If YOU are breathing — YOU Should watch the movie “ORIGIN” 🖤🖤🖤

“Origin”: A Surprising Journey into Understanding

Recently, I had the unique opportunity to see “Origin,” a movie that’s been creating a buzz for the 2025 Oscars. After hearing about it from a screenwriter in my Toastmaster’s public speaking class, and then again from a friend, my curiosity was definitely piqued. Heading to the theater, I expected just another movie night with a tub of popcorn and a Cherry Coke Zero. However, what I experienced was a profound revelation. I’m not one for writing movie reviews, but as Black History Month starts, it seems appropriate to share this. “Origin” is more than a film; it’s a journey of profound exploration and understanding. In my view, anyone who’s BREATHING should watch this movie – it’s that Powerful!

Isabel Wilkerson and “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents”

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Isabel Wilkerson, a powerhouse in the world of literature. She’s not only a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, recognized for her phenomenal 2010 work “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration,” but also the mind behind the acclaimed New York Times bestseller “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” This book is the bedrock of “Origin.” Wilkerson delves into the concept of racism as a layered, CASTE-like structure, challenging and reshaping our understanding of deep-seated issues in the US that are usually attributed to Racism. Her insightful exploration in “Caste” sets the stage for the film’s compelling narrative, offering a fresh lens to view and address these complex societal dynamics that we all face today.

Racism Reimagined: It’s Not Just Black and White

“Origin” does something pretty remarkable – it challenges the conventional view of racism, presenting it as a Caste System. This concept, inspired by Wilkerson’s work, is a real eye-opener. I never thought about it this way, but the film draws parallels to other countries like India, where societal divisions aren’t about skin color but about established Hierarchies. It also looks at historical contexts like Nazi Germany, showing how these caste-like structures have been used to not only oppress jews but ignited the Holocaust . This approach is thought-provoking and pushes us to think beyond the traditional narratives of Racism. It’s not just about Black and White; it’s about power, hierarchy, and systemic oppression, revealing layers we often overlook in discussions about Racial Injustice.

Heart-Wrenching Stories: From Trayvon Martin to Al Bright

In “Origin,” there are several heart-wrenching vignettes that bring the concept of the Caste System to life, showcasing its cruel reality. The story of Trayvon Martin is one such example, a stark reminder of the systemic issues we continue to face. Another deeply moving narrative is about Al Bright, a Black boy on a winning Little League team. The film shows a poignant scene where Al, braving segregation, gets into the pool while all his white teammates get out, creating a powerful image of segregation at its most divisive and cruel. This scene, where he is humiliated and made a spectacle of, starkly casts this innocent child as “the other” and “less than.” This particular vignette brought me to near tears and then… ANGER, powerfully illustrating the impact of our current societal divides. It’s mind-blowing and deeply troubling that these divides still exist today in 2024! These stories, though deeply saddening, are crucial in depicting the inhumanity embedded in the Caste System. They are not just tales of sorrow but powerful tools for understanding the depth and impact of these societal divides.

The Flawed House (AMERICA)… We Live In

One of the most striking analogies in “Origin” is that of comparing America to a House, and as a Real Estate Agent, I find this metaphor particularly apt. The film suggests that our country, much like an old house, has its deep-rooted issues and structural flaws. We might not have built this house with its shaky foundation or neglected its maintenance (with it’s leaky roof), but here WE are — residing in it. This is not just any house; it’s a place where generations have lived, and its problems have compounded over time. The movie emphasizes that it’s our collective responsibility to repair and rehabilitate it. We’re not just inhabitants; we’re caretakers of this 247 year old legacy. It’s also not about assigning blame for how things came to be, but rather recognizing our role in the present and our ability to shape the future. This analogy is a powerful call to action, urging us to see beyond the surface and understand the necessity of collective effort in healing and improving our shared home — America 🇺🇸

A Call to Action (for anyone breathing…)

As heavy as “Origin” can be, it’s not a story devoid of hope. In fact, it leaves us with an empowering message: the caste system, as entrenched as it may seem, is Man-made. And what is made by Man can be undone by Man. It’s a reminder that these societal divides are not permanent fixtures; they are creations that we have the power to dismantle. The film ends on this note of optimism, showing us that despite the deep wounds, there is a path forward. It’s a path that requires… understanding, empathy, and a collective effort from all of us.

So, this month, as we reflect on Black History and beyond, let’s commit to being part of the solution. Let’s spread the word, let’s have those tough conversations, and let’s work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society. It’s about being better humans and realizing that the task of dismantling these man-made barriers rests on all of our shoulders, especially during these volatile times. Join me in this journey – it’s one of the most important ones we can undertake 🙏🇺🇸🖤