The Cycle

The Cycle (www.thecyclefilm.com) had its Chicago premiere last night at Blue 1647 Innovation Center. The 11-minute film is a powerful cinematic endeavor meant to provoke a guttural reaction and stimulate conversation around the issue of violence in our communities. The ending was surprising but ultimately expected by those of us watching.

The group gathered for the film was intergenerational and diverse – a great representation of Chicago. Although diverse, the assembled viewers were unified by one idea, the violence in our community especially the violence between the Black community and the police department must end.

One of the themes of the film which is largely ignored by the media is the perspective of the police. Often it is assumed that the police are gunning for our young men. Many times that assumption is true. Other times, the police officer involved in a shooting is as much a victim as the young person shot. We do not generally hear that from the police department. Thus the officer involved is seen either hero or villain with nothing in between.

After the film aired, a panel was held consisting of the director/writer of the film, Michael Marantz, the film’s producer, a community activist involved in Black Lives Matter movement and a 25 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. Many of the questions posed by the moderator were about the film, what the reaction to the film has been and what the creators hoped to accomplish. The film’s creators said their intent was to get people to think about themselves in regards to their neighborhood and to honestly think about their fears in regards to violence. They want to spur people to think, talk, debate and ultimately get involved in creating change within our communities.

This sentiment was echoed by both the community activist and the police officer. She mentioned how she was responsible and accountable to two familial units – the community and the Chicago Police Department. It was clear the officer knew she was going to take the brunt of the questions from the audience about police behavior. As she and the other panelists fielded questions from the moderator and the audience, it became clear that the film was doing its job. It spurred conversation and allowed those gathered to begin discussing what conversations needed to be had in the future along with possible solutions.
The phrase “Black on Black crime” was repeated often during the discussion. I detest this phrase. When Whites do wrong to each other, no one calls it “White on White crime.” It’s the same for the Hispanic community. Giving crime a name that is specific to the Black community makes it seem that crimes we commit against each other are worse than the crime being perpetuated by the racist institutions and organizations that do more harm in our community than we ever could. Crime is crime and it’s hurtful regardless of the race of the criminal. Instead of getting bogged down in supposed “Black on Black crime,” why don’t we work to eradicate crime in all its forms?

If the film comes to your town, please make a point to see it. Better yet, have a viewing party of your own. The film can be downloaded for free the website, www.thecyclefilm.com. Then spend the evening having the type of discussion needed to create change.

Regardless of whether you see the film at your local movie house or attend a home viewing, see the movie and begin the conversation. Every great movement starts with thoughts, conversation and then action. We can make a difference. We make a change. It starts with us. Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see.”

Let’s begin the conversation.

Karen Ford is the author of Thoughts of a Fried Chicken Watermelon Woman, a book of essays discussing race, gender, politics, religion and other current issues. It is available for purchase on her website, www.KarenFordOnline.com and Amazon.com.