Brief Summary
This documentary explores the complex and deeply rooted issue of racism in Mississippi, a state with a dark history of racial discrimination and violence. Through interviews with a diverse range of individuals, including members of hate groups, everyday citizens, and community leaders, the film examines the persistence of racist attitudes and practices, the impact of historical injustices, and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. The documentary also highlights the economic disparities and social divisions that continue to fuel racial tensions in the state.
- Explores racism in Mississippi through diverse interviews.
- Examines the persistence of racist attitudes and historical injustices.
- Highlights economic disparities and social divisions.
Intro
The documentary aims to shed light on the reality of racism in Mississippi by covering real people and stories in raw environments. The content is sensitive and complies with YouTube's guidelines, focusing on education rather than glorifying violence or hate. The film acknowledges the historical context of racism in Mississippi, noting that while some people have begun to heal from the racial troubles of the past, others' hatred has grown stronger.
Exploring Kemper County
The filmmaker begins his exploration in Kemper County, Mississippi, guided by research suggesting a dark history of racism. Despite the county's current majority-black population, the legacy of discrimination persists. Interviews with local residents reveal a deep-seated distrust between races, with some expressing skepticism towards white people and others lamenting what they perceive as preferential treatment towards black people. The discussion touches on the history of sharecropping, a system that perpetuated economic dependence and inequality, particularly for black families.
Noia County and Encounters in Philadelphia
The journey continues to Noia County, specifically Philadelphia, where the filmmaker seeks to find more integration between races. Interviews with residents reveal varying perspectives on racism, with some acknowledging its existence and others downplaying its significance. The discussion touches on the legacy of Jim Crow laws, which enforced strict segregation and gave white families advantages in education, jobs, and political power. Some interviewees express a desire to move beyond the past, while others emphasize the importance of remembering and addressing historical injustices.
Proud Boys Interview
The filmmaker interviews a member of the Proud Boys, a group designated as extremist by the government and a terrorist organization in Canada. The Proud Boys member explains that the group's ideology centers on the belief that "the West is the best," emphasizing Western chauvinism and American exceptionalism. He claims the group is accepting of others who assimilate into Western culture, based in Christianity. He condemns the January 6th riot but believes many participants were unnecessarily prosecuted. He also argues that the media unfairly labels the Proud Boys as racist, equating them to the KKK, which he denounces as a heinous terrorist organization.
Poverty and Racism in Pontotoc
The filmmaker travels to Pontotoc in North Mississippi, observing high property lines and abandoned buildings, indicative of poverty. Despite the area's reputation for racism, the filmmaker notes the high poverty level but has yet to witness overt racism. Interviews with local residents reveal stories of hardship and economic struggle, with some recalling a time when black and white people worked together in the fields. The filmmaker reflects on the unpredictable nature of racism in Mississippi, noting that poverty and lack of education do not always correlate with racist attitudes.
Meeting a Member of the Aryan Brotherhood
The filmmaker meets Elvis, who introduces him to Joe, a member of the Aryan Brotherhood. Joe expresses openly racist views, stating that white people should stick to their own kind and that black people were brought to America to work for white people. He believes that America would be better if it were all white, with less crime and hate. Joe admits that the Aryan Brotherhood is labeled as racist and neo-Nazi by the media, but claims that outsiders do not understand the group's true motivations. He states that he will remain in the Brotherhood until he dies, as it is his life.
Inside the Aryan Brotherhood
Joe elaborates on the Aryan Brotherhood's goals, stating that they are working towards a better place to live, where people can leave their doors unlocked and not worry about theft. He explains that he was born into the Brotherhood, as his father and grandfather were also members. To join the Brotherhood, one must undergo a year of training and earn their keep by doing dirty work. Joe recounts a gruesome memory of finding two fellow members dead after they tried to skim off the top of a drug deal. He emphasizes that once someone commits to the Brotherhood, there is no leaving, and defiance is met with severe consequences.
Clarksdale and Perspectives on Racism
The filmmaker travels to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he interviews local residents about their experiences with racism. One interviewee acknowledges that racism exists but does not let it bother him, as he was raised around it. He believes that all races harbor some form of racism and that older generations need to die out for racism to diminish. He notes that white people often turn their faces when they see black people and that he would feel violated if someone called him an offensive term. He also points out that the local academy is 98% white, indicating a continued pattern of segregation.
Mount Bayou: A Historical Black Town
The filmmaker visits Mount Bayou, a historically black town founded by formerly enslaved people. The town was once a thriving center of black independence during the civil rights era but has since declined due to economic hardship and lack of opportunities. Interviews with residents reveal a sense of loss and frustration over the town's decline, with some attributing it to unequal opportunities and the rerouting of the main highway, which diverted traffic and revenue away from the town. Despite the challenges, residents express a strong sense of community and resilience.
The Legacy of Racism and the Need for Truth
The filmmaker interviews Daryl Johnson, who emphasizes the importance of confronting the past and exposing the "sore" of racism rather than trying to forget it. He argues that the United States cannot achieve liberty and justice for all until it acknowledges and addresses its racist past. Johnson invites everyone, including racists and leaders, to visit the Mound Body Museum to learn about the history of black people in the region. Another interviewee expresses skepticism that racism will ever stop, citing the generational transmission of racist attitudes. He recounts personal experiences with discrimination, including being called names and witnessing racial disparities in wages and opportunities.
Reflections on Mississippi and the Persistence of Racism
The documentary concludes with a reflection on the filmmaker's journey through Mississippi and the complex realities of racism in the state. Just weeks after the filmmaker left Mount Bayou, a young black man was found hanging from a tree on a nearby college campus, echoing the tragic death of Emit Till. The filmmaker notes that while the violence of the KKK may be less overt, it is still present in a different form. He concludes that Mississippi is still burning, but just quietly, highlighting the persistence of racism and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the state.
