Film: Basil Davidsons Different But Equal Movie Review Samples

In the film “Different but Equal”, Basil Davidson introduces Africa with an Afro-centric view of history and colonial oppression. Different but equal, Basil studies African cultures in the early days. Notably, the information presented in the film is based on artifacts and art from caves, pyramids, and tombs from Meroe and Egypt in ancient Sudan. His main focus is Meroe. He begins by demystifying the fabled notions of the stereotyped continent. He identifies certain historical credentials fabricated by Western philosophers and explorers. Basil stresses that these individuals from Europe did not understand Africa at all. Instead, they made assumptions and declarations based on their limited knowledge that Africa is a primitive continent compared to the European culture. The West did not understand Africa, its industrious people, and its rich wealth. He notes that these Europeans only saw the negative side of the continent of poverty, lack of education and primeval cultures. This negative light did not recognize the rich wealth in the continent.
Davidson shows the significance of interactions between Europe and Africa, noting that disparities in race were not causes of distrust and hostility during both the medieval and classical eras. Through the film, it is made evident that the declarations made by the Europeans about Africa’s black side might have been made towards Mars at the same period. Africa is shown in a negative light by the Whites, a continent that needs Western aid. These degrading facts and stereotypes by the Europeans injured the image of Africa to a sorry state. Presumably, these Europeans created an attitude that placed Africa in lower standards compared to European standards.
During this time, the histories of Africans were belittled. Subsequently, this outmoded idea about Africa survives, even today. Basil illustrates the infinite history that has been ignored and covered up to this day. Alongside other historical based advancements denied by Western researchers, vast civilization sprung forth. Subsequently, Basil coherently notes that many Western researchers had the notion that the “black African” could not create something. He adds that slavery was the cause of the discrimination that was inflicted upon African-Americans. Despite all these developments, freedom could not become possible to Americans of European descent until slavery for Americans was established; racism was evident everywhere as a visible line cut across black and white races. This episode portrays a lot about the Western perception of Africans; however, this negative view is still present since many Whites look down upon Africans. Despite this negativity, Basil is determined, focused, and proud of his continent. He looks at it with a positive thought and continues his journey towards discrediting the West; in addition, he is keen to appraise Africa’s success and all its achievements.
According to Basil, it is not entirely true that during the early period, Africans were enslaved. His presumption is rational and he focuses on the positive side of the matter. This video is important towards building a more accurate and better Africa. We must clique conformist norms that have unfortunately been widely accepted. By allowing the proper image of Africa, we will be certain of positive change in the continent. Basil challenges the obvious, and brackets past information to allow a deeper meaning. He opens himself as well as his audience towards lately formed ideas instead of accepting lame stereotypes such as the ‘savage African’. This film “Different but Equal” is a good example of positive change, it shows the importance of focusing on the positive side and not allowing negative perspectives to dictate or alter the positive side. It has stressed the importance of building a more accurate and better Africa.