Abstract
The paper outlines the politics, legal issues and litigation involved with the Amistad slaves' trial and shows how both the slavery and anti-slavery factions' were using this incident to back their cause. The paper highlights how the Amistad trial raised issues that would become central to the issues of civil rights and human equality and would eventually deal a serious blow to slavery.

From the Paper
"When Amistad took place, Portuguese merchants routinely took West African enslaved blacks to Cuba, which remained a Spanish colony. Despite the Spanish laws against slavery, the West African natives were smuggled into Cuba where slavery was allowed. The trip on the Amistad was expected to be another routine trip. The Africans were stuffed and chained in the hold and fearfully awaited their fate. When Singbe freed himself and the others, they took the ships weapons and overcame the crew. Rather than heading back to Africa, the captive sailors traveled up the coast to Long Island, where the ship was seized by a U.S. revenue cutter. The passengers were taken to New London, Connecticut, where slavery was permitted. Once the Africans stepped foot on American soil, they were arrested, and their rights and legal status became embroiled in a complex struggle. Because of all the variables involved, no one knew for sure what their eventual status would be."

Tags:Connecticut, Spain, Judson, Van, Buren, Supreme, Court

Abstract
In this analysis of Molefi Kete Asante, his book entitled "Kemet, Afrocentricity and Knowledge", is compared with the movie "Amistad" .Similarities between the two movies are discussed and some discrepancies between the two only slightly arise. History and its relation to racism are discussed and compared. Asante stands as a pillar against racism and "Amistad" is shown as a related example even in the mainstream of Hollywood.

Abstract
In this paper, the basis of the three films studied here reflects the problem of history within racial perspectives. By analyzing the films "Star Wars", "Malcolm X" and "Amistad", the paper shows how post-structuralism reflect the problem of racial identity in modern cinematic perspectives. The intent to reflect a white hegemonic society may be unconscious on the part of the filmmakers, but surely, they do not accurately portend a multi-faceted truth in relation to the history they use in film production and direction.

From the Paper
"This study will examine the nature of race within the films Amistad, Malcolm X, and Star Wars. By understanding how film depicts racism through post-structuralism in histrionics, one can realize the errors of race that are depicted within these modern films. Through an analysis of racial identity through history and the historical perspectives that reshape these identities through film, the basis of race becomes erroneously vague is representing the voice of African Americans in a white hegemonic society. The issue of post-structuralism in history is the format of how films should be judged in relation to race issues. Though this `lens' the various aspects of history, especially through various Anglo-Saxon historians does not portend an accurate identity and place for African Americans of the past."

Tags:film, race, study

Abstract
In this essay,the writer examines the following movies: "Roots," "Glory" and "Amistad." The paper provides a succinct plot summary of each movie and then briefly discusses the similarities and differences in each movie. The impact of these movies on larger American society is also discussed. The writer then attempts to describe his personal, potential reactions to the situations that occur in each movie. The paper then discusses Hollywood's treatment of serious issues such as slavery and violence and discusses how Hollywood's actions influence both children and adults.

From the Paper
"Roots, is an epic, made-for-television mini series that chronicles generations of black Americans in slavery. First on the air in 1977, Roots traced the history of one family from their African origin, through slavery, and finally to emancipation.

"Glory is a war movie about the first all-black company (the 54th regiment) to fight in the United States Civil War. The company, and their white leader confront the prejudices of the Confederates and the Union army. The movie climaxes showing the fighting at Fort Wagner, where the regiment proves there was nothing inferior about a black regiment.

"Amistad, directed by Stephen Spielberg, chronicles the 1839 mutiny on the slave ship Amistad, where slaves were held under barbaric and inhumane conditions. The movie follows the subsequent trial in America."

Tags:movie, racial, film, hollywood, slavery

Abstract
This paper presents two essays that discuss how history is represented in films: the 1997 "Amistad" that deals with the 1839 revolt by kidnapped Africans against their captors, and the 1939 "Drums Along the Mohawk" that deals with the effects of the beginning of the American War of Independence on the lives of pioneers living in New York State.

From the Paper
"The film Amistad is an account of a fact-base story of the revolt by kidnapped Africans against their captors. The incident touched off no less than three court cases in the U S with former President John Quincy Adams ..."

Tags:Amistad, Mohawk Valley, slavery, African Americans, Africans, justice, law, John Quincy Adams, pioneers, settlers, American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, history, war

Abstract
This paper shows how the author's mind both reflects the cultural preconceptions of his day regarding race and attempts to challenge these preconceptions. In Melville's writings about a slave rebellion - a fictional dramatization of the Amistad mutiny, the way in which the author perceives race and the issues of slavery are examined.

From the Paper
"The way in which Melville's tale unfolds at first seems like an example of realistic storytelling. It unfolds in a highly detailed, matter-of-fact fashion through a third person limited narration, then switches to a first person deposition. This initial technique of third-person narration is initially used create a sense of authorial and factual objectivity. However, quite early in the story, the idea that this omniscient narrator is still limited by notions of race becomes clear. "Negresses, of whom there were not a few, exceeded the others in their dolorous vehemence," observes the narrator. The reference to "Negresses" suggests women defined primarily by their race, and confirms the common cultural preconception of black women as vehement in a fashion that neither white women nor white men are."

Tags:slave, novel, literature, prejudice, rebel, ship, race, 'Benito, Cereno', Herman, Melville

Abstract
This paper provides a brief discussion of the experiences of various Muslim slaves during Antebellum American society, including their contributions to literature and their struggles to retain their faith and identity despite being forced to convert to Christianity.

From the Paper
"According to one scholar, Muslims have been part of the American landscape since pre-Columbus times. In Antebellum America, it is estimated that some - ... percent of the slaves brought over from Africa were Muslims. Viewers of the film "Amistad" are no doubt familiar with this fact as the movie features Muslim slaves aboard the slave ship of the film's title trying to say their prayers while linked together on deck. This analysis will discuss the experiences of Muslim slaves in antebellum America."

Tags:religion, South, Amistad, Omar Ibn Said, traders, scholars, abuse, narratives, freedom