Several posts ago I invited comment from readers who viewed the Netflix film, The 13th. The film title is a reference to the 13th amendment to the constitution that freed the slaves during the Civil War.  The point of the film is the loophole, an exception to universal freedom which we hear indefatigably advertised as the unique feature of our society.  That exception is a conviction for a crime.  A felony conviction, incarceration means the loss of many freedoms for an indefinite period of time. 

I received one comment that merits your attention.  Here is one of the four paragraphs.

There are many who say that poor people or ethic minorities all have an equal opportunity to pick themselves up and make something of their lives and that by “choosing” to live in squalor or violent neighborhoods, they are just self-perpetuating their way of life. Though I did not believe this to be the case prior to viewing 13th, I now understand why this way of thinking is both incredibly naïve and counterproductive to making the changes that are absolutely necessary to repair our severely broken system of justice.

I read these words, as well as the additional three paragraphs in the comment that were offered, while seated on a shady bench in from the old Kane County Courthouse.  The courthouse built in my grandfathers day is a fit symbol of this country.  Built to be enduring it appears fortress-like, a building of substance.  It stands as a symbol for a law-abiding society, justice being a prime feature of this society.  In front of the courthouse is a monument in memory of the men from Kane County who volunteered to fight in the Union army in the Civil war.  The monument is flanked by two massive naval deck guns salvaged from a WWI era warships.

While reading the readers response to his viewing of The 13th film,  I felt and I knew two things.  Freedom, and life in a society of just laws has only applied to some Americans.  Freedom and opportunity is most easily available to people like me, middle-class, white and male.  A “fair” society where education and attendant opportunity is available first, to those who operate the system, to members of the ruling elite, — seems fair if you happen to be male and Caucasian. 

Freedom — if you are female, not so much.  And certainly not if you are Black or Hispanic.  The anti-immigrant fever that invests the Republican party and the conservative minded in this country is the current edition of Jim Crow now focused on all people of color. There is the freedom that comes from adequate housing, rent that you can afford to pay.  Another freedom is the ability to afford medical care, to maintain physical and mental well being.  If you are a person of color, — forget about it.

As a white guy, I feel respect for police officers, but I have never felt fear of police.  I am dismayed at being pulled over as consequence of violating the speed limit.  Paying a fine always hurts.  But I never fear being taken away in handcuffs, and spending time in jail because of the color of my skin.  I do not live in fear on account of my race. 

I read the comments from the reader, and reflected upon my own life.  I gazed over at the massive Naval guns on display.  Then I realized that my freedom is due to an accident of birth, male and white; an accident of birth that qualified my membership in a particular class. 

Finally my freedom in the main is due to the historical fact, — I find myself behind the guns, not in front of them.

To read the four paragraphs written in response to The 13th film, CLICK HERE. The paragraphs are at the end of the post.