Gender Discrimination◆ Defying the Rule of Violence
- かゆかわクリニック院長 粥川裕平
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Chunichi Shimbun, Morning Edition, September 22, 2006
Most people are familiar with the history of racial discrimination against African Americans in the United States. But how many know that Black women, too, have long suffered from sexism and domestic violence (DV)—abuse inflicted by their husbands or partners—even within their own communities?
The film I would like to introduce today is The Color Purple (1985), an epic drama portraying the lives of Black women.
The story is set in a small town in rural Georgia in the early twentieth century. Celie, the heroine, is sexually abused by her father and becomes pregnant twice, giving birth to two children who are taken away from her. She is then forced into marriage with the domineering Mister. Forbidden even to speak back, she lives under constant intimidation and violence. Her dignity is systematically stripped away. Branded "ugly" by her husband, she becomes so ashamed of herself that she hides her teeth whenever she smiles.
Before long, Celie's younger sister, Nettie, also flees their abusive father and seeks refuge with her. But after refusing Mister's sexual advances, Nettie is driven from the house, and the sisters are separated for years.
One day, Mister's lover, the blues singer Shug Avery, falls ill and comes to stay in the household. During their time together, an unexpected friendship blossoms between Shug and Celie.
Inspired by Shug's inner beauty, independence, and strength of spirit, Celie gradually awakens to the realization that she, too, is a human being worthy of respect and capable of shaping her own future. When she discovers that Mister has hidden Nettie's letters from her for many years, Celie finally finds the courage to confront him. Refusing to live in fear any longer, she leaves him and begins a new life.
Nearly all of the film's characters are Black. By contrasting irresponsible and tyrannical men with resilient and resourceful women, the story weaves together themes of reconciliation, redemption, and reunion, creating a deeply moving emotional experience. Above all, Whoopi Goldberg delivers a breathtaking performance as the adult Celie.
The film is based on the bestselling novel by Alice Walker and was directed by Steven Spielberg, earning widespread critical acclaim.
Sadly, the use of violence to dominate one's spouse remains all too common today. The insidious cruelty symbolized by domestic violence is nothing less than a violation of human dignity. This film quietly yet powerfully reminds us that victims should never be forced into silent resignation, but deserve the courage and support to break free from abuse.
