to dictate how he lives his life. I do believe John is grateful for how hard his father worked. I think John is just trying to make a statement of independence. I also found it interesting that a white man wrote this film. However, if you research there were thousands of white people who stood against racism and segregation in the Civil Rights Movement. ~peoriahighlionsfootball004
The older the generation the more different the view points are which is weird because our parents raise us. We grow up with the view points they have,but as we age we sculpt our own points and see ways to improve our parents points. If we looked at the view points of the early settlers in America to the time period that the movie was based and then to now there is a dramatic difference in opinion and cultural norms. -Kitsune004
Very good film, I assume this was a long time ago in like the 70's or something but it was really good I sure enjoyed the scene. The best part of the scene was that he said something profound which was, "Dad, I love you, you are my Dad, but you think of yourself as a colored man and I think of myself as a man." That was really something, that scene made me think about how life is so different now from the past. The past was horrible for all African Americans and all races, now we think of ourselves as how we were raised to think of ourselves. He was raised very well, he thanked his father because his father was the one who raised him as well as his mother. In context of the film the message that the audience needed to hear was that from now on we don't think of ourselves as different from anyone else because everyone is as simple as a woman or a man we are all unique and there is nothing wrong with it.
This scene is my favorite scene of the whole movie. I felt even my generation could connect to this on a level of what our society struggles with accepting today, such as gay marriages, abortion, and acceptance of different religions. I found his fight with his dad about him owing his dad very interesting. My mother was like that, I do this, I expect this from you. There were always strings attached and it has hurt me by not being able to trust in people’s basic kindness or genuine love. So for John to fight back the manipulation tactic of his father was brave. He pointed out very clearly that it was the father’s choice to carry the mail bag for many years and it was his choice to make those sacrifices for his son. I very emotional powerful scene that I think is a problem in today’s society. Where parents believe they can either boss their children around like their parents before them or want better but end up losing the love and encouragement children really need in their life. Granted I know parents make mistakes and regret things, but we get caught up in the materialistic world and providing better things for our children that we forget what children really need. For instance in this scene what John really needs is support and acceptance from his father, not his father degrading him and attempting to make his son feel guilty. I also thought his statement of if God would allow him another son in the future he would do anything for him and not bring up what his future son would owe him. Again, I can’t even imagine saying this after he lost his own son to a car accident. I would hope this would make his father stop and think what a blessing it is to even have his own son breathing. ~BabyB004
I like how you pointed out that this generation can relate to this because it’s very true and I was thinking the same thing. We have had so much violence against African Americans lately and other things that we thought we would never see happen again happening. -Boop004-
I liked this scene in the movie for two reasons. The first reason is the part where he tells his dad that he owes him nothing because his dad brought him into the world and he is supposed to raise his son. Yes, our parents brought us into the world, raised us, and sacrificed stuff for us, and we should love and respect them for that, but we don't owe them anything. Parents are supposed to raise their kids. They are supposed to make sacrifices to ensure our health, safety, and a good future. Its not a child's fault that their parents had to work hard to put them through school and put food on the table, its the parent's fault for having a child when they can barely afford it. So John is right, he owes his dad nothing, especially not the right to tell him who he can and can't marry. The second reason I liked this scene is the line "You see yourself as a colored man, and I see myself as a man." Honestly I feel that race plays a much bigger role in our society than it should. People put way too much importance on the color of their skin and where their ancestors came from and it causes more distance between races. If you look at the news stories of a white cop shooting a black man, the headlines will say "White Cop Shoots Unarmed Black Man" but if a black or Hispanic cop shoots a black man, the headline will just say "Cop Shoots Unarmed Black Man." As if the fact that a cop is white makes any difference. If more people thought like John does and less like his father, the racial tension in our society would dramatically decrease -Secor22
The argument between Dr. Prentice and his father is a contrast of the ages. Dr. Prentice pluralism gives him the strong believe that he is equal to other men regardless of their race and or ethnicity. His reasoning could have become apparent during his educational experience or from extensive travel around the world. In either case his viewpoint is strongly expressed in this argument when he states,” his father’s generation has the same thinking and expectation that must followed the youth. The phase “do as I says do,” without questioning the reasoning was the safest way to protect their children from harm. He said that his father was thirty years younger and then blacks were hung and beaten for questioning whites. So they adopted those safe guards that were passed down throughout the generations but in the late 1950’s there was a cultural change. These changes started because of assimilation and segregation was being challenged around the nation. buckrogers004
This clip really speaks to intra-cultural differences as a result of social evolution. Mr. Prentice grew up during less optimistic times and is a product of those times. John Prentice mentions that his father is 30 years older than he is. While racial equality has been a slow evolution, some change had taken place in that time. Change that extends the opportunity of becoming a doctor to John. Mr. Prentice explains that he worked really hard to make more opportunities for John. Mr. Prentice's hard work resulted in John's career success and thus his deviance from the norms of social stratification. John mentions that it will not be until his father's generation dies that change will occur. When John said this I can't help but think about the current state of race relations today and how the generations differ so widely. I think the most important message of this clip is understanding that social evolution will encounter resistance and it's success relies on the stand against what we may consider the "social norm" as it is not always what is right. It took the collaborative efforts of many people like the Drayton's and John Prentice for society to come as far as it has today. -004kylegoldheart
This scene really showed the difference in the toughts from one generation to the next. John has the understanding of what his dad's generation believed in, but his life experiences forged his thought. His father didn't understand that his son experienced different cultures, in and out of the country. His father should have gotten a chance to know and understand his son. I kind of understand where John is coming from. It's unfortunate that he had to learn so much about his son in such a small time. And John could have informed his father about his decision, but the fear that is ingrained in him from his father stops him to express any type of feelings. The evolution of man shows that certain things that are taboo will cease to be over generations. Mixed relationships, since this revolution, has become normal. It's not to say that there are not any bigots left. It's just not as many.
The way the movie started & portrayed the views of both fathers seemed kind of like it was a of George Jefferson & Archie bunker type situation. However, as you watch you see the father's reactions are more out of fear for the social problems their children will face in society more than out of their own prejudices.ToyaO'Connor004
I agree. I think this movie is eye opening to anyone. Even with the age of the film it can still be taken in the way things continue to be in the world although not to such an extreme as it was then. New laws have helped, as well as the media. bdole004
This really stuck out to me because he was telling his father that just because he is a black man does not mean that he can’t love who he wants, marry who he wants, or even be who he is just because of his skin color. He was telling his father that just because he is his father that does not mean he can tell him how to live or what to do its still his life at this point, and that as a father he has done what he was supposed to do. He also points out that his doesn’t know who he is, and what he is because they are not the same person. I like how he said that he can’t live his life according to his father rules because a lot these days people think that they have to live life like other people want them to, or that if they don’t do something right that their mom or dad will be upset because they didn’t do it their way when really they should do it the way that they want to do it not because everyone else wants them to do it a special way. His father thinks that his son’s life will be the worst thing that has ever happen if he marry a white women when his son is telling him that it will not be that way because he will not allow it. The son just wants to live and the father is not doing that by disagreeing with this marriage. I LOVE how he tells his father that he thinks of his self as a colored man when he thinks of his self as just a man just for the simple fact that just because he is colored that does not mean a thing. -Boop004-
The way the movie started & portrayed the views of both fathers seemed kind of like it was a of George Jefferson & Archie bunker type situation. However, as you watch you see the father's reactions are more out of fear for the social problems their children will face in society more than out of their own prejudices.ToyaO'Connor004
This clip tackles a couple really big topics in sociology. The first being age. Throughout the whole movie the age of the characters really had a big impact on what they did. For example, Joanna was very young, in her twenties. Having been brought up in a pretty accepting house hold she didn’t see anything wrong with her and John being together. John having been older and having more life experience, thought that there was some danger, but him and Joanna could overcome it. When it came to their parents all four were very apprehensive, and the fathers were out right against it. Their ages in my opinion had some of the biggest impacts on their decisions. Having went through tougher racial times the parents knew how dangerous and interracial relationship could be. But the younger generation is always way more accepting than the generation that proceeded it. The other big topic that this clip tackles would be family. Mr. Prentice is telling John that he shouldn’t be with Joanna and that John should respect him for all that he has sacrificed for him. Although John appreciates all that his father has done he thinks that his father owes him the best that he can give him. In society we look at the family as being the primary provider for our children. While some may argue that kids get spoiled, I think it is important for parents to do everything they can for their children. Future generations are the ones who will take control sooner rather than later so it is important for parents to give their children the best leg up that they can. Our society places a big emphasis on the familial unit because it is so important for the development of children. I would have to agree that while all the things Mr. Prentice did were very noteworthy, it is ridiculous to hold them over his head. It was Mr. Prentice’s responisiblity to give John the best life that he could, at least with our societal values. -DTH004
This clip from the movie shows a valid point that some parents still deal with to this day regardless of their race and/or ethnicity. A child and parent and who owes who. How does a question like this even come about? A parent's job is to rear their children, they do not own them and they do not owe them, however they are responsible for providing them with the best life possible. The existence of a child is not for mere satisfaction of being able to reproduce, but to enhance one's own life to the greater things in the world. I think the son in the video does a great job getting his point across to his father. At least it seems that his father sure takes what he has to say to heart. You can see even with the tone of voice that there is pure love in what he is saying. More people need to realize this same thing. bdole004
This scene of the movie was very powerful. John dared challenge the authority of his father. The magic was that John did it so sternly but in the most respectful way anyone could; anyone who would oppose a higher authority. His father is the head of the family and the person that holds the power of the household. Even though John is an accomplished 37 year old man, he is still bound to his father. His father still plays a big role in his life, so I thought that it was a very influential scene due to the fact that John tested the role and the power that his father has in his life; and not just the power that his father has over him, but all the power that his father worked so endlessly for all his life. In addition to that, I also found the part when John’s father expressed how he saw their relationship. He said that John owed him, with all that he did for John to help him be successful and get him where he is now. My mother too tells me that any chance she gets and I respond the same way that John does because it is so false. Parents chose to have a child and they should have known what they were taking on. I can truly relate to this scene because my lifestyle in my household is very close to this movie. The value of power, the principles that must be upheld, and the conflicts in race, or in my family, it would be culture. Furthermore, this scene captivates the relationship of John and his father. The differences in views and the significance of power becomes evident. -Happy004
I was always told the older you get the wiser your parents are. This seems not to be the case in this scene of the movie where it shows the gap not just of age but also of generations between John Prentice and his father, but also between Joey Drayton and her father. The older generation does not seem to be accepting of the change not just in the youth but in the world. John stated that he see himself as just a man and not as a “black man” like his father does. This show how the new generation is seeing less of color, and started looking more at the person as a whole before they judge if they like them or not. I would think this would show Mr. Prentice that there is a brighter future to come for the African Americans, but he is still afraid that his son is going to run into problems. After all the movie tells us that 18 of the 50states ban interracial marriages. Switching gears but another topic in this scene was. When John brings up the topic of his father owing him I’m not really sure that how that really works. Today parents try and give their children the best opportunity to get ahead in life and spend thousands of dollar sent them to college if their able to. If John is say that how he owns him it a weird way of putting it. I feel that we owe our parents every penny if not more for what they do for us so we can better our lives. -CFC004
This scene was very touching because Dr.Prentice loves his fiance and defends his choice to his father even though his father is completely against the marriage. Family is a key part of our decision making processes Even when a child grows up, they still look to parents as a guild through everything. When a parent does not like a significant other that a person has the significant other does not always become part of the family. Also in this time family was closer than now. A parent normally wants the best for their child even when they are adults; even now my parents still try to sway my decisions to make for a major. His father was concerned because at the time interracial marriages were illegal in many states and were considered deviant. It was very brave of Dr.Prentice to stand up to his father for a girl in which he is in love with. It was against most norms that families grew with at the time period. the difference between this scene and a scene today is a family would have a screaming match not speech that has meaning. I loved this scene so much because in the beginning Dr.Prentice was hiding the fact his fiance was white and then evolved in the movie to be able to defend that he loves a women who is not the same color as him. He doesn't say he hates father either, he says that he loves him but basically let him decide on love interests. -Kitsune004
Yes , he does love her very much that is the reason why he said if her parents do not agree to the marriage then he would not marry her. He didn't want her to have to choose between him and her parents. wonderwoman004
“You don’t own me.” A struggle parents have when their children have turned into the independent adults that they have raised. At 27 years old I still feel like my parents can tell me what to do and I ask for permission to do certain things. As a mother I struggle with the fact that the son is right, his father does not own him and can’t tell him what to say or what to do. But we as parents want our children to make the best decisions they can in life and want our children to be a better person than we are. This power struggle was one of the main themes of the movie. As a grown man who takes care of himself a father still thinks they must obey them and do what they say. All the characters experienced this power struggle at some point. Parents want their children to live better lives than they have and those same children want their parents to realize what was once “better” is not the same after generations. The Colored man verses a man is THE MOST IMPORTANT quote from this movie, not only because it shows the difference between that fathers upbringing and life cycle compared to his son’s I think also hits close to home due to the fact that in today’s society and the violence being shown to our black men in todays world it has flipped again. When that movie came out black men were finally feeling respected and consider themselves, men, not “colored men”. Due to the stereo typing and violence happen in the black community I think we are now reverting back to black men and black people identifying themselves as Black Men. Not just a man. Blck men want to show that they are proud to be black and not afraid to be black even though disrespect and violence are the only things given to the group of people. Black Lives Matter is a movement that shows this new look on the identity of men. We, as in Americans, have forced black people to feel divided again in this world. I hope by my sons life time he can think of himself as a Man, not a Black Man. Because him being black is only one small piece of who he is an who he will be. KtKay004
I definitely agree with you that him saying, "You view yourself as a colored man, I view myself as a man." is definitely the most important quote from this movie. Your race is just a part of who you are, and there are and should be many other things that define you as a person. Everyone is human, no matter their race, sexual orientation, or anything else someone wants to categorize them as. We need to see people as humans with individual struggles and narratives, just as we'd want them to view us as. I hate that in our world today everyone is so divided. Hopefully one day this will be just a part of history, and people will learn to treat every human with respect and dignity no matter what differentiating characteristics we may have. -chillato004
I thought this scene was exceptionally powerful. He's finally getting everything off his chest that he's probably wanted to say to his father for quite some time. I do agree with him that while all parents make great sacrifices for their kids and go great lengths to give them everything they possibly can, a child should not "owe" their parents or feel indebted to them. It is the parents responsibility to provide the child with everything they need, I'm not saying everything they want, but what they need to grow and mature and be healthy. It is important to be grateful of your parents, and I believe he conveys that. He reminds him that while he will always love him and appreciate everything he's done for him, his father does not own him and cannot control his actions or make decisions for him. He says, "you don't know who I am or how I think." This definitely resonates with me. While my mom and I have a great relationship now that I'm older, she does not know everything about me nor does she agree with things I may think or do. It does seem like he is having a moment of rage and possible childhood resentment, but that is common behavior in parental relationships as far as I'm concerned. Your parents can always bring you back to that mental state of frustration just like when you were a kid living in their house, abiding by their rules. But what he said at the end cannot be more true. "You see yourself as a colored man. I see myself as a man." Many people define themselves by their race, sexual orientation, and many other things. But I like to see people as just humans with narratives and everyday individual struggles just like the rest of us. -chillato004
This scene was very powerful also but a little disrespectful I thought. This scene is the only place were you see John get angry and it is with his father. I think that John's father has some of the same issues as Tillie because they both are a part of the same culture. John's had grew up believing that black people were not equal with white people also he knew black men could get killed for just looking at a white woman. John's father had taken on the belief system of the people were in power. I know that John's probably felt like he had to carry the weight of the black race on his shoulder. I think John wanted his father to be happy for him but his father was thinking about the hard life that they were going to encounter. John did not see himself as colored man but just as a man but his father saw himself as a colored man because of society. It was what he had been told all his life but John had traveled all around the world and realized that no everybody saw him as a colored man. John felt like his father's whole generation was part of the problem and until they all died out that he would have a lot of weight on his back. There are a lot of raw emotions in this scene because John and his father see things in total opposite view but John is in love and his father is thinking rationally about how they will be treated by other people and that in seventeen states they would be committing a crime because it was against the law for blacks and whites to marry. This scene really causes you to think about all the factors that shape our everyday thoughts and way of living. wonderwoman004
Yes this scene was powerful and no doubt in my mind, John's father was very disrespectful. And yes John held his composure through out the whole movie except this scene. I believe John wanted his father to accept his engagement which in turn his father did not. this engagement is a culture shock to all the people in the movie except the couple. No one was understanding but knew John and Joey would do what the wanted to do no matter what anyone else said. John and Joey were on the verge of breaking this vicious racist cycle and they needed the ones they loved to accept the change and come on board.~Mznurse004
The scene is so powerful between a father and his son. The father feels portrayed by his son because he chose to marry outside of his race. John's father frowned upon this behavior and had negative things to say. In his mind he can still tell John what to do in his life. I am proud of John for standing up for himself and letting his father know he doesn't owe him anything and he can't tell him what to do. His father was judgmental and did not consider his son's feelings. He wants his father to understand racism still exits and someone has to break the chains. The realist thing said throughout the movie came from John, he does not consider himself a colored man, he considers himself as a man. John's father appeared to be in shock by his words but they were the truth. People then and today need to realize, racism is no longer and people should be accepted no matter the color of your skin or who one chooses to date. We are all alike in so many ways and bleed the same blood. People just need to grow up and accept the changes that are happening and the ones to come.~Mznurse004
I love this scene so much in the movie. I thought it was really interesting how like no days once we turn 18 were basically like ok I'm grown and no longer have to do what my parents say and can make my own choices. And most parents are going to let their kids make their own choices and mistakes and yea they will be there but they wont be waiting for us to ask for permission on everything we do, and in this scene John, a 37 year old man, is upset because his father just scolded him and is trying to still tell him how to live his life. Like the girl Joanna I think it said mostly lived at home. Which she still is young only 23 but now days most 23 year old have long been out of their parents house. These two people who are madly in love with each other and are both completely grown are still being told what to do by their parents. I was a little shocked to see John lay into his father like that though. He made it very clear how the older generation is stuck in their ways but times are completely changing. I loved the part when John said, "But you think of yourself as a colored man, I think of myself as a man." It so reminds me of today is this country and the way gay people are treated. I notice a lot of times if someone is talking about a gay person they will say something like oh my i ran into my gay friend Chris today, but if they ran into their straight friend they would not say oh I ran into my straight friend Chris today, if the person is straight then they just say my friend Chris but it's like if a person is gay then we have to make that known for some reason and I really don't understand it. People still do it with black people too and it's actually kind of sad because it just shows that people don't see people as just people. We always have to put a label on them if they are in someway different than us. I don't agree with what John said about how things will be different basically when that older generation dies off. We will always have racist and prejudice people in this world no matter what. I mean, just with me for example, I do not judge anyone. That is not my place it is God's place and I will never look down upon someone for anything weather it's being gay or maybe they smoke weed. I won't look down on you but that still does not mean I will ever support gay marriage and I know I believe that way because of my religion and the way I was raised and that's how it will be forever because people are always going to raise their children a certain way and a lot of times those beliefs will stick with us.
ReplyDelete-mybabygirl004
I agree with you. I am married to an African American man. When we were going through marriage counseling the pastor told us that we would go through some of the same things that "a gay couple" goes through. At first I didn't understand. Now, 12 years later I completely agree with him. There are some people who still look at interracial couples as being "taboo" or something that's against "God's Will". We have endured alot in our marriage and the most coming from our own families. We like to say that we don't see each other as a "white" woman and a "black" woman we are a man and woman. The part where the priest says something about how interracial couples are usually the strongest and able to endure the most because they face things that same race couples don't. This is absolutely true. Most of the time it is him and I against everyone else. I agree with you that people still refer to people as "black people" not just people. We are all people and bleed the same color blood.
DeleteI too, really liked this scene. I also want to note the comment you had about how things won't will be different when the older generation decreases. I think that different generations will be different. Sure, the new generations will still have prejudices and judgemental people, but the thing is is that those prejudices and judgements will be seen differently. I also want to mention comment you had on labels and judging. I respect your beliefs, but I on the other hand, judge everybody. It's the first thing I do when I see or meet anybody. I have to do it to get a good idea of the person first. It's like a first impression. I judge, but I do not express those judgements aloud. I think that the judging leads to the labels, it gives a “name” to the idea. -Happy004
DeleteWow, powerful stuff! I remember Mayo Angelo's "We are more alike than we are not alike". All parents try to tell their chldren how to be, what to be, and who to be. It doesn't matter your race or religion. As humans when we've reached that age that "I'm grown" our parents don't understand our decisions because that's not what they did, or stood for. If more people would stand up for what they believe in and not what their parents grew up believing in, we probably would have less predjudice in our society. Usually when a parent says don't, we do so when you try to shield your children from things that are not the norm for you, your child often does the opposite. I have a sister in law who is white and her parent don't agree with the marriage. They are susposed to be religous people, in church everytime the doors open, but they still do not except my brother as family because he's black. It doesn't matter that their daughter is in love with him what matters to them is that this is not the norm. The Bible says "thou shalt not pass judgement against another". Who are they to judge? That's the problem in our society, not only race, but sexuality, and religion are being judged everyday. I am remided in the movie, when John said to his father "You think of yourself as a colored man, I think of myself as a man". It would be nice if everyone think of themselves as a person not a color, sexuality, or a certain religion, and vice versa. If we as society today could just look at one another as an individual and get to know that person it would be a move in the right direction for future generations to come. Still there would be some predjudice but not as bad as it was then or even now. myboys004
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting way to look at it. It is true that for the most part it is hard for parents to let us control our own aspects of our lives after we have reached a certain age. Much so in the sense of becoming our own person. Our parents have an idea of who they want us to be or act or look or dress or talk. And that is fine when we are 6 and have no control over such things but as we become teenagers and adults we start to form our own ideas of what we like and who we are. Like the comment in class about your grandma could be racist and until you go off to college and meet that individual of said race and form our own opinion of them and realize that you don’t share the same belief as your grandma.
Delete-mysonmyworld004
It makes you think about the level of influence that our families have over us. One thing that I don't think people think about enough is that society has what I would describe as an "atmosphere." And what I mean by that is that even when ideologies are not always reinforce by voice, we are still communicating our true beliefs by non-verbal communication. They way we choose to respond to issues like the one in this movie can contribute to the social atmosphere even if there is no action taken. Your brother's situation is sadly like many who marry into the families of conservative people with rigid views about society and race. It sucks because we really benefit from our families help when we are starting families of our own. Your brother and his wife had to take stand for love much like John Prentice and Joanna Drayton. -004kylegoldheart
DeleteVery good film, I assume this was a long time ago in like the 70's or something but it was really good I sure enjoyed the scene. The best part of the scene was that he said something profound which was, "Dad, I love you, you are my Dad, but you think of yourself as a colored man and I think of myself as a man." That was really something, that scene made me think about how life is so different now from the past. The past was horrible for all African Americans and all races, now we think of ourselves as how we were raised to think of ourselves. He was raised very well, he thanked his father because his father was the one who raised him as well as his mother. In context of the film the message that the audience needed to hear was that from now on we don't think of ourselves as different from anyone else because everyone is as simple as a woman or a man we are all unique and there is nothing wrong with it.
ReplyDeleteThat was actually my favorite part of the movie too. I loved when he said that he just thinks of himself as just a man. That's honestly how we should all think of each other, just as men and women and that's it but sadly that's not how it is. Like I said in my other post, when people refer to someone different than them, it's always that black guy, or that gay person. It's rarely ever just that person. Even people that aren't racist do it and it's like that don't even realize they are saying it that way but that's just how society kind of makes us.
Delete-mybabygirl004
This is one main scene that really caught my eye while watching the movie. I even wrote down his line about his father seeing himself as a colored man and him just seeing himself as a man. As we have learned in sociology a lot of what we think and who we are is taught to us. The older man’s generation was taught to see themselves as a black man. His son however, has had a much different life which has allowed him to form a different opinion. The part that he says it will not be until your whole generation dies will the “weight” be off our backs, meaning that the stigma of them being less than a man but rather a colored man will remain because that is how they were taught. Although I know this movie was ahead of its time back then I felt like it could have raised some ideas just like it has today. I find it very interesting that a white man (William Rose) who wrote the movie would have such an in depth view like this one around that time. It really goes to show the advancement of this movie compared to the times. The part where he claims he is owed something for working to take care of his son. I don’t really know how to feel about that part. I mean the son is right he does not owe you anything as it was your responsibility to do so since you brought him in to this world. Although, being grateful because you were given such an awesome upbringing and your dad working his butt off to ensure you had better than he did makes sense. I know I appreciate my dad working so hard to get us in to a better neighborhood and school district. I wouldn’t say my dad thinks I owe him anything for that but I would say that as I use that better opportunity he gave that I can ensure you I will always make sure my dad is taken care of no matter what after all I wouldn’t be where I am without the sacrifices he made many years ago. As for the clip over all it was very powerful and emotional. I would love to see the reactions to this clip back then.
ReplyDelete-mysonmyworld004
I like your view and your statements on this blog. It is very interesting how a white man wrote this, especially in that time period and to create a scene as powerful as this one with true sociological statements is incredible. I wonder what research and personal experiences led up to him writing such a controversial script for his time. I also agree that John had a different upbringing yet his life experiences changed his mind when it came to colored people and interracial marriages. I think it’s fascinating how so many people are hypocrites in today’s society when raising their children but following through with what they preach is another story. “Don’t be racist, but you can’t date or marry someone that is not your same color, don’t smoke, while I sit here smoking a pack a day, don’t have sex before marriage, while I had you out of wedlock.” People say your parents want better for you and just don’t want to make the same mistakes as they do, but it’s a whole other story when it comes to love support or acceptance when their children make choices or even mistakes. ~BabyB004
Delete@mysonmyworld004 I appreciate your points of view. This scene was also one of my favorites. I liked it for many reasons but the biggest was when John talked about how he sees himself as a man not a colored man. This really affected me because my husband is African American. We tell people alot that we don't see each other as "black" and "white", we simply see each other as a man and woman. I think it was shocking to some of us when John told his dad that he didn't owe him anything. I think that in today's society we have so many "parents" having kids and not taking care of them that sometimes we forget that our kids don't owe us anything for raising them. Kids don't ask to be born and when we have kids we are expected to take care of them. I don't think John was saying this to be disrespectful. I think it was more of him trying to make a point that just because his father did raise him and worked hard to get him through medical school doesn't give him the right to dictate how he lives his life. I do believe John is grateful for how hard his father worked. I think John is just trying to make a statement of independence. I also found it interesting that a white man wrote this film. However, if you research there were thousands of white people who stood against racism and segregation in the Civil Rights Movement. ~peoriahighlionsfootball004
DeleteThe older the generation the more different the view points are which is weird because our parents raise us. We grow up with the view points they have,but as we age we sculpt our own points and see ways to improve our parents points. If we looked at the view points of the early settlers in America to the time period that the movie was based and then to now there is a dramatic difference in opinion and cultural norms.
Delete-Kitsune004
Very good film, I assume this was a long time ago in like the 70's or something but it was really good I sure enjoyed the scene. The best part of the scene was that he said something profound which was, "Dad, I love you, you are my Dad, but you think of yourself as a colored man and I think of myself as a man." That was really something, that scene made me think about how life is so different now from the past. The past was horrible for all African Americans and all races, now we think of ourselves as how we were raised to think of ourselves. He was raised very well, he thanked his father because his father was the one who raised him as well as his mother. In context of the film the message that the audience needed to hear was that from now on we don't think of ourselves as different from anyone else because everyone is as simple as a woman or a man we are all unique and there is nothing wrong with it.
ReplyDeleteThis scene is my favorite scene of the whole movie. I felt even my generation could connect to this on a level of what our society struggles with accepting today, such as gay marriages, abortion, and acceptance of different religions. I found his fight with his dad about him owing his dad very interesting. My mother was like that, I do this, I expect this from you. There were always strings attached and it has hurt me by not being able to trust in people’s basic kindness or genuine love. So for John to fight back the manipulation tactic of his father was brave. He pointed out very clearly that it was the father’s choice to carry the mail bag for many years and it was his choice to make those sacrifices for his son. I very emotional powerful scene that I think is a problem in today’s society. Where parents believe they can either boss their children around like their parents before them or want better but end up losing the love and encouragement children really need in their life. Granted I know parents make mistakes and regret things, but we get caught up in the materialistic world and providing better things for our children that we forget what children really need. For instance in this scene what John really needs is support and acceptance from his father, not his father degrading him and attempting to make his son feel guilty. I also thought his statement of if God would allow him another son in the future he would do anything for him and not bring up what his future son would owe him. Again, I can’t even imagine saying this after he lost his own son to a car accident. I would hope this would make his father stop and think what a blessing it is to even have his own son breathing. ~BabyB004
ReplyDeleteI like how you pointed out that this generation can relate to this because it’s very true and I was thinking the same thing. We have had so much violence against African Americans lately and other things that we thought we would never see happen again happening.
Delete-Boop004-
I liked this scene in the movie for two reasons. The first reason is the part where he tells his dad that he owes him nothing because his dad brought him into the world and he is supposed to raise his son. Yes, our parents brought us into the world, raised us, and sacrificed stuff for us, and we should love and respect them for that, but we don't owe them anything. Parents are supposed to raise their kids. They are supposed to make sacrifices to ensure our health, safety, and a good future. Its not a child's fault that their parents had to work hard to put them through school and put food on the table, its the parent's fault for having a child when they can barely afford it. So John is right, he owes his dad nothing, especially not the right to tell him who he can and can't marry. The second reason I liked this scene is the line "You see yourself as a colored man, and I see myself as a man." Honestly I feel that race plays a much bigger role in our society than it should. People put way too much importance on the color of their skin and where their ancestors came from and it causes more distance between races. If you look at the news stories of a white cop shooting a black man, the headlines will say "White Cop Shoots Unarmed Black Man" but if a black or Hispanic cop shoots a black man, the headline will just say "Cop Shoots Unarmed Black Man." As if the fact that a cop is white makes any difference. If more people thought like John does and less like his father, the racial tension in our society would dramatically decrease
ReplyDelete-Secor22
The argument between Dr. Prentice and his father is a contrast of the ages. Dr. Prentice pluralism gives him the strong believe that he is equal to other men regardless of their race and or ethnicity. His reasoning could have become apparent during his educational experience or from extensive travel around the world. In either case his viewpoint is strongly expressed in this argument when he states,” his father’s generation has the same thinking and expectation that must followed the youth. The phase “do as I says do,” without questioning the reasoning was the safest way to protect their children from harm. He said that his father was thirty years younger and then blacks were hung and beaten for questioning whites. So they adopted those safe guards that were passed down throughout the generations but in the late 1950’s there was a cultural change. These changes started because of assimilation and segregation was being challenged around the nation.
ReplyDeletebuckrogers004
This clip really speaks to intra-cultural differences as a result of social evolution. Mr. Prentice grew up during less optimistic times and is a product of those times. John Prentice mentions that his father is 30 years older than he is. While racial equality has been a slow evolution, some change had taken place in that time. Change that extends the opportunity of becoming a doctor to John. Mr. Prentice explains that he worked really hard to make more opportunities for John. Mr. Prentice's hard work resulted in John's career success and thus his deviance from the norms of social stratification. John mentions that it will not be until his father's generation dies that change will occur. When John said this I can't help but think about the current state of race relations today and how the generations differ so widely. I think the most important message of this clip is understanding that social evolution will encounter resistance and it's success relies on the stand against what we may consider the "social norm" as it is not always what is right. It took the collaborative efforts of many people like the Drayton's and John Prentice for society to come as far as it has today. -004kylegoldheart
ReplyDeleteThis scene really showed the difference in the toughts from one generation to the next. John has the understanding of what his dad's generation believed in, but his life experiences forged his thought. His father didn't understand that his son experienced different cultures, in and out of the country. His father should have gotten a chance to know and understand his son. I kind of understand where John is coming from. It's unfortunate that he had to learn so much about his son in such a small time. And John could have informed his father about his decision, but the fear that is ingrained in him from his father stops him to express any type of feelings. The evolution of man shows that certain things that are taboo will cease to be over generations. Mixed relationships, since this revolution, has become normal. It's not to say that there are not any bigots left. It's just not as many.
ReplyDeleteThe way the movie started & portrayed the views of both fathers seemed kind of like it was a of George Jefferson & Archie bunker type situation. However, as you watch you see the father's reactions are more out of fear for the social problems their children will face in society more than out of their own prejudices.ToyaO'Connor004
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think this movie is eye opening to anyone. Even with the age of the film it can still be taken in the way things continue to be in the world although not to such an extreme as it was then. New laws have helped, as well as the media. bdole004
DeleteThis really stuck out to me because he was telling his father that just because he is a black man does not mean that he can’t love who he wants, marry who he wants, or even be who he is just because of his skin color. He was telling his father that just because he is his father that does not mean he can tell him how to live or what to do its still his life at this point, and that as a father he has done what he was supposed to do. He also points out that his doesn’t know who he is, and what he is because they are not the same person. I like how he said that he can’t live his life according to his father rules because a lot these days people think that they have to live life like other people want them to, or that if they don’t do something right that their mom or dad will be upset because they didn’t do it their way when really they should do it the way that they want to do it not because everyone else wants them to do it a special way. His father thinks that his son’s life will be the worst thing that has ever happen if he marry a white women when his son is telling him that it will not be that way because he will not allow it. The son just wants to live and the father is not doing that by disagreeing with this marriage. I LOVE how he tells his father that he thinks of his self as a colored man when he thinks of his self as just a man just for the simple fact that just because he is colored that does not mean a thing.
ReplyDelete-Boop004-
The way the movie started & portrayed the views of both fathers seemed kind of like it was a of George Jefferson & Archie bunker type situation. However, as you watch you see the father's reactions are more out of fear for the social problems their children will face in society more than out of their own prejudices.ToyaO'Connor004
ReplyDeleteThis clip tackles a couple really big topics in sociology. The first being age. Throughout the whole movie the age of the characters really had a big impact on what they did. For example, Joanna was very young, in her twenties. Having been brought up in a pretty accepting house hold she didn’t see anything wrong with her and John being together. John having been older and having more life experience, thought that there was some danger, but him and Joanna could overcome it. When it came to their parents all four were very apprehensive, and the fathers were out right against it. Their ages in my opinion had some of the biggest impacts on their decisions. Having went through tougher racial times the parents knew how dangerous and interracial relationship could be. But the younger generation is always way more accepting than the generation that proceeded it. The other big topic that this clip tackles would be family. Mr. Prentice is telling John that he shouldn’t be with Joanna and that John should respect him for all that he has sacrificed for him. Although John appreciates all that his father has done he thinks that his father owes him the best that he can give him. In society we look at the family as being the primary provider for our children. While some may argue that kids get spoiled, I think it is important for parents to do everything they can for their children. Future generations are the ones who will take control sooner rather than later so it is important for parents to give their children the best leg up that they can. Our society places a big emphasis on the familial unit because it is so important for the development of children. I would have to agree that while all the things Mr. Prentice did were very noteworthy, it is ridiculous to hold them over his head. It was Mr. Prentice’s responisiblity to give John the best life that he could, at least with our societal values.
ReplyDelete-DTH004
This clip from the movie shows a valid point that some parents still deal with to this day regardless of their race and/or ethnicity. A child and parent and who owes who. How does a question like this even come about? A parent's job is to rear their children, they do not own them and they do not owe them, however they are responsible for providing them with the best life possible. The existence of a child is not for mere satisfaction of being able to reproduce, but to enhance one's own life to the greater things in the world. I think the son in the video does a great job getting his point across to his father. At least it seems that his father sure takes what he has to say to heart. You can see even with the tone of voice that there is pure love in what he is saying. More people need to realize this same thing. bdole004
ReplyDeleteThis scene of the movie was very powerful. John dared challenge the authority of his father. The magic was that John did it so sternly but in the most respectful way anyone could; anyone who would oppose a higher authority. His father is the head of the family and the person that holds the power of the household. Even though John is an accomplished 37 year old man, he is still bound to his father. His father still plays a big role in his life, so I thought that it was a very influential scene due to the fact that John tested the role and the power that his father has in his life; and not just the power that his father has over him, but all the power that his father worked so endlessly for all his life. In addition to that, I also found the part when John’s father expressed how he saw their relationship. He said that John owed him, with all that he did for John to help him be successful and get him where he is now. My mother too tells me that any chance she gets and I respond the same way that John does because it is so false. Parents chose to have a child and they should have known what they were taking on. I can truly relate to this scene because my lifestyle in my household is very close to this movie. The value of power, the principles that must be upheld, and the conflicts in race, or in my family, it would be culture. Furthermore, this scene captivates the relationship of John and his father. The differences in views and the significance of power becomes evident. -Happy004
ReplyDeleteI was always told the older you get the wiser your parents are. This seems not to be the case in this scene of the movie where it shows the gap not just of age but also of generations between John Prentice and his father, but also between Joey Drayton and her father. The older generation does not seem to be accepting of the change not just in the youth but in the world. John stated that he see himself as just a man and not as a “black man” like his father does. This show how the new generation is seeing less of color, and started looking more at the person as a whole before they judge if they like them or not. I would think this would show Mr. Prentice that there is a brighter future to come for the African Americans, but he is still afraid that his son is going to run into problems. After all the movie tells us that 18 of the 50states ban interracial marriages. Switching gears but another topic in this scene was. When John brings up the topic of his father owing him I’m not really sure that how that really works. Today parents try and give their children the best opportunity to get ahead in life and spend thousands of dollar sent them to college if their able to. If John is say that how he owns him it a weird way of putting it. I feel that we owe our parents every penny if not more for what they do for us so we can better our lives.
ReplyDelete-CFC004
This scene was very touching because Dr.Prentice loves his fiance and defends his choice to his father even though his father is completely against the marriage. Family is a key part of our decision making processes Even when a child grows up, they still look to parents as a guild through everything. When a parent does not like a significant other that a person has the significant other does not always become part of the family. Also in this time family was closer than now. A parent normally wants the best for their child even when they are adults; even now my parents still try to sway my decisions to make for a major. His father was concerned because at the time interracial marriages were illegal in many states and were considered deviant. It was very brave of Dr.Prentice to stand up to his father for a girl in which he is in love with. It was against most norms that families grew with at the time period. the difference between this scene and a scene today is a family would have a screaming match not speech that has meaning. I loved this scene so much because in the beginning Dr.Prentice was hiding the fact his fiance was white and then evolved in the movie to be able to defend that he loves a women who is not the same color as him. He doesn't say he hates father either, he says that he loves him but basically let him decide on love interests.
ReplyDelete-Kitsune004
Yes , he does love her very much that is the reason why he said if her parents do not agree to the marriage then he would not marry her. He didn't want her to have to choose between him and her parents. wonderwoman004
Delete“You don’t own me.” A struggle parents have when their children have turned into the independent adults that they have raised. At 27 years old I still feel like my parents can tell me what to do and I ask for permission to do certain things. As a mother I struggle with the fact that the son is right, his father does not own him and can’t tell him what to say or what to do. But we as parents want our children to make the best decisions they can in life and want our children to be a better person than we are. This power struggle was one of the main themes of the movie. As a grown man who takes care of himself a father still thinks they must obey them and do what they say. All the characters experienced this power struggle at some point. Parents want their children to live better lives than they have and those same children want their parents to realize what was once “better” is not the same after generations.
ReplyDeleteThe Colored man verses a man is THE MOST IMPORTANT quote from this movie, not only because it shows the difference between that fathers upbringing and life cycle compared to his son’s I think also hits close to home due to the fact that in today’s society and the violence being shown to our black men in todays world it has flipped again. When that movie came out black men were finally feeling respected and consider themselves, men, not “colored men”. Due to the stereo typing and violence happen in the black community I think we are now reverting back to black men and black people identifying themselves as Black Men. Not just a man. Blck men want to show that they are proud to be black and not afraid to be black even though disrespect and violence are the only things given to the group of people. Black Lives Matter is a movement that shows this new look on the identity of men. We, as in Americans, have forced black people to feel divided again in this world. I hope by my sons life time he can think of himself as a Man, not a Black Man. Because him being black is only one small piece of who he is an who he will be.
KtKay004
I definitely agree with you that him saying, "You view yourself as a colored man, I view myself as a man." is definitely the most important quote from this movie. Your race is just a part of who you are, and there are and should be many other things that define you as a person. Everyone is human, no matter their race, sexual orientation, or anything else someone wants to categorize them as. We need to see people as humans with individual struggles and narratives, just as we'd want them to view us as. I hate that in our world today everyone is so divided. Hopefully one day this will be just a part of history, and people will learn to treat every human with respect and dignity no matter what differentiating characteristics we may have.
Delete-chillato004
I thought this scene was exceptionally powerful. He's finally getting everything off his chest that he's probably wanted to say to his father for quite some time. I do agree with him that while all parents make great sacrifices for their kids and go great lengths to give them everything they possibly can, a child should not "owe" their parents or feel indebted to them. It is the parents responsibility to provide the child with everything they need, I'm not saying everything they want, but what they need to grow and mature and be healthy. It is important to be grateful of your parents, and I believe he conveys that. He reminds him that while he will always love him and appreciate everything he's done for him, his father does not own him and cannot control his actions or make decisions for him. He says, "you don't know who I am or how I think." This definitely resonates with me. While my mom and I have a great relationship now that I'm older, she does not know everything about me nor does she agree with things I may think or do. It does seem like he is having a moment of rage and possible childhood resentment, but that is common behavior in parental relationships as far as I'm concerned. Your parents can always bring you back to that mental state of frustration just like when you were a kid living in their house, abiding by their rules. But what he said at the end cannot be more true. "You see yourself as a colored man. I see myself as a man." Many people define themselves by their race, sexual orientation, and many other things. But I like to see people as just humans with narratives and everyday individual struggles just like the rest of us.
ReplyDelete-chillato004
This scene was very powerful also but a little disrespectful I thought. This scene is the only place were you see John get angry and it is with his father. I think that John's father has some of the same issues as Tillie because they both are a part of the same culture. John's had grew up believing that black people were not equal with white people also he knew black men could get killed for just looking at a white woman. John's father had taken on the belief system of the people were in power. I know that John's probably felt like he had to carry the weight of the black race on his shoulder. I think John wanted his father to be happy for him but his father was thinking about the hard life that they were going to encounter. John did not see himself as colored man but just as a man but his father saw himself as a colored man because of society. It was what he had been told all his life but John had traveled all around the world and realized that no everybody saw him as a colored man. John felt like his father's whole generation was part of the problem and until they all died out that he would have a lot of weight on his back. There are a lot of raw emotions in this scene because John and his father see things in total opposite view but John is in love and his father is thinking rationally about how they will be treated by other people and that in seventeen states they would be committing a crime because it was against the law for blacks and whites to marry. This scene really causes you to think about all the factors that shape our everyday thoughts and way of living. wonderwoman004
ReplyDeleteYes this scene was powerful and no doubt in my mind, John's father was very disrespectful. And yes John held his composure through out the whole movie except this scene. I believe John wanted his father to accept his engagement which in turn his father did not. this engagement is a culture shock to all the people in the movie except the couple. No one was understanding but knew John and Joey would do what the wanted to do no matter what anyone else said. John and Joey were on the verge of breaking this vicious racist cycle and they needed the ones they loved to accept the change and come on board.~Mznurse004
DeleteThe scene is so powerful between a father and his son. The father feels portrayed by his son because he chose to marry outside of his race. John's father frowned upon this behavior and had negative things to say. In his mind he can still tell John what to do in his life. I am proud of John for standing up for himself and letting his father know he doesn't owe him anything and he can't tell him what to do. His father was judgmental and did not consider his son's feelings. He wants his father to understand racism still exits and someone has to break the chains. The realist thing said throughout the movie came from John, he does not consider himself a colored man, he considers himself as a man. John's father appeared to be in shock by his words but they were the truth. People then and today need to realize, racism is no longer and people should be accepted no matter the color of your skin or who one chooses to date. We are all alike in so many ways and bleed the same blood. People just need to grow up and accept the changes that are happening and the ones to come.~Mznurse004
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