Search

State Sponsored Violence Lesson Prompt

Download or stream State Sponsored Violence today!
FREE

THE BIRTH OF A NATION LESSON PROMPT - State Sponsored Violence

Download or Stream State Sponsored Violence Lesson Prompt for the motion picture THE BIRTH OF A NATION.  This clip features the film's dramatization of slave catchers on patrol and the manner in which they controlled the slave population in Virginia in 1831. 

Following the clip appearing on screen is a prompt question for in-classroom discussion.  Video files can be large and can take time to download.  Please take a moment to preview the clip on our site before you download or stream straight from our site into your classroom!  Click on full screen and project right onto your smartboard!

Prompt Question:  Slave Patrols were the 19th Century precursors to modern law enforcement.  Does our current system of law enforcement play a role in race/class based based oppression?

Run time:  1:30

ABOUT THE FILM:

Set against the backdrop of the antebellum South, THE BIRTH OF A NATION follows Nat Turner (Nate Parker), a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), accepts an offer to use Nat's preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities - against himself and his fellow slaves - Nat orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight Pictures, All Rights Reserved