Green Book: The Struggle in Colors
The 2018 Biopic, Green Book is both a drama and comedy directed by Peter Farrelly. The film expressed the expedition of Jazz artist, Dr. Don Shirley into the Deep South in 1962, encountering the actual discrimination against African-Americans.
During his stay in the Bronx, Shirley’s interest in making a statement by performing through the Southern Region of the USA, where most people are not forgiving of non-Whites. He then recruited, Tony Lip as his roadie and bodyguard, depicted as, a strong man of Italian descent while also shown as racist in the first part of the film.
The adventure in the deep South contained important observations on racism. Whereas, the part of Shirley is in the dilemma. With his experience in different environments, in performing with White folks. Against his encounter with the African-Americans who are known as slaves at the time.
The Green Book is an itinerary
Shown in the film, the Green Book is based on real-life events. While there is a concern for Shirley’s safety during his stay in the South, the Green Book served as the safer place for the African-Americans to stay. The artist is highly concerned with being merged with shifting environments, while both being discriminatory towards his character.
The actual book was published by African-American mailman Victor Hugo Green in 1936. It served as a guide for non-white motorists during the time when America is forgiving of racial discrimination. This book also encouraged car ownership among African-Americans, in order to avoid discomfort and discrimination in public transport. I think the ideation in this part is solely a call for the attention of nonwhites because the poverty condition during that time is highly evident amongst African-Americans. Therefore, the ability to purchase automobiles applied to the middle-class.
The existence of the book is important in defining discrimination and seeing the parallels between different races. The dilemma in which Shirley encountered weighed down on his place in society, or his actual perception of the lifestyles of the people.
The Great White Savior
Dr. Don Shirley’s character experienced discrimination driven by external forces. Lip’s first encounter with the protagonist did not even acknowledge his actual capability and credibility as a musician. Furthermore, Lip’s character turned into a much more understanding character towards his boss and sympathized with Shirley’s struggles. However, this turned into a problem because of the narrative that points toward White privilege.
Lip have a light complexion. Therefore, bailing out Shirley from time to time. This exhibited the White savior complex that existed continuously and was criticized by the film. Moreover, the power struggle also shifted with an insight into Shirley’s performance in concerts filled with White folks. Praised as a musician but, despised as an African-American.
No Right and Wrong Places
The Americans only acknowledge him as a piece of entertainment for them, dehumanizing his character. This depiction profoundly stated the construct of flexing power towards the discriminated. Where exhibiting their privileges through going to extreme heights to lower the stature of others.
After seeing the actions of the Americans, Shirley proceeded to abide by the Green Book. Staying in a hotel filled with African-Americans. However, discrimination never stopped in the white neighborhood. Shirley showed a well-educated manner and poise. That the local African-Americans see the influence of the whites in her lifestyle.
Realizing this problem, Shirley internalized that racism does not draw its lines. No matter what part of the country, people choose to despise differences. Leading to an evident display of superiority. It is a challenge for colored people. As if people chose to be “too white to be black” or “too black to be white”. Beyond their power to be birthed in a place that allows discrimination. Having a sense of awareness and acknowledgment of actual distinctions is important to see that there is no such thing as a superior race but rather, we are purposefully different to have our own individuality.
