Many months ago I watched the Jamaican film, The Answer, starring Charles Hyatt, and thought it would be a great film to reflect on, being as it is a treasure from my island. With the various happenings in my life, the reflection was placed on hold, but now I see the reason why it has been delayed.
The current black protests in America have (George Floyd killing) rung home the movie The Answer which features a young lad travelling all the way from England to find his grandfather and to find some answers to who he is as a black man and where he belongs.
Everyone wants to belong, however living in a world of white supremacy has racism felt not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. How can we be born into a society where we as black women and men are hated and dumbed down before we ever get a chance to succeed.
You see the young lad, Felix Cameron makes his way to the Macka tree community to find his grandfather Mas Jo. The grandfather has not had contact with his daughter(Felix’s mother) for over 15 years, and is surprised to see his grandson at his doorstep, and is sadly informed that Felix is orphaned. Nevertheless of the circumstances and the surprise, he is welcoming and invites him to lunch.
This feel-good movie is nostalgic as it not only takes place in a community near to where I actually grew up as a child but it reminds me of simpler times. Felix, by getting to know his grandfather more, gains a sense of belonging, in fact, the saying “there is no place like home” cannot be any more fitting.
Growing up in Jamaica it was truly home and where I belong, I understand the sentiments of Felix as he realises that he doesn't fit into the white society of England. Living in a predominantly white society, most days you are faced with continuous microaggression and willful ignorance to a race that has been systematically oppressed for many years.
What is so wrong in being black and so beautiful, the deep blackness of our eyes and our cotton curly hair? Why the hate, and why do we have to fight to belong? As the movie progresses Felix asks his grandfather why the shade of someone’s skin is so important and why do you need to apologise for who you are, his grandfather sternly replies “Never apologise for who you are,” we have to be proud of our heritage, just as how David in the bible was of his and how David’s confidence and innocent faith allowed to him slay the mighty giant Goliath.
The movie reaffirms the belief that you need to know who you are and be a person that is of integrity. As a neighbour tries to force his grandfather to sell his land, Mas Jo now realises he has someone to give his inheritance to, his grandson, and declines the offer. Towards the end of the movie hoodlums attack Mas Jo and try to steal from him, however, his grandson Felix becomes a hero and just like David’s confidence he is able to outwit his adversary, the hoodlums and protect his grandfather.
As it becomes time to leave the Macka Tree community Felix is restored in who is and promises to return to Jamaica, and enjoys his last dance with the beautiful girl, who is also fond of him. In this movie, I also found the answer, that as a black woman I have to confidently face the world as the Queen that I am, not to rule over anyone, but to rule over myself, knowing I deserve respect and should give this as well to others.
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