The Patriot

The Patriot (2000) presents a dramatic representation of the American revolution. Actor Mel Gibson, who plays Benjamin Martin, leads the American militia in response to King Henry (of England)'s tyranny. While this film emphasizes genuine patriotic ideals, there is also a side story of racism told. Actor Jay Arlen Jones plays a slave named Occam who is forced to join the American Militia because of his master. Director Roland Emmerich portrays this in an unfair manner as Occam's master is afraid and unwilling to join the militia himself. He gives him over as he tells Gibson's character, "You can have my Negro."

Throughout the militia's conquest, there is a transition in the relationship between Occam and his fellow militia men. At the beginning, they see him as less than human, almost a nuisance really. Actor Donal Logue's character even criticizes Occam's benefits by exclaiming, "I can't believe this. First they're gonna' pay 'em, and now they're gonna' free 'em! What are you gonna' do with freedom?" This last question is an accurate portrayal of how those in favor of slavery viewed their position: keeping the blacks as slaves allows them to have a place in society, without it, chaos will occur.

As time moves on however, Occam bonds with the militia and even stays after he is officially set free. This selfless act gains the respect of even Donal Logue's character, who expresses his gratitude by saying he is honored by Occam's presence. My one criticism of this movie's depiction of racism, however, is that at the end Occam is shown free and happy - helping rebuild Mel Gibson's character's house along with the rest of the militia. However, in reality, Occam will have to continue to fight many battles of another kind after the war is over.

[Blog 5]