Reflection Questions - "13th"

1. How did you feel after watching 13th? Did you feel helpless, inspired, stirred to action?

2. What do you think about the present state of the American prison system? The film argues that there is a direct link between American slavery and the modern American prison system. What is your take on this argument? 

3. What do you think are some of the factors that allowed this system of racial control to simply evolve and replicate itself for the past 150 years?

4. How much did you know about the war on drugs and war on crime before watching the film? Were you surprised to learn about the racial underpinnings of these legislative policies? 

5. Have you ever had to confront direct or systemic racism in your life? If so, how were you affected? What are ways we can end this cycle? 

6. How can you be more vigilant against institutional racism?

7. How knowledgeable are you on the concept of social privilege? Do you ever reflect upon the systematic privileges you may or may not experience because of race, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, religion, physical/mental abilities, etc.? 

8. How do you think media and popular culture representations of Black Americans, particularly Black men, have contributed to a dangerous climate of white fear and anxiety? How can we challenge these instances of racism and dehumanization?

9. Do you see yourself making any personal changes in your life after having watched 13th? If so, what kinds of changes? 

Reflection questions from influencefilmclub.com and educationforjustice.org.

Additional Resources About Race