1,336
20
Essay, 3 pages (600 words)

12 years a slave

12 Years A Slave The book, “ Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race and Being” by Shawn Copeland and the movie “ Twelve Years of Slave” looks at the toil of Black people to gain freedom and acceptance among European race in 19th century. The book is written by Copeland and the movie is based on the book written by Solomon Northup who was himself a slave who had a tale to tell about the slave world and racism. History tells that, during the 17th and 18th century, many Black men and women have sacrificed their life and future for the sake of freedom. Copeland suggests that the enslaved black African of olden times has been tortured and exploited in many ways. Additionally, the movie talks about the life of an enslaved educated Black man called Northup who later in life turned to abolish slavery in Louisiana.
It is a fact that, many Black people have been killed and many have fought back against discrimination and sexual exploitation and these were the martyr’s who should be remembered according to Copleand. In the author’s eye, solidarity and unity is still a big issue for black people as they are mostly struggling to gain respect and acceptance within the white community. The book and film both tells us that, if one looks at history, many black people had taken the courage to fight for their rights and their effort should be taken as guidance by our community. In fact, black people are as valuable as white person from a religious perspective. In her book (Copeland, 2010, pg. 113) “ Copeland’s theological anthropology assiduously reveals a carefully developed understanding of historic black bodies in relation to the body of Christ”
The author in her book recommends that the history of martyr’s should lead the people to fight for solidarity and peace among each other. In the same way, the movie “ Twelve Years of Slave” is a powerful one which communicates to the audience the life of a black slave. The movie is based on the book written by Solomon Northup where the experience of him as a slave is recounted. He was an educated man and stood firm against racial bias of white men in those times. This man can be taken as a role model as he was an educated and free man till his adult times but later turned in to freedom fighter for the slave community in Louisiana. His life was unusual as he was black person who got kidnapped and sold into slavery where he spent twelve long years in pain.
Northup can be seen as a martyr as explained by Copeland and should be followed by new generation to find peace and solidarity in their community. Northups story tells that he has endured to work for the abolishment of slavery as he was an educated family man who later had to experience slavery due to ruthlessness of white race. So it can be said that factually, Copeland is referring to persons like Northup who left the fear of racism and as an educated family man sacrificed his life for the betterment of enslaved black community in North America. It is an irony that today people from black community are still struggling to gain equality, acceptance and recognition amidst white race. To earn acceptance, one should gather courage and then they must work against discrimination against people. Copeland thinks that the current black generation needs to accept the ideals of martyrs and should make them as role models to bring in solidarity and peace among people in their community.
Work Cited
Copeland, M. S. (2010). Enslaving Freedom ; Body, Race and Being (p. 113). Minneapolis: Fortress Press

Thank's for Your Vote!
12 years a slave. Page 1
12 years a slave. Page 2
12 years a slave. Page 3

This work, titled "12 years a slave" was written and willingly shared by a fellow student. This sample can be utilized as a research and reference resource to aid in the writing of your own work. Any use of the work that does not include an appropriate citation is banned.

If you are the owner of this work and don’t want it to be published on AssignBuster, request its removal.

Request Removal
Cite this Essay

References

AssignBuster. (2022) '12 years a slave'. 3 October.

Reference

AssignBuster. (2022, October 3). 12 years a slave. Retrieved from https://assignbuster.com/12-years-a-slave-essay-samples-4/

References

AssignBuster. 2022. "12 years a slave." October 3, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/12-years-a-slave-essay-samples-4/.

1. AssignBuster. "12 years a slave." October 3, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/12-years-a-slave-essay-samples-4/.


Bibliography


AssignBuster. "12 years a slave." October 3, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/12-years-a-slave-essay-samples-4/.

Work Cited

"12 years a slave." AssignBuster, 3 Oct. 2022, assignbuster.com/12-years-a-slave-essay-samples-4/.

Get in Touch

Please, let us know if you have any ideas on improving 12 years a slave, or our service. We will be happy to hear what you think: [email protected]