Exploring Identity Through Film

I don't write about my namesake much, but I made it my handle so I wouldn't ever forget. I think it's high time I dig into the meat of my identity- "that kid's black". As an aspiring visual artist, I found blaxploitation films while looking for imagery. But that's not the whole story. My family isn't from America, so the flavor of my rice is namely Haitian. I began listening to rap because of my peers. One thing led to another, my tastes gravitated towards other rappers, and I finally watched Super Fly, after all the suggestion. It was Curren$y's mixtape, Priest Andretti.

---

Aside from the pimping and drug pushing, I could see where Youngblood Priest was coming from. I don't have much to my name either. I got a degree, albeit barely, and did not find a job right out of college. Then, a pandemic hit, while I sat sidelined working for small-time paper. But I have debt to pay back. What's worse, I'm not in any shape for the adult milestones- no car, no home. I just have some ideas, my PC and a camera.

Priest spoke to my life, despite being a man in a movie when he said this.

Look what would I do? With my record I can't even work civil service or join the damn army. If I quit now, then I took all this chance for nothing and I go back to being nothing. Working some jive job for chump change day after day. Well if that's all I'm supposed to do then they gonna have to kill me 'cause that ain't enough.

The cocaine dealer wants to score big from one more super deal and retire. Well, call me whatever you want, but if I can ride this cycle of crypto and participate with trading and staking my returns in stables, I can lead photography projects with impact. That's the dream, anyway.

From Rap to Cinema

The stoicism of Currren$y in the hustle and dedication to his own form of artistic excellence inspired me to watch these films to gather what Wisdom of the Hustlers I could. I'm a kid of immigrant parents. What do I know about the Black Power movement, Black life in the 70's, or the 'Reagan days'? I had no reference for the Black experience in America, except my own, but these movies, they could show me something- teach me something about the times before mine. They did.

Synopsis

"Black Fist" (1975) dives into one such story, offering a look into the realm of blaxploitation. Our main character, Leeroy Fisk, knows how to throw a punch. Unfortunately, those who would monetize that skill do not rank among the most upstanding bunch. So he gets roped into illegal street fights, with a gambling ring on top. A beat cop pinches him, but he doesn't realize, his employer and the cop are working together. What else can you expect from a 'connected' man? Our poor protag suffers dearly when he wants out. He ends up with enough money to start a legitimate business, but in the crossfire, he loses his wife, their unborn child, and his wife's brother. Their deaths lead Leeroy to seek vengeance. The last scenes leaves us with a metaphor. Leeroy shatters the mirror in front of him with his fist, fracturing the reflection of his image.

^{Movie title is in public domain, hence the availability on YouTube.}

^{Freeway Ricky Ross, objecting to use of his name by recording artist, Rick Ross, because it reflects poorly on the Black community}

Why Stories Matter

These stories, I know must puzzle some people. In the mirror, you do not see your image. You see only your reflection, the image opposite you. That's probably what Fisk realized when he snapped, the last scene of the movie. Getting revenge on those people that wronged him won't bring his family back. Now, not even he can recognize himself in the mirror. So, I don't think these movies glamorize anything.

They bring, in some light, eyes to a story. Fictional stories may even teach you as much or more. They speak to the truths of people you cannot even imagine. People lived their lives as a result of the actions and people before them. I would certainly sue if someone used my real name, for example, especially if they managed a tidy profit. I hope I wouldn't lose the case like "Freeway" Rick Ross. A rapper uses your name as their industry identity, and a guy can't even sue for a small sum? I could imagine deference if the recording artist didn't make much, but it's 'Every day I'm hustlin', Rick Ross! Looks like he hustled for everything, including his rapper name. The ownership of your identity means even more after reading that story.

Making My Experience Into A Movie

Could I use events from my life to write a blaxploitation novel?

Here's a pitch: College dropout resorts to crypto and NFT's to make enough and expose his old school. They kicked him out, but he's a grade A student! Why? He invents a blockchain for the school's donations and a special cash for discretionary student funds, but learns the dean's office embezzled donations for years! They kick him out, and use his idea to cover it all up! Until trading memecoins and JPEG's gets him back in class, it's up to JJ Token to teach the school a lesson on the block.. chain!

It's corny, but it might fare as well as Are We There Yet? or Shaft, which had a recent remake, 2019. I still have a story tell, even if it's no motion picture.

---

Leave comments below.