The Epitome of Racism in: “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland”

I have chosen the documentary aired on HBO, “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland” for the review. This documentary explores the dynamics and effects of racism and the impact it has on an individuals’ psyche. One factor that most of the times is ignored regarding racism is the two way effect it has on people in the society. For instance, it is mostly assumed that only people of color suffer as a result of getting targeted in the lieu of racism. However, that is not entirely true. All people regardless of their sex and race are hit by the negativity that is spread by racist attacks.

Although it has been decades since awareness on racism and its dangers on society has been raised, still the issue remains to be quite prevalent. Little to no improvement has been observed even after numerous protests, bills, pleas made to improve the conditions for people of color. However, the amount of negligence this issue has received is huge. Consider the recent case of George Floyd and many others like him; being punished on the basis of difference of race. Imagine the blow their families receive losing their loved ones to hate and intolerance!

“Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland” investigates the reason behind a black woman – Sandra Bland’s death as the title clearly reveals. She was a middle aged African American who got severely punished for a non criminal act. The reason for her hanging was based on her being jailed after she was arrested for traffic law’s violation somewhere in Texas back in the year 2015. She had been politically active, that could be a possible reason for unjust charges pressed against her. No one knows what happened inside the cell, her hanging body came as an unexpected spectacle to the audience. The documentary was very insightful in arousing sentiments of connectivity and empathy within its audience.

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