Emancipation Antoine Fuqua (available on Apple TV+), this is not a simple movie, nor does it pretend to be. He not only tells of the horrors of slavery, but also delves into the possibility of redemption. All thanks to the character played by Will Smith. A figure who made it possible to photograph the cruelty, violence and inhumanity of slavery.
In 1863, Peter (apparently his last name was Gordon) allowed the horrific whip scars on his back to be depicted. The photo series is perhaps one of the most important in history, became a true and indisputable testament to the suffering, now depicted in Emancipation. Published in such authoritative publications as Harper’s Weekly and The Independent, which ensured its distribution in a large part of Europe.
The graphic document shows Peter’s naked torso. The man lies on his back, and a large knot of keloid scars is visible on his skin. traces caused by for successive lashes to which Peter was subjected during his time in slavery, frightened and shocked readers around the world. But more than that, they promoted discussion of the American Civil War as more than just a political conflict.
The most famous photograph of Peter sitting alone with his back bare ended up being simply titled “Peter Whipped”. The image has become an icon of the abolitionist struggle. One, which also illustrated in detail the cruel punishments that the black population was subjected to. photo media, which at the time were considered more than a curiosity, became a powerful record. Especially after the photo was made public as legal proof of the violence being committed in crop fields and plantations.
Emancipation: a long road to freedom
However, the history of Peter is much more significant than the image in which he appears and thanks to which he entered history. In March 1863, he was one of the slaves who escaped from John and Bridget Lyon’s 3,000-acre (12 km²) plantation. It was a deadly risk. Most of the fugitives in such situations were executed without the protection of the law, and not by the decision of their owners. Peter will tell later that managed to evade the pursuit of the hounds and the advance detachment of huntersrubbing the onion with the skin.
Escape was a desperate decision. Plantation foreman Artaiu Carrier was known for his extreme cruelty. At the same time, for the fact that this is one of the goals of possible abolitionist laws that would punish any executioner. Knowing that Peter or any of the escaped slaves could be a test in itself, Carrier led a conscientious search party. Finally, any captured slaves were ordered to be killed as exemplary punishment for the rest.
Peter managed to escape for 40 miles until he reached the Union XIX Corps stationed at Baton Rouge. Peter immediately went to the army. The admissions process included a medical examination. It was then that medical workers discovered horrific scars on Peter’s back. Later, a medical report dated April 2, 1863, would explain in detail that the injuries were consistent “in form and severity” with whipping injuries.
A moment for history
Photographer William D. McPherson was at the camp when Peter was drafted. It was thanks to his initiative and that of his partner that the historical photo-recording was finally carried out. This was a turning point not only for the abolitionist cause. Also cultural precedent of significant future value. The various reports resulting from the set of images have been published numerous times and have been part of a complex debate within the US government.
Peter continued to serve as a soldier. The last historical data recorded about his life was his performance during the so-called Siege of Port Hudson in May 1863. Shortly thereafter, Peter disappeared from the official records, so it is speculated that he may have died during the battle.
However, his legacy has been passed down through the generations. Movie Emancipation pays tribute not only to Peter Gordon, but to all victims of slavery. But, in particular, a photograph called “Whipped Peter” has become an emblem of the search for justice in the midst of turbulent times. Something that Antoine Fuqua’s film captures with meticulous detail and sensitivity.
Source: Hiper Textual
