One White Girl’s Perspective on “Selma”

There is no way to fully comprehend the depth of a person or event in 2 hours, but the benefit of a historical movie is exposure. Thousands of people can be transported to a time period that they may never have explored. Vivid images often remain for days, weeks or years after they are seen, occasionally spurring the viewer to learn more.

I emerged from the darkened theater with raw emotions. Racial injustice causes me deep pain. In some ways, I was ashamed to be white as I watched, repentant that in ignorance and small-mindedness, people of my race could be so cruel. I cringed when I saw the Confederate flag, knowing that a state I once called home still displays this flag at the state house. I also emerged with gratitude and hope. The result of this man’s courage and perseverance still reverberates today.

I am fully aware of the history of our nation. I’ve read about it, and I have watched it on documentaries. Chances are that those from countries outside of the United States also know these dark parts of our history. The fact that multiple people groups have been subject to such severe mistreatment continues to be incomprehensible to me.

God created this amazingly beautiful diversity. You do not have to look far to see uniqueness on the planet. There are 900,000 different species of insects. Of those insects, there are 4,000 species of bees in North America alone. Just bees. The flowers that those bees pollinate come in nearly every color, shape and size, including the ones that produce the fruit and vegetables that we enjoy at our table. How much more is the magnificence of the diversity of the single element of creation that was made to think, feel, reason, and be in relationship with one another and with God.

I believe ignorance and fear lie at the root of racism. Bigotry is not a respecter of persons but rises against any who are different, whether by skin color, gender, beliefs, or age. Prejudice can highlight economic differences, social standing, and education. I despise these harmful forces.

I was struck by several elements of Dr. King’s personhood during the movie. He was a deeply spiritual man, and most likely had some personal encounters with God. He loved his family fiercely, though his mission frequently took him away from them. He was unwilling to live with the idea that the status quo is all there is. He could also see the potential within his fellow man to live a more full life, and he fought for the right for every person to live up to that potential. He was strong and yet peaceful in his approach. He only wavered in his vision when he saw harm, injury and death come to those who walked alongside him. He had a dream, and he worked to see that dream fulfilled.

It takes courage to effect change, especially change in attitudes and ideas that are deeply held. It requires sacrifice. It requires commitment.

As was so poignantly portrayed on one of the bridge scenes in the movie, sometimes a leader doesn’t follow a straight or well-defined path. At times, those following you do not understand your choices. A leader can be misjudged, misunderstood, disliked, and even hated at times. Though they are surrounded by throngs of people, leaders sometimes walk alone.

Dr. King’s contributions to justice are indisputable. He made huge strides in righting wrongs that had been prevalent for years. But injustice still exists in our world in many different forms. We can be a voice of truth and righteousness in whatever sphere of life that we find ourselves.

“Selma” is not just about Dr. King. It is also about the brave men and women of all races standing together courageously to make our world a better place.

I encourage you to go see the movie. If you can’t watch the movie, learn more about the man’s life that allows you to have a day off from work on Monday. Allow the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. to spur you to have courage to be a voice. There is power in just one strong and clear voice of righteousness.