“Mississippi Burning” by Allan Parker – Analytical Essay: (Racism and Prejudice)

black individuals who were victims of racism and hatred in Mississippi. This is achieved through a sweeping shot of gravestones as symbols of death, followed by a focused close-up on a burning building engulfed in flames.

This scene foreshadows the violence, hatred, and anger that is prevalent throughout the rest of the film. The presence of a negro lady singing a sad song further emphasizes the inequality and alienation experienced by black people: “take my hand, lead me home.” The song evokes a feeling of melancholy and elicits a strong sense of pathos. Parker effectively juxtaposes this scene with the tap scene to provide the audience with a clear understanding of the racism and prejudice faced by black people in Mississippi. Through powerful scenes depicting the murder and assault of black individuals and their allies, Parker vividly portrays instances of violence, prejudice, and segregation.

In the following scene, the KKK murders three civil rights boys, consisting of two white boys and one black boy. These boys were heading towards the Mississippi border in an effort to bring equality between black and white people to other states, as their previous attempts in Mississippi were unsuccessful. The KKK, aware of their mission, dispatched some of their members to trail the boys in their illuminated car through a sinister and dimly lit terrain.

Parker effectively employs silence to generate anticipation in the audience, leading up to the appearance of three other cars chasing the boys. These cars remain hidden, devoid of lights, within the dark night. Gradually, a foreboding music begins to play, gradually intensifying to escalate suspense. Eventually, the cars illuminate their lights and aggressively collide with the boys' vehicle,

forcing them to veer off the road and flee. Realizing that one of the cars is a police vehicle due to its flashing lights, the boys pull over to engage with the officer. In an intrusive manner, the sheriff addresses the boys disrespectfully by invading their personal space and threateningly utters: "now you listen to me Nigger-loving Jew boy".

Despite the laughter of the three men, he mercilessly shoots all three boys and proudly proclaims, "I shot me a nigger." This illustrates how members of the KKK derive pleasure from being cruel to black people, devaluing their lives as if they were no different from animals. Parker profoundly empathizes with black individuals and harshly criticizes the ignorant and unintelligent white populace in Mississippi depicted in the film. Furthermore, he emphasizes their denial of reality and their belief that black people are treated as equals.

The scene features a solemn gathering of black people singing in a church, evoking the audience's empathy for the suffering endured by the negroes. Afterwards, as they exit, they are confronted by members of the KKK. In an attempt to escape, they are relentlessly pursued and attacked. Amongst the chaos, a young boy opts to close his eyes and remain still, while the camera lingers on him. This moment is marked by silence cleverly employed by Parker, allowing the audience to connect with the emotions experienced by the boy, as he desperately seeks solace from the surrounding violence.

The man kicking the negro boy to the ground breaks the sudden silence. Parker expresses his anger towards Mississippi’s law system and its enforcers, highlighting the strong injustice against negroes. However, Parker advocates for equality

between the two races. Ward acquires information from a young negro boy who witnessed members of the KKK assaulting a negro man. He takes the case to Mississippi’s county court with hopes of achieving justice against the KKK. Sadly, Ward's efforts prove futile as the court shows bias towards white individuals and allows the KKK members to go free without charges. The court justifies their decision by stating that outside influences somewhat influenced the accused's actions.