ChickenBones: A Journal

for Literary & Artistic African-American Themes

   

Home  Visit Our Store (Books, DVDs, Music, and more) 

Google
 

 The movie is cleverly crafted . . . it is hard to recognize the fact that the Special Forces

group entry into Nigeria is illegal or that sending US jets into their airspace is

not only a violation of that country’s sovereignty but an act of war.

 

 

Tears of the Sun: Movie or Propaganda

By Bakari Akil II

It must be mentioned immediately that ethnic cleansing and inhumane African-on-African violence occurs. This is an indisputable fact that cannot be swept under the rug. It is also true that there are differences that may be considered irreconcilable within or between certain countries in Africa that lead to gross injustices and despicable behavior.

However, the preceding statements do not provide a pass for the movie Tears of the Sun, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Bruce Willis. Regardless of the reasons that the makers of this film cite for making this movie and the attempt to add humanity to the victims of violence, the repercussions of this film must be analyzed and exposed.

In a style similar to the motion picture Black Hawk Down, which explores a US battle in Somalia, the viewer is immersed into the middle of a battle zone without elaboration or clarification. No mention is made of the British creation of the country named Nigeria, which forced populations of people who did not share the same culture, religion, values or view of life to live together as one country. There was no mention of the colonialism, neo-colonialism (past and present) that is the root cause for much of the tension between populations within Nigeria. In addition, no clarification is provided that allows the viewer to see that African people are not just brutal sadistic killers who behave this way because it is their nature.

What the viewer is allowed to witness is the classic portrayal of Africans or Blacks that has been in existence since the movie industry began. Some of the timeless themes that are abundant in the movie are the plot of a young European woman (who is American by marriage) playing savior to the “indigenous” population and their love and zeal for her is without limits. Next, the movie is based on US soldiers saving this woman from the oncoming wrath of the Nigerian rebels who are out to murder, plunder and rape. (To be fair the plot does involve a subtle change to the mission near the end.)

Further themes include African men and women who are completely helpless, always afraid, jumpy and devoid of any personality except for in crucial moments. The meanest and scariest looking Black men they could find are employed as the evil group that chases the conquering saviors played by Bruce Willis and his fellow Special Forces group. In fact, the top “bad guy” looks beyond sinister, he appeared to be crazy!

The movie is cleverly crafted and the situations are seemingly so complex that it is hard to recognize the fact that the Special Forces group entry into Nigeria is illegal or that sending US jets into their airspace is not only a violation of that country’s sovereignty but an act of war. In addition, all of the actions of the Special Forces group, the young woman, the missionaries and anyone else foreign are portrayed as righteous and above reproach. Therefore, the majority of audiences will undoubtedly look at the film and the actions of its participants as good deeds being done. In fact, Bruce Willis’ character provides an excuse for their actions when he states, “God left Africa along time ago!” (So I guess it is up to them to right the wrongs!)

The context in which the film was created and described above is why the movie is so troubling.

We are living in a day and age (in the United States) where if the ruler of a country or policies of a country is deemed dictatorial, that leader can be assassinated or their country invaded (Iraq is a good example).  Little or no proof has to be provided to justify such actions and there has been little evidence to demonstrate that these types of actions can be prevented.

Africa is no exception to this policy.

Although unstated, it is probably fair to say that Africa is not looked to as a place that the great world powers can clearly invade without being viewed upon by the rest of the world as a barbaric power that is picking on a relatively defenseless continent. Further, the legacy of colonialism and accusations of neo-colonialism probably prevents overt hostilities by the world’s ruling elite to the African continent. However, these trends are changing and world powers are increasingly salivating over Africa’s rich economic resources including oil, diamonds, and gold.

Current actions by an African nation to redress the ills that has plagued Africa since the first European slave trader stepped foot onto continent has been met by derision and hostility.

Some examples:

  • On March 7, 2003, the US imposed sanctions against Zimbabwe and no American is allowed to conduct any business activities with this country. The US stated that Zimbabwe is a threat to the entire South African region and must not be allowed to continue its present course. This is in addition to the UK’s policy toward Zimbabwe.

  • Recently, West African oil has been declared a strategic national interest to the US and the groundwork is being laid to ensure that the US will have access to that oil.

  • President Clinton’s bombing of a Sudanese pharmaceutical plant (1998) that made medicine for its people was done without any consideration for that country’s sovereignty. The US just decided it needed to happen and took action.

  • Italy and Ethiopia recent spats concerning Italy’s theft of Ethiopia’s national artifacts stolen in Italy’s illegal invasion in the 1930’s; and

  • US walking out of World Conference Against Racism Sept 7, 2001 in Durban, South Africa

The list of transgressions and tactics used to interfere and weaken the growing strength of the African continent are endless and are becoming more overt. The disrespect and lack of humanity shown towards Africa already exists; however, a pretext for massive interference is not. That’s why these films have frightening implications. When a film such as Tears of the Sun reaches the movie theater and is given such publicity, issues have to be raised.

It must be recognized that these movies perform many functions (regardless of stated intent). The first thing that it does is makes Africans appear to be people without a conscious who have no morals, require guidance and need to be rescued. Next, it desensitizes audiences to the idea of killing Africans, because this is what happens in abundance throughout these movies. Africans are killed in surprising numbers on the big screen with all of the most modern of technologies. Third, the fear that has been built up by stereotypes of the African as a fearsome foe to be dealt with man to man is hammered down by showing the “evil men” (Nigerian soldiers) being easily handled by normal looking men (US Special Forces). This type of movie creates a mindset that is hard to deny.

In a day and age where the mainstream news media is heavily biased, unresponsive and not representative of its public or where the movie industry has a history of supporting US actions during war, such as the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II, movies such as these should not be looked upon as a cool war flicks that highlight the bravery of American soldiers. It should be analyzed critically and the viewer should ask himself or herself where are the moviemakers leading them.

When it comes down to it, I have to ask myself is Tears of the Sun a movie or propaganda? I know my answer but I’ll let you decide yours!

If you like this article consider making a donation

Bakari Akil is an Editor-In-Chief for Global Black News. He holds a MASS degree with an emphasis in Public Administration and has a Bachelor Degree in Law and Society. He is currently teaching Public Speaking and working on his PhD in Communications. GlobalBlackNews@hotmail.com. Bakari Akil is an editor for GlobalBlackNews.com.

*   *   *   *   *

 

 

 

 

 

 

update 6 August 2008 

 

 

Home Film Review  Yvonne Terry  Transitional Writings on Africa

Related files:  Books on African Film  African Films on DVD  Ousmane Sembene, dies   African Studies Film Festival Program at Morgan