'ANITA': A Documentary Revisiting Race, Politics, And Sexual Harassment | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'ANITA': A Documentary Revisiting Race, Politics, And Sexual Harassment

Speaking truth to power.

115
'ANITA': A Documentary Revisiting Race, Politics, And Sexual Harassment

It was Oct. 11, 1991, and while some of us were not yet a twinkle in our parents eyes, America reached a critical stage in the discussion of sexual harassment, race, and politics. People all over the country tuned in to see the Thomas-Hill hearings and the nation became divided regarding sex and race. Out of all of this controversy and chaos there arose a powerful woman by the name of Anita Hill. Ms. Anita Hill decided to break the silence about how she was sexually harassed by then, Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. The media ripped her apart and what started out as Anita speaking her truth, ended as Anita Hill being put on trial and her character being questioned.

In 2013, the documentary "ANITA" was created and it took audiences through the notions of her life during the hearing and after the hearing. The documentary starts off with a voicemail from Ginny Thomas, Clarence Thomas's wife asking if Anita would apologize for what she did to Clarence Thomas. Of course, Anita Hill didn't respond but Ginny Thomas asking Anita Hill to apologize or to feel sorry for telling the truth represented what many people wanted to her to feel like.

But Anita Hill refused to feel sorry and she refused to believe that she had done something wrong. The documentary shows her power in how she reclaimed herself but more importantly how she bought the issue of sexual harassment to the forefront. The documentary also showed the other sides of Anita Hill that the media or America failed to see. These sides included the professional side who loved teaching her students, the personal side who loved her parents and family, the humor side she showed when speaking and the mentor side she showed when she talked to young women especially those who were her students at law school.

"ANITA" is a documentary that celebrates Anita and her courage to stand up and speak out against the injustice she was experiencing. The documentary was written by Frieda Mock Lee and in an interview for lareviewofbooks.org she stated that she wanted to tell " a very personal story against the backdrop of the legal, historical and social times. I simply wanted to tell her story, which has never been done on film." The documentary is available on Netflix and on April 16, 2016 HBO will be premiering "Confirmation" starring Kerry Washington, Wendall Pierce and Jennifer Hudson. It is important that both the documentary and film be reviewed to see Anita speak truth to her power. Check out the trailer for the documentary (viewer discretion is advised) and the upcoming HBO movie.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

1990
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

27607
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11715
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments