Wilding: From Child to Super Predator
Super Predator is a title political leaders labeled young men of color as in the early 1990s as they focused on integrating policies that would go on to devastate and ravage Black and Brown communities for decades to come. Driven by misplaced racial stereotypes and hypocritical propaganda, the American judicial system and proctors of the law heinously intimidated, incriminated, and incarcerated thousands unjustly. Events such as the Rodney King Beating, Central Park Five Case, and California’s 3-Strike Laws resonated loudly and illuminated the deeply rooted sense of distrust between communities of color and law enforcement representatives across America.
Ava DuVernay’s fact-based Netflix series, “When They See Us,” hit the streaming service on May 31 leaving viewers with a taste of reality. Emotionally stimulating, When They See Us offered an unflinching look into the real circumstances surrounding the now vindicated Central Park Five. After extensively studying the flawed case, DuVernay accurately depicted the illegally manufactured events of April 1989. Thirty years ago, New York City police (NYPD) rounded up black teenagers and manipulated them along with their families and friends, using brutal tactics forcing them to develop a false narrative surrounding the rape of a white woman in New York’s Central Park.
Unfortunately, scenarios such as the tragic events associated with the Central Park crime are too common. Korey Wise, one of the five young black men implicated in the Central Park Five case, was sixteen years old when everything unfolded. Guilty of nothing, he became guilty by association for deciding to accompany his friend, Yuseef Salaam, to the police station. After being convicted, Wise, who was 16, was charged as an adult for the crimes and placed into the adult prison system. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, DuVernay said, “my goal was to humanize boys and now men who are widely regarded as criminals…and in doing that to invite the audience to reinterrogate everyone that they define as a criminal.” The title of her Netflix series also derives from in her words, “What do you see when you see black boys?”
Masterfully produced, When They See Us left viewers feeling raw and vulnerable. Many African-Americans who viewed the series felt even more connected to the characters citing the current climate in America toward people of color. One person #UnEdited spoke with stated, “Look at Donald Trump then and look at Trump now…still a racist bigot!” Referring to the full page ad Donald Trump took out in the New York Times calling for the death penalty for the Central Park Five. Jharrel Jerome, the actor that convincingly portrayed Korey Wise, said: “young black men in the street, strangers I don’t know but who are my brothers, I look at them and I’m like, I hope you’re safe, I hope you’re ok!” His words hit even closer to home because of the bias that still infects American culture.
When They See Us gave a glimpse into the extent the criminal justice system would go to incriminate minorities. In the case of the Central Park Five, prosecutors ignored every fact to sell to the public children depicted as “animals” out “wilding” on the town looking for crime to commit. Ironically three decades later we still find ourselves deeper in a disproportionate fight against the criminal justice system and abuse of power. Although the message has not changed, the voices are becoming bigger as we fight for equality. People like Colin Kaepernick and movements such as Black Lives Matter have become fixtures in bringing attention to corruption and misrepresentation.
When They See Us is needed more now than ever! Check it out and please feel free to express your thoughts surrounding this and any other issues we face.
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