Spike Lee to direct film on 'hidden' heroes - 6.8.2007.2

As justice once again weighs heavily on the frail and spoiled shoulders of Ms. Paris Hilton, I will return back to the more important and interesting issues of late. One of the more important items I saw recently is the comments of Mr. Spike Lee.

Mr. Spike Lee will be working on a new film, to be made in Italy. The subject of the film is something that few are taught about in basic American history, yet was as much a factor in the existence of the nation as what is taught. I am speaking of the soldiers that fought in World War II. To be more specific I mean the African American soldiers, men that have been barely recognized and only recently discussed in depth.

Some have heard of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all Black unit that flew support to American bombers and the only unit to never lose a single escort. Recently the surviving members were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal; 60 years after their historic and unmatched efforts took place. But they were not the only Black Americans to fight on behalf of America, even though as Mr. Lee states,

“Despite the fact that they had been slaves for more than 300 years and that they were still at the time subject to terrible forms of discrimination, black men fought like heroes. They behaved like patriots while their brothers were lynched or at best considered second-class citizens.”

It’s about time more is said on this subject. I am a former Marine, my father was a Marine fighting in Viet Nam (he volunteered), and my great-grandfather served in the Army during WWII. Each of us deserve the recognition and appreciation that every solider, during times of war or not, deserve. The blood sacrificed in defense and support of this nation is no less worth than that of ANY other American. That is something that needs to be acknowledged. Far too many movies and stories of WWII, Korea and other wars fail to mention the contribution Black Americans have made. There are far too many movies like Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers (both happen to have been directed by Mr. Clint Eastwood), and Saving Private Ryan as I recall that completely ignore or blow past the existence of Black Americans during the war.

Far too often movies, and classes in school, give an image of the past that is more similar to a Seinfeld or Friends image of the world. Too often little is said about those that helped pave the way, and secure the freedoms we enjoy now. For all of these reasons I’m glad Mr. Lee will have this new movie out. With luck the film will get the attention, and media dollars, that this subject deserves.

This is what I think, what do you think?