Tradition is a priceless component to any culture, as it has been
shaped and developed by time itself. Tradition passes from generation
to generation, exercising its influence through the actions and
thoughts of a people. The tradition that has materialized from the
history of the American South is no different. It remains a pillar of
hope, faith, and pride for those southerners who embrace it.
Tradition of the South dictates a way life with roots in the very
foundation of the United States. While this may act as a testament to
the strength and courage of the people of the south, the fact remains
that the principles laid down by this tradition defy civil rights and
respect for humanity. In this sense, the old ways of the South do not
compliment the rapid changes that occur in society each day. At
heart, this realization is the overall theme of "A Time To Kill". The
convictions of the South are detrimental to the civility of the human
race and yet, remain unchanged after 150 years because they rise from
the tradition of the Southern culture.
The realization listed above haunts each of the principal
characters in "A Time To Kill" as the story of racial injustice
unfolds. Centered around the brutal rape and assault of a young black
girl, Tanya Hailey, "A Time To Kill" immerses itself into the intense
emotions that are involved in hatred. The rape, committed by two
white men, epitomizes this blind hatred that stems from the racism of
the South. Influenced by the pain of his loss, Tanya's father, Carl
Lee Hailey, lashes out in a passionate state of retribution, slaying
both assailants. Charged with two counts of murder in the first
degree, Carl Lee is trapped in a judicial system that is greatly
swayed by the racism of the world beyond. He is assigned the young
and idealistic Jake Brigance, as lead council, one of the few white
southerners who believes that he is still able to receive a fair
trial. The incident becomes a platform for social outcry, as white
and black, poor and privileged take a stand for what they believe in.
The emotional tension and social distress heightens as Ellen Roark, an
energetic Boston law student, comes to Jake's assistance. They seem
to be a very lost few among the surrounding hatred of the South. As
trial proceeds, it tears the community apart with controversy, and
takes its toll on the lives of all those involved. The most
significant relationship in this twisted story is that of Jake and
Carl Lee, for they are forced to find a way to transcend their
fundamental differences and work together for the same cause, equal
justice. Somehow, this justice is found, as an obviously partial jury
searches deep within to produce a compassionate verdict of "not
guilty".
"A Time To Kill" was both dramatic and accurate in its depiction
of a small southern community. Prevalent throughout "A Time To Kill"
is the presence of the Ku Klux Klan, both as an antagonistic force and
as the embodiment of blind hatred that existed in the form of racism
in Mississippi at the time. This modern presence has been the root of
many crimes of hatred and racism. Conversely, the NAACP's presence in
opposition to the Ku Klux Klan is significant, yet its true nature and
power was not shown; rather the movie focuses on the interracial
relationship and its impact in a southern society, in which equality
is undefined. It is evident that the producers of this movie truly
understand the mechanics of modern society in this respect. Finally,
"A Time To Kill", faces segregation head on, displaying its
psychological effects on a society of the south, and its judicial
system. Today, nearly 40 years after the civil rights movement made
the first steps towards racial equality, segregation remains a part of
humanity that we must all face.
"A Time To Kill" speaks to all people, versed and unversed in the
hatred of racism. Above all, it calls the individual to examine their
convictions, and then ask themself if they have sought the just
principles for life. Jake Brigance eloquently calls the jury to
imagine the acts brought upon Tanya in these final words, "Can you see
her? Her raped, beaten, broken body, soaked in their urine, soaked in
their semen, soaked in her blood, left to die. Can you see her? I want
you to picture that little girl. Now imagine she's white." This
movies serves as a reminder that in governing our country, and
ultimately in living our lives, we must look past race, color and
creed, and seek equality in its purest forms. If this cannot be done
in the present, it cannot be a hope for the future.
Sources Cited:
{Source 1} Newton, Michael, And Judy Ann Newton. The Ku Klux Klan: An
Encyclopedia. Garland, 1991.
{Source 2} Harris, Jacqueline L. History And Achievement Of The NAACP.
Franklin Watts, 1992.
{Source 3} Haskins, James S. Separate But Not Equal: The Dream and the
Struggle. Scholastic, 1997.
{Source 4} A Time To Kill. Dir. Joel Schumacher. Perf. Matthew
McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey. Warner
Brothers. 1996.
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