Djando Unchained

Django Unchained

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Django Unchained

Slavery is one of the greatest tragedies of the history of mankind. The untold sorrow and loss of lives as a result of desires to attain power by subjecting others to oppression and suppression continues to be a lesson from generation to generation. It is a contra-reminder of our weakness as well as the power to become better.

The fight for liberty would have had no substantial results if it was not backed by words. The importance of words cannot be stressed enough in any given struggle. It is words that hold the values to be depicted, the principles to be laid down and it is words that forever remain entrenched in our history.

Jamie foxx’s ‘Django’ is a true illustration of the importance of words. In the beginning, he is a silent man pushed around by the garrulous bounty hunter King Schulzt ( Christoph waltz). As the German talks, and talks, the words begin to transform Django.  He grows in courage and he realizes the power that his words can elicit. The taciturn man finally gets to a point of explaining to his enemies how to pronounce his name. In a narrative where slaves were required to remain submissive to their masters, this earns his violent duels which he uses to affirm his courage against the oppression.

Similarly, Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) was not averse to courage and violence. He authorized his army to unleash a barrage on a confederate stronghold, grasping his generals hand in a gesture of mute solidarity that the war could be won. However, the presidents greatest weapon were his words- shouted by his legislators in the house of representatives, whispered by the covert team hired to bribe his opponents with promises of public service; or spoken softly by Abraham himself in rambling but pointed allegories of empowerment and change.

Slavery is one of the most harrowing legacies in the history of America. It indeed is the tragic history of humanity across the world and remains a fault line for certain segments of society who have never let go of the so-called “good old days”. How human beings derive power and pleasure from suppressing and oppressing fellow man remains a psychological mystery. The amazing revelation is however, that the change in ideologies was sparked more by words rather than by force. Slavery was ultimately overturned in America because of the extensive dialogues and persuasion of fairness and human equality. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincolns brief words were much more applauded as they gave meaning to the events at Gettysburg. This words contained ideals of what he believed the Union stood for (D. Voelker).

Lincoln expressed his beliefs that the forefathers of the nation must have intended in the equality of humanity. Lincoln recognized that the great loss of lives will go down in history due to the civil war and the clash of ideologies.  He also hoped and for saw a continuation of the struggle to liberate humanity. This struggle is seen in Django, although on an individual level, it is a depiction of every individuals struggle in attaining the values of liberty.

The Emancipation declaration (1863) was issued by President Lincoln to free the slaves remaining in the rebelling states. His impartation was criticized for not being enough- seen only as words on paper- but it evoked a change in ideology of the day. Notably, Lincoln had no constitutional power to end slavery in states loyal to the Union, but his action encouraged slaves to arise into a crusade against slavery. The declaration showcased value for peace as it encouraged the people formerly held as slaves to abstain from violence unless necessitated by self-defense. Django is predominantly showcased in the narrative in acts of self-defense against his oppressors. However, this is often after peaceful negotiations are curtailed by the slave masters. Django together with King Schlutz try to negotiate for the release of Broomhilda but this is hampered by the sadistic slave master.