Unchained Memories is a documentary film produced in 2003 which tells the stories of past slaves. The documentary takes its place in the form of several interviews during the 1930s which was part of the Federal Writers' Project. The movie introduces original photos, re-enactments, music of the slaves, commentaries by Whoopi Goldberg, and incredible readings from the original slaves themselves interpreted by present-day African-American actors and actresses.
In the years throughout the great depression, an organization called the Federal Writers Project hired individuals so to interview them. These people were former slaves reminiscing on their own lives and experiences. Throughout the 74 minute documentary, several stories are told by a few of the hundreds of thousands of African-Americans who survived to tell these narratives out of the four million that were freed during the Emancipation Proclamation, to recall the everyday discrimination and prejudice that were faced invariably. Those involved told narratives and remembered the harsh work environments, poor housing and diet, refused right of getting and having an education, the multiple violent sexual acts incurred and the religious manipulations used by the “slave-owners” against them. These recorded stories form a compilation of volumes containing testimonials and giving first hand perspective to its viewers.
The dynamics of the relationships of the slave owners and their slaves are very well described in the stories read in this film. The way in which the owners treated slaves served ultimately to allow them to keep their slaves submissive, cooperative, and fearful.
i. The ranging accounts indicate that the ways that the slaves were treated varied. By and large, however, the treatment of the slaves can be summarized as inhumane and barbaric.
a) Humiliation was a key aspect of many slave owners’ tactics. It was used to keep the slaves in line, reminding them that they had no power.
b) Rape of the slave...