"Harriet Tubman: To Feel Slavery"

Personally, I rarely watch movies about slavery or genocide. While I’m sure Harriet only scratched the surface of what it was like to be born into captivity and endure racism so deeply ingrained in a culture that even the absence of chains couldn’t guarantee freedom, its clear message permeated my entire being.

The film reminded me of a harsh truth: we still live in a hierarchy-driven world, with individuals who might willingly justify conformity to physical slavery if it benefited them and was normalized.

A Glimpse Into Harriet's World

The movie opens with an African-American pastor delivering a brief sermon outside a plantation’s front door. The slaves stand on the ground while the owners sit comfortably in the corner of the porch—a scene reminiscent of a traditional Baptist church, with the pastor and first lady in elevated seats of honor.

The pastor references a miniature Bible, quoting scripture about how slaves should obey their earthly masters. His words are met with approving nods from the slave owners. After a hymn, the slaves are dismissed.

It isn’t until later that Minty (Harriet) asks her owner for freedom. She dreams of bearing children born into liberty. The owner's response is both predictable and chilling—he refuses, his bigotry and cruelty laid bare. This moment sparked my thoughts:

If physical slavery were still a “thing,” would modern sentiments like “just be patient and follow the legal process” echo through social media posts, news comments, and private conversations? Would there still be justification for checking freed slaves’ “freedom papers,” much like identification checks today based on suspicion?

The Complex Depictions of Faith
The film portrays Harriet as deeply spiritual, connected to God in a way that feels raw and genuine—different from the sanitized, modern Christian archetype. I appreciated the contrast between the pastor’s behavior in front of the slave owners and his demeanor when alone with Harriet, who boldly defied his earlier preachings.

Toward the end, Harriet confronts her former owner and declares, “God did not intend for people to OWN other people.” This was a powerful moment, emphasizing how biblical texts have historically been manipulated to justify oppression while those wielding them rarely hold themselves to the same standards.

The Speech That Resonated
One of the most impactful scenes comes after the Fugitive Slave Act is passed. Members of the Underground Railroad consider halting their mission to avoid increased danger. Harriet, however, stands firm. She reminds them that while stopping may seem logical for those born into the privilege of freedom, it’s not an option for those who know the agony of slavery.
Her words struck me: privilege allows us to judge others’ actions without understanding what they’re running from.

My Takeaway
The movie did exactly what I had been avoiding—it made me feel. It forced me to confront the pain and worth of my ancestors. Harriet is a phenomenal depiction of strength, loyalty, courage, spirituality, betrayal, disregard, and fear.

Harriet’s courage as an uneducated slave who refused to accept what southern culture said she was worth led to the liberation of over 700 slaves. This film is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit.