13th, A Netflix Original Documentary
Written by Maia Thomas
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution is as follows:
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.”
What this documentary does so well, and why I recommend watching it, is that it covers this sometimes overlooked subject of a flawed prison industry in a way that puts everyone on the spot and sparks uncomfortable thinking. It takes a deeper look into the ways in which criminalization and mass incarceration are used to create more power over communities of color. Essentially allowing modernized slavery to happen, as the film explains it. There is a common theme throughout the entire documentary that relates the deep history of racial inequality directly to the governmental actions taken and decisions made surrounding it.
The title “13th” is in reference to the thirteenth amendment, as stated above. It’s extremely fitting not only to the content but also to the overall message that there has always been a way to tiptoe around the protection of human rights to benefit the higher powers of the white majority. This film directed by Ava DuVernay uses the powerful narratives of an array of individuals along with historical footage to portray political and economic advantage taking over the lives and rights of minorities. It reveals this covert and ongoing movement that hides behind making black and brown people appear as criminals to benefit from provoked fear in order to boost the effectiveness of acceptable inhumanity. The leverage is used as a way to get around the 13th amendment. To exist only in the “exception” of this law in order to maintain this power. It is very rarely about human rights, but much rather about the self-interest of the country’s leaders and white supremacy as a whole. (Even in 2020, might I add!)
The conversation that can come of watching this documentary is beyond important. Because the dark history of oppression is hidden from many aspects of public school education, resources and forms of media like these can help bring out the subject in a much more purposeful sense with ourselves and with those close to us. This production takes it a step up in confronting the faults of government, politics, and individuals over multiple generations. Not only is it deeply interesting and insightful to dig into how the system continues to contribute to systemic oppression against black people, but it is crucial to understanding the fight that so many people have had to put up so fiercely for so long. Remember that knowledge is power, and being able to use your voice to challenge these injustices occurring is a wonderful thing.
13th is on Netflix and free to watch on YouTube!
Keep Learning!
While this documentary provides a lot of information, that is only the beginning. Continuous and intentional education is essential. In addition to this film, here are a few other resources to look into surrounding historical oppression and the Black Lives Matter movement.
When They See Us: Netflix
Dear White People: Netflix
1619: New York Times (podcast)
Code Switch: NPR (podcast)