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Tradition is a priceless component to any culture, as it has been
shaped and developed by time itself. Tradition passes from generation
to generation, exercising its influence through the actions and
thoughts of a people. The tradition that has materialized from the
history of the American South is no different. It remains a pillar of
hope, faith, and pride for those southerners who embrace it. Tradition
of the South dictates a way life with roots in the very foundation of
the United States. While this may act as a testament to the strength
and courage of the people of the south, the fact remains that the
principles laid down by this tradition defy civil rights and respect
for humanity. In this sense, the old ways of the South do not
compliment the rapid changes that occur in society each day. At heart,
this realization is the overall theme of "A Time To Kill". The
convictions of the South are detrimental to the civility of the human
race and yet, remain unchanged after 150 years because they rise from
the tradition of the Southern culture.
The realization listed above haunts each of the principal characters
in "A Time To Kill" as the story of racial injustice unfolds. Centered
around the brutal rape and assault of a young black girl, Tanya Hailey,
"A Time To Kill" immerses itself into the intense emotions that are
involved in hatred. The rape, committed by two white men, epitomizes
this blind hatred that stems from the racism of the South. Influenced
by the pain of his loss, Tanya's father, Carl Lee Hailey, lashes out in
a passionate state of retribution, slaying both assailants. Charged
with two counts of murder in the first degree, Carl Lee is trapped in a
judicial system that is greatly swayed by the racism of the world
beyond. He is assigned the young and idealistic Jake Brigance, as lead
council, one of the few white southerners who believes that he is still
able to receive a fair trial. The incident becomes a platform for
social outcry, as white and black, poor and privileged take a stand for
what they believe in. The emotional tension and social distress
heightens as Ellen Roark, an energetic Boston law student, comes to
Jake's assistance. They seem to be a very lost few among the
surrounding hatred of the South. As trial proceeds, it tears the
community apart with controversy, and takes its toll on the lives of
all those involved. The most significant relationship in this twisted
story is that of Jake and Carl Lee, for they are forced to find a way
to transcend their fundamental differences and work together for the
same cause, equal justice. Somehow, this justice is found, as an
obviously partial jury searches deep within to produce a compassionate
verdict of "not guilty".
"A Time To Kill" was both dramatic and accurate in its depiction of
a small southern community. Prevalent throughout "A Time To Kill" is
the presence of the Ku Klux Klan, both as an antagonistic force and as
the embodiment of blind hatred that existed in the form of racism in
Mississippi at the time. This modern presence has been the root of many
crimes of hatred and racism. Conversely, the NAACP’s presence in
opposition to the Ku Klux Klan is significant, yet its true nature and
power was not shown; rather the movie focuses on the interracial
relationship and its impact in a southern society, in which equality is
undefined. It is evident that the producers of this movie truly
understand the mechanics of modern society in this respect. Finally, “A
Time To Kill”, faces segregation head on, displaying its psychological
effects on a society of the south, and its judicial system. Today,
nearly 40 years after the civil rights movement made the first steps
towards racial equality, segregation remains a part of humanity that we
must all face.
"A Time To Kill" speaks to all people, versed and unversed in the
hatred of racism. Above all, it calls the individual to examine their
convictions, and then ask themself if they have sought the just
principles for life. Jake Brigance eloquently calls the jury to imagine
the acts brought upon Tanya in these final words, "Can you see her? Her
raped, beaten, broken body, soaked in their urine, soaked in their
semen, soaked in her blood, left to die. Can you see her? I want you to
picture that little girl. Now imagine she's white." This movies serves
as a reminder that in governing our country, and ultimately in living
our lives, we must look past race, color and creed, and seek equality
in its purest forms. If this cannot be done in the present, it cannot
be a hope for the future.
Sources Cited:
{Source 1} Newton, Michael, And Judy Ann Newton. The Ku Klux Klan: An Encyclopedia. Garland, 1991.
{Source 2} Harris, Jacqueline L. History And Achievement Of The NAACP. Franklin Watts, 1992.
{Source 3} Haskins, James S. Separate But Not Equal: The Dream and the Struggle. Scholastic, 1997.
{Source 4} A Time To Kill. Dir. Joel Schumacher. Perf. Matthew
McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey. Warner
Brothers. 1996.
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