== The question of slaves ==

== The question of slaves ==

Benjamin Martin doesn’t own slaves. They are freedmen and willingly work for him. He helps them plow the land. ''Of course''. After all, what kind of action hero can own slaves? Apparently, we want our heroes with pure intentions. Was this a situation that happened at all? Sure, the movie had some mentions of slavery and racism, but it was so secondary you’d almost forget the setting is South Carolina. It was nice to see that there were some blacks in the British lines during the final battle, though. --Taylor Brann

'''Benjamin Martin doesn’t own slaves. They are freedmen and willingly work for him. He helps them plow the land'''. ''Of course''. After all, what kind of action hero can own slaves? Apparently, we want our heroes with pure intentions. Was this a situation that happened at all? Sure, the movie had some mentions of slavery and racism, but it was so secondary you’d almost forget the setting is South Carolina. It was nice to see that there were some blacks in the British lines during the final battle, though. --Taylor Brann

So why did all the African Americans in the movie only have first names?  When watching the credits, even Okam, one of the main title characters in the film, was only given a first name.  Every other character, if not given a first and a last name, were given a title of description, such as Colonial Militiaman.  Whether the African American characters in the film were freedman or not, no one had a last name.  ~Juliann Boyles

'''So why did all the African Americans in the movie only have first names'''?  When watching the credits, even Okam, one of the main title characters in the film, was only given a first name.  Every other character, if not given a first and a last name, were given a title of description, such as Colonial Militiaman.  Whether the African American characters in the film were freedman or not, no one had a last name.  ~Juliann Boyles

When the slave joined the militia it didn't seem like he would be accepted just like that. Let alone be viewed as a free man by that one colonist.--- Matt DeMarr

When the slave joined the militia it didn't seem like he would be accepted just like that. Let alone be viewed as a free man by that one colonist.--- Matt DeMarr

I think that the situation with the slave being signed up for militia service by his master is true, and I also believe that the militia man who acted extremely racist was accurate as well. I think the film tried to casually indicate that opinions could be changed regarding blind hatred and racism, and by fighting together, and risking their lives for one another, these men saw that there is more to a man than his race. I DO see that this racism was a lot less severe than SC probably had back then, but it is important to note that the subject was addressed in some way at all. - Elle Weaver

I think that the situation with the slave being signed up for militia service by his master is true, and I also believe that the militia man who acted extremely racist was accurate as well. I think the film tried to casually indicate that opinions could be changed regarding blind hatred and racism, and by fighting together, and risking their lives for one another, these men saw that there is more to a man than his race. I DO see that this racism was a lot less severe than SC probably had back then, but '''it is important to note that the subject was addressed in some way at all.''' - Elle Weaver

To comment on the portrayal of the blacks, the women looked like the stereotypical Mammies, albeit, not as plump as Scarlett O'Hara's mammy, but looking similar in dress and head covering. The women were shown to be obedient and efficient in their care for the children of their white masters. The men were all content in the movie as well, especially when the British came to "set them free." The blacks literally were dragged away from their white owners or landowners. Even though the black men were free, there weas no distinguishing for the British. Occam, the black militiaman, seems fine enough to serve in his master's stead. His master describes him as not smart but strong. The man's build is stereotypical of the African man made to laborious work, not for intellectual discussions. -Lauren

To comment on the portrayal of the blacks, the women looked like the stereotypical Mammies, albeit, not as plump as Scarlett O'Hara's mammy, but looking similar in dress and head covering. '''The women were shown to be obedient and efficient in their care for the children of their white masters. The men were all content in the movie as well, especially when the British came to "set them free."''' The blacks literally were dragged away from their white owners or landowners. Even though the black men were free, there weas no distinguishing for the British. Occam, the black militiaman, seems fine enough to serve in his master's stead. His master describes him as not smart but strong. The man's build is stereotypical of the African man made to laborious work, not for intellectual discussions. -Lauren

In the beginning when the British come to Martin's home the officer tells the slaves that if they go to join with the British they will be granted freedom.  One of the slaves says that they are already freemen.  Is this true?  Are his slaves really free or are they just saying that?  If they are really free how common was that for the free slaves to stay and work on a southern plantation? -- Kellye Sorber

In the beginning when the British come to Martin's home the officer tells the slaves that if they go to join with the British they will be granted freedom.  One of the slaves says that they are already freemen.  Is this true?  Are his slaves really free or are they just saying that?  If they are really free how common was that for the free slaves to stay and work on a southern plantation? -- Kellye Sorber

There are many things I felt that were deeply wrong portayals of history in the movie. The portrayal of peoples atitutudes toward slavery is majorly flawed with everybody, but one person (who comes to be tolerant later) treating slaves as equals. This is colonial South Carolina yet all the colonials are portrayed as all accepting and understanding of each other. Additionally the way Gabriel speaks up to his father and his father giving in is pretty absurd considering South Carolina during the colonial period is highly patriarchal. The scene where Mel Gibson massacres a bunch of soldiers with only a tomahawk does not help the movies realism factor ether. For people in South Carolina during the war it is not likely that they would have a strong national identity, but rather be focused on regional identities. - Jonathan Bell

There are many things I felt that were deeply wrong portayals of history in the movie. The portrayal of peoples atitutudes toward slavery is majorly flawed with everybody, but one person (who comes to be tolerant later) treating slaves as equals. '''This is colonial South Carolina yet all the colonials are portrayed as all accepting and understanding of each other.''' Additionally the way Gabriel speaks up to his father and his father giving in is pretty absurd considering South Carolina during the colonial period is highly patriarchal. The scene where Mel Gibson massacres a bunch of soldiers with only a tomahawk does not help the movies realism factor ether. For people in South Carolina during the war it is not likely that they would have a strong national identity, but rather be focused on regional identities. - Jonathan Bell

In the Patriot, it seems that Mel Gibson would not just have free colored people working in his fields especially in the south. Also were the slaves really freed, or were most of them forced to join the British Army? –Ashley Scutari

In the Patriot, it seems that Mel Gibson would not just have free blacks working in his fields especially in the south. Also were the slaves really freed, or were most of them forced to join the British Army? –Ashley Scutari