Conscientious Observer

I will admit that I was adverse to watching this series. This was in part due to my perception of black films, black actors, and in some small way due to my own personal prejudices. About me: I'm a middle aged Hispanic male, I grew up poor, on welfare, and without privilege. Today, I have a Master's level education, I make a high 6-figure salary, and I live a comfortable life. I tell you this because I want to convey to the reader that I've seen life from both perspectives. I will say that I was deeply moved by the film, "When they see us." I will admit that I had not heard of this story prior to seeing this film and that I have no true understanding of the facts of the case. What I did see was the story of 5 black men who were wrongfully accused and incarcerated for a crime they did not commit. The film made me angry and at the same time made me very empathetic to the life of black men in this country. More importantly, I was devastated by how irreparably changed these men now are. It only makes me wonder how many other men have experienced or are now experiencing the same scenarios in their lives. Bottom line, I thought it was a great film and a story that needed to be heard, if not by the nation, then by me. I think it helps me see the struggles that go on every day in this country and hopefully makes me strong enough to speak up when I see social injustice.