Jewels, thanks so much for all these essays on deconstructing movies. Once past grammar school, I was uncomfortable with the whole Pocohantas story. This was before I knew the truth of the genocide of the First Nations. Your analysis is crystal clear and my whole body recognizes the veracity of your words. I get why you didn't welcome my idea of you as a University professor, however, I wish your writing had been available to me when I was a student. I'm grateful to read your work now. May your writing reach lots and lots of people and awaken them, as it does me. As for anyone commenting about your marriage to Amy with anything other than well wishes, they better not be sitting near me.
For me, part of what’s so powerful about deconstructing these films is exactly what you’re talking about — getting to see them in a new light. You’re no longer just absorbing them as entertainment; you’re learning to look at them with a critical lens. Because when you know better, you do better.
I’ll be honest — back in the early ’90s, I didn’t fully see it either. I felt something was off, but I didn’t have the language to name it. That came later, through time, experience, and yes, through college and finding my voice. It’s been a journey — an evolution, maybe even an elevation.
Academia gave me some of that language, but it also has its limits. Your voice can be codified, sanitized, or even marginalized in those spaces. What I love about creating here is that I get to speak with my whole chest. No edits for palatability.
And I’m deeply grateful for your blessing. That means a lot to me. 🌿
Jewels, thanks so much for all these essays on deconstructing movies. Once past grammar school, I was uncomfortable with the whole Pocohantas story. This was before I knew the truth of the genocide of the First Nations. Your analysis is crystal clear and my whole body recognizes the veracity of your words. I get why you didn't welcome my idea of you as a University professor, however, I wish your writing had been available to me when I was a student. I'm grateful to read your work now. May your writing reach lots and lots of people and awaken them, as it does me. As for anyone commenting about your marriage to Amy with anything other than well wishes, they better not be sitting near me.
Thank you so much, Samantha 💛
For me, part of what’s so powerful about deconstructing these films is exactly what you’re talking about — getting to see them in a new light. You’re no longer just absorbing them as entertainment; you’re learning to look at them with a critical lens. Because when you know better, you do better.
I’ll be honest — back in the early ’90s, I didn’t fully see it either. I felt something was off, but I didn’t have the language to name it. That came later, through time, experience, and yes, through college and finding my voice. It’s been a journey — an evolution, maybe even an elevation.
Academia gave me some of that language, but it also has its limits. Your voice can be codified, sanitized, or even marginalized in those spaces. What I love about creating here is that I get to speak with my whole chest. No edits for palatability.
And I’m deeply grateful for your blessing. That means a lot to me. 🌿
— Jewels