Fruitvale Station Reflection

I was 11 years old when Oscar Grant was killed. I remember seeing the video on YouTube as my dad was watching it when I was very young. I also remember the riots and outrage that occurred after the incident. Black America was livid and hurt at the unnecessary death of this young Black man. I believe this was the first time that police brutality caught with a bystander’s phone sparked movements. This set a tone for the digital age and showed how quickly media can spread. The same was seen in the case of Rodney King. Fortunately, (if you want to see it that way) a news camera caught his vicious beating and broadcasted it across America. This event caused riots and public discourse as well. The incident with Oscar Grant really pushed this action of recording anytime the police are around. Thousands of cases of police brutality are caught by civilians every year. The digital age provides a platform where the unseen is brought into the light.

Fruitvale station was a powerful film. I appreciate how they portrayed Oscar Grant as a loving father who also had his own flaws. The film did an amazing job at making Grant a beloved character. As the film went on, I believe the audience could connect more to Oscar. His image was one of pride, love, and determination. It’s saddening to see the ending scene, but this is a reality for all Black men. Any Black man, despite wealth, can be in the same position. Media has made this evident as every week there is another Black person killed by authorities. Digital Media just helped the nation acknowledge this.