This Black Classic play, Fences, by August Wilson and bought to film, is brilliant, and the performances by Denzel and Viola (who acted their behinds off) are no less so. It is a journey down memory lane of old school and their good ole’ fashion VALUES like being responsible, hard work, sacrifice, you can’t have everything you want (going into debt) saving for a rainy day, taking care of your family, sticking with each other, respect for yourself and others, looking out for and showing regard for others and it’s not just about you, etc. It also shows how hard life was (and still is) for Black people and the sacrifices that our ancestors/parents made so we could have a better life.
Although some of the practices of Black folk were (and still are) dysfunctional (passed down from slavery) and the rearing practices were harsh, they did prepare us for the harsh realities of being Black in U.S. society. Some of us were so determined not rear our children the way our parents did us, that we dropped the ball when it comes to teaching them some of the basic values that our parents taught us. Fences also reminds you of some of the “stuff” that Black women experienced with Black men that many women in our generation were determined not to put up with. It also showed how when people are not able to share their gifts with the world, it can cause them to go insane. In addition, it reminds you that many of us have gotten so caught up in the material side of our reality (materialism) and have become so blinded by it hat we have forgotten the side of our spiritual reality; that is how to SEE as the character who played Denzel’s brother was able to do. Fences is absolutely genius!
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