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WHEW. Get into this READ by Madam CJ Walker’s great great granddaughter, A’Leila Bundles on how producers distorted the Walker’s story and ignored her notes for changes https://theundefeated.com/features/netflixs-self-made-suffers-from-self-inflicted-wounds/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
We’re seeing a pattern of behavior—particularly when it comes to telling the stories of Black women historical figures—that the truth of these women’s lives can be distorted for entertainment. That the truth of their lives wasn’t actually good enough tell
We just saw this distortion in November with Harriet where the main plot of the movie is a complete fairytale. https://shadowandact.com/harriet-movie-review
We’ve obviously seen this with Dr. Donald Shirley’s story and his family’s pain due to Green Book as well https://shadowandact.com/the-real-donald-shirley-green-book-hollywood-swallowed-whole
People can say “It’s Hollywood! It’s not a documentary!” All they want but the reality is that movies and series may be the only Black history some ever experience. When you’re telling a real Black person’s story? They deserve the dignity of the truth.
Steve McQueen’s told Solomon Northop’s 12 Years a Slave verbatim. It was compelling and Oscar-winning. Ava DuVernay’s Selma was scored 100% accurate. Compelling, awardwinning. WHEN THEY SEE US. 100% compelling award-winning truth. Talented ppl can tell the truth & be compelling!
So, I don’t want to hear the excuses. It can and has been done. And if you can’t tell the truth about our historic figures in a way that’s also compelling? Step aside, because I guarantee you someone else will be up for the challenge
I’m so glad the Shirley family didn’t sit on their hands and be “grateful” for the distortion of their loved one’s story and the erasure of their family. I’m so glad A’Leila Bundles isn’t staying quiet bc “at least ppl know Walker now.” Folks aren’t taking the disrespect anymore
So, Green Book can win Oscars, and Self Made can be #1 on Netflix, but that will not be the end of the story anymore. People will correct the record. Everyone in Hollywood should be on notice about that.
