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Summary: My Experience of Toni Morrison: A Writer's Work
Comment: Using Ms. Morrison's experience of the actual writing of and the content of Beloved, this video captures a most amazing discussion of the degradation of slavery as told by the victims of the "peculiar institution."Ms. Morrison explains and details the apparatus known as the bit and why it was used. This was one of the most oppressive of oppressive instruments used to restrain another human being. As she states,
"It should have destroyed the person so harnessed ... BUT! It did not!" They survived inspite of the attempted degradation of the human spirit.
From the mouth of an enslaved person, in reference to the cruelty of the enslavers, the question is asked: What are these people? You, tell me, Jesus! What are they?
Nothing had prepared me for this indepth discussion of the cruelty of slavery as told by the enslaved in the vivid imagery and knowledge of Ms. Morrison.
My soul was tormented ... I "ran" away. I stopped the video. The truth was too overwhelming at that moment for me to embrace ... I had to "escape."
Initially, I had to watch this video in increments ... take a bite ... chew slowly ... digest ... take a bite ... chew slowly ... digest ...
I am a changed person, in many positive ways, forever, as a result of having experienced this video. For this experience I am thankful ...
As I watched this video, I wanted to reach into the television screen and just hug Ms. Morrison as she: so graciously, so intelligently, so eloquently articulated in details the significant essence of Baby Suggs' sermons: ..
"You must love your mouth, for they out Yonder will not listen to anything that comes out of your mouth. You must love your face, you must love your arms, you must love your hands, you must love your skin, you must love your heart, you must love you ... Because ... OUTYONDER ... they will not."
With the acceptance of these profounds truths, I am freer than I have ever been ... my spirit rises to new heights.
To you, to you, and to you, too:
Purchase, study, and learn from this video. Discuss it with family members and friends. Give it as a gift ... help to emancipate minds ... help to emancipate hearts ... help to emancipate souls ... help to emancipate humanity.
Thanks to Ms. Morrison for agreeing to make and for making this most informative video.
Thanks also to RM Arts for CO-producing with A London Weekend television "South Bank Show" this video.
Produced and directed by Alan Benson. Edited and presented by Melvyn Bragg. (Excellent) Readings from Beloved by Guy Gregory and Bonnie Greer. Video 52 minutes and in color.
Thanks to you for reading this review.
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Summary: The truth of how the soul can survive degradation
Comment: This video should be seen by all americans. The legacy of slavery has never truly been dealt with in America. The effects of slavery on black americans in the past and today is finally examined thoroughly. As such, all black americans must see this to understand and acknowledge their past. Many may find it hard to follow "Beloved". However, through the readings from the book by Morrison and others in this video, the incomparable imagery within the book is brought to the forefront. As a result, the complex issues and concepts within "Beloved" are made easier to understand. I have come to realize that this book should be read aloud to be fully understood. After seeing this video, you will not be able to deny that "Beloved" is one of the most important books of this century. Like no other writer before her, Morrison explores the power of the human soul to soar above persecution and degradation. You will find yourself watching this video repeatedly. The depth of Toni Morrison's discussion, of what I have come to know as the truth, is amazing.
