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329:question:329--week_6_questions_comments-2024 [2024/10/03 04:35] – [How does this movie work as a primary source about the time in which it was made?] 76.78.172.60329:question:329--week_6_questions_comments-2024 [2024/10/03 16:53] (current) – 199.111.65.11
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 ====== How does this movie work as a secondary source? What does the movie get right about history? ====== ====== How does this movie work as a secondary source? What does the movie get right about history? ======
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 +Gone with the Wind is a secondary source because it interprets the Civil War through a fictional story. It accurately shows the lifestyle of wealthy Southern plantation owners and the impact of the war, However the movie romanticizes slavery, portraying enslaved people as loyal and happy which ignores the harsh reality.
 +-jedidia Kazadi 
  
 Something that Gone With the Wind gets right about history is some of the broad details that serve as the background for the plot during the Civil War. The film rightly points to some early battle success from the confederates in the first years of the war. The turning point of the war is also shown to occur at Gettysburg, which is still a popular interpretation to this day. There is also the relevance of the Siege of Atlanta and Sherman’s march to sea present. These events really did happen, although they aren’t very expanded upon (besides the Siege of Atlanta) or used as much more than a backdrop and to chronicle Scarlett’s journey over time. - Ewan H Something that Gone With the Wind gets right about history is some of the broad details that serve as the background for the plot during the Civil War. The film rightly points to some early battle success from the confederates in the first years of the war. The turning point of the war is also shown to occur at Gettysburg, which is still a popular interpretation to this day. There is also the relevance of the Siege of Atlanta and Sherman’s march to sea present. These events really did happen, although they aren’t very expanded upon (besides the Siege of Atlanta) or used as much more than a backdrop and to chronicle Scarlett’s journey over time. - Ewan H
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 The movie does get the southern female roles during the war and reconstruction fairly accurate. As the war goes on, you start to see Scarlett and Melanie wearing less extravagant costumes, the size of their skirts become smaller, and their clothing is more simple. This is in part due to the Union blockade of goods getting to the south and the fact that women had to take on the roles of the men while they were away fighting. Scarlett is a nurse, which is something she would've never done before the war. She also is the one to work the fields and pick cotton along with her sisters in the aftermath of the war. What was formerly a role saved for the men, or the enslaved peoples, were now being carried out by her. They also portrayed the Confederate spirit a lot of southern soldiers had, or at least what 1930s Hollywood though they had. When news of the war broke out, the song Dixie Lee was playing in the background, which was a song many people of the south had pride in even up to the 1950s and 60s. - Emma Galvin  The movie does get the southern female roles during the war and reconstruction fairly accurate. As the war goes on, you start to see Scarlett and Melanie wearing less extravagant costumes, the size of their skirts become smaller, and their clothing is more simple. This is in part due to the Union blockade of goods getting to the south and the fact that women had to take on the roles of the men while they were away fighting. Scarlett is a nurse, which is something she would've never done before the war. She also is the one to work the fields and pick cotton along with her sisters in the aftermath of the war. What was formerly a role saved for the men, or the enslaved peoples, were now being carried out by her. They also portrayed the Confederate spirit a lot of southern soldiers had, or at least what 1930s Hollywood though they had. When news of the war broke out, the song Dixie Lee was playing in the background, which was a song many people of the south had pride in even up to the 1950s and 60s. - Emma Galvin 
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 +This movie does a good job at depicting the romanticism of the Antebellum South, or “the lost cause” mentality that was both present after the Civil War ended in the 19th century and during the time in which the movie was made (especially in relation to segregation and such). The text at the beginning of the movie is especially clear with this; establishing the movie’s themes and intentions with words like “it is no more than a dream remembered.” And although I know that the music that complimented the movie was composed a certain way partly because it was the style of the late 30s, it also helped the romanticism aspect. If you played me this music and told me it was the music played with Dorothy steps into the gates of Emerald City, I would believe you. Again, that is partly because they were made around the same time, but the point I am making is that moment is also heavily romanticized in the same manner that this movie treats the South. -- Emma F. 
  
 There were some here and there historical accuracies in the movie. They demonstrate the Southern spirit fairly well; for example, one of the men exclaimed, "The Yankees can't fight, but we can!" They also were offended in the film when Butler remarked "all you got is cotton and slaves," which pretty much depicted Southern culture and spirit. The film also depicted some of the women's roles, such as nurses. Women were called to help with the wounded during the Civil War. They helped with feeding, writing letters to loved ones, and generally providing comfort, as shown through Scarlet and the nurses in the background. Another historical accuracy is the destruction of towns whether through battles or people purposely destroying the areas. Buildings were on fire, houses were robbed, animals were stolen/dead, and so on. (Hannah E.) There were some here and there historical accuracies in the movie. They demonstrate the Southern spirit fairly well; for example, one of the men exclaimed, "The Yankees can't fight, but we can!" They also were offended in the film when Butler remarked "all you got is cotton and slaves," which pretty much depicted Southern culture and spirit. The film also depicted some of the women's roles, such as nurses. Women were called to help with the wounded during the Civil War. They helped with feeding, writing letters to loved ones, and generally providing comfort, as shown through Scarlet and the nurses in the background. Another historical accuracy is the destruction of towns whether through battles or people purposely destroying the areas. Buildings were on fire, houses were robbed, animals were stolen/dead, and so on. (Hannah E.)
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 The film highlighted a couple things about history somewhat well. The sheer loss of life that was experienced during the civil war was illustrated quite strikingly. The struggle for survival of many widows and broken families following the war was also represented well. o’hara’s view that African Americans were “inferior” was unfortunately a commonly held worldview at the time in the south. The film illustrated how women’s role in supporting the household changed, and how they had to begin performing labor they hadn’t been doing before. Additionally, Rhett’s initial synopsis of why the north was better positioned to win the war was relatively accurate. - Owen The film highlighted a couple things about history somewhat well. The sheer loss of life that was experienced during the civil war was illustrated quite strikingly. The struggle for survival of many widows and broken families following the war was also represented well. o’hara’s view that African Americans were “inferior” was unfortunately a commonly held worldview at the time in the south. The film illustrated how women’s role in supporting the household changed, and how they had to begin performing labor they hadn’t been doing before. Additionally, Rhett’s initial synopsis of why the north was better positioned to win the war was relatively accurate. - Owen
-Despite being a highly romanticized period piece, Gone With The Wind does get certain things right. For one, in my eyes it does a solid job at portraying the grandeur of the Southern aristocracy through plantation estates like Tara. Another thing I believe it did well was how it depicted the Civil War. While using the conflict as mostly a backdrop, the film does depict the real life siege of Atlanta.---Thomas K  
  
-  ====== Problems with historical accuracy? Errors in fact? ======+Despite being a highly romanticized period piece, Gone With The Wind does get certain things right. For one, in my eyes it does a solid job at portraying the grandeur of the Southern aristocracy through plantation estates like Tara. Another thing I believe it did well was how it depicted the Civil War. While using the conflict as mostly a backdrop, the film does depict the real life siege of Atlanta.---Thomas K 
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 +Gone with the Wind captures several historical elements of the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. It portrays the chaos and destruction brought by the war, illustrating the profound impact on Southern society and civilian life. The depiction of plantation life highlights the economic reliance on slavery, showcasing the lifestyles of the wealthy elite. At the same time, the rigid social hierarchy is evident in the roles and expectations placed on women. The film also touches on the challenges of the Reconstruction era, reflecting the tensions between white Southerners and newly freed African Americans. Additionally, it conveys a strong sense of Southern pride and nostalgia for the "Old South," demonstrating the cultural identity many felt during this period. - Sam B 
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 +While this movie did not get many things right. It did get many themes right. Such as the Southern pride thinking that they could win the war with the idea that they were gentlemen that knew how to fight and fact that the north had the advantage of ships, ammunition, guns, and other such necessities of war. It also got the timeline right of the south winning the war in the beginning then the north starting to win. Next it got the destruction of Atlanta right with how the north went on a path of destruction and burning on the road to Atlanta. It also got the roles of the women in the movie right with how they had to help during the war by becoming nurses then after the war they had to pick up the work on the farm.-Ryan K 
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 +This movie gets many general topics/concepts right. One being that women who were left at home during the war had to step up and work hard to stay afloat. This is shown when Scarlett goes back home to the destroyed Tara and does whatever she had to keep the plantation running. Another concept this film gets right is that Sherman burned and destroyed everything in his path. It also got right that during this time period girls were primarily valued only for their beauty and marriage prospects. -Maddy Woodard 
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 +I think that the only thing that this movie gets in terms of being historically accurate is how the South behaves during the Civil War in a general sense. -Kazu Ferris 
 + 
 +====== Problems with historical accuracy? Errors in fact? ====== 
 + 
 +Gone with the Wind has several problems with historical accuracy. It romanticizes the Old South and shows a misleading portrayal of slavery. It shows enslaved people as content and loyal, which erases the brutal realities of their oppression and suffering.It ignores the violence and resistance that African Americans faced during this period and overlooks their significant role in the Civil War and Reconstruction. Overall, the film simplifies and distorts complex historical issues, presenting a biased and incomplete picture of history. 
 +-jedidia
  
 One of the most significant problems with the historical accuracy of Gone With the Wind is the portrayal of American Slavery in the south - and, to a larger extent, its general portrayal of African-Americans both before, during, and following the American Civil War. The movie depicts slaves as being generally content with their status, although admittedly, it is possible that this is because the few enslaved people who garner significant screen-time are domestic slaves, rather than field hands. Almost no time at all is dedicated to African-American characters who aren’t working in the house, with Mammy and Prissy, and to a lesser extent, Pork, serving as conduits for offensive Black stereotypes. Additionally, not one of them leaves the family after the end of the War, choosing instead to stay behind and work for Scarlet (which, again, gives off the vibe that they were more than happy when they were enslaved). Another significant issue in Gone With the Wind is its blatant spreading of the Lost Cause of the Confederacy myth, which portrays the Southern Cause as a noble one. The film does have a character mention that they will not allow the ‘Yankees’ to take their slaves, but despite this admission, the film continues to portray the South as an upstanding - if slightly misguided - and romanticized group just fighting for their homes, which was decidedly not the predominant cause of the conflict. - John M. One of the most significant problems with the historical accuracy of Gone With the Wind is the portrayal of American Slavery in the south - and, to a larger extent, its general portrayal of African-Americans both before, during, and following the American Civil War. The movie depicts slaves as being generally content with their status, although admittedly, it is possible that this is because the few enslaved people who garner significant screen-time are domestic slaves, rather than field hands. Almost no time at all is dedicated to African-American characters who aren’t working in the house, with Mammy and Prissy, and to a lesser extent, Pork, serving as conduits for offensive Black stereotypes. Additionally, not one of them leaves the family after the end of the War, choosing instead to stay behind and work for Scarlet (which, again, gives off the vibe that they were more than happy when they were enslaved). Another significant issue in Gone With the Wind is its blatant spreading of the Lost Cause of the Confederacy myth, which portrays the Southern Cause as a noble one. The film does have a character mention that they will not allow the ‘Yankees’ to take their slaves, but despite this admission, the film continues to portray the South as an upstanding - if slightly misguided - and romanticized group just fighting for their homes, which was decidedly not the predominant cause of the conflict. - John M.
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 This film’s most obtrusive inaccuracy is its treatment of slavery in the period both leading up to and following the civil war. The enslaved people working on O’Hara’s plantation are seen as happy to be there, and so happy in fact that many of them would stay and become lifelong servants of Scarlett and her family. The slaves who were enlisted to dig trenches for the confederate soldiers were depicted as consentingly “digging for the south”. There is no discussion of emancipation, and Ashley claims slaveholders treated their slaves with benevolence - something which was far from the truth. - Owen This film’s most obtrusive inaccuracy is its treatment of slavery in the period both leading up to and following the civil war. The enslaved people working on O’Hara’s plantation are seen as happy to be there, and so happy in fact that many of them would stay and become lifelong servants of Scarlett and her family. The slaves who were enlisted to dig trenches for the confederate soldiers were depicted as consentingly “digging for the south”. There is no discussion of emancipation, and Ashley claims slaveholders treated their slaves with benevolence - something which was far from the truth. - Owen
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 +Gone with the Wind contains several inaccuracies and problematic portrayals, particularly regarding race and historical context. One of the most significant issues is its romanticization of slavery, presenting plantation life as picturesque and depicting enslaved people as loyal and content, downplaying the brutality of their experiences. The film minimizes the violence and resistance associated with slavery, offering a sanitized version of history. Additionally, it relies on racial stereotypes in its portrayal of Black characters, often relegating them to secondary roles that reinforce harmful notions. While the film features strong female characters, it ultimately reinforces traditional gender roles, depicting women as dependent on men for social status and security. Furthermore, Gone with the Wind promotes a nostalgic view of the "Old South," glossing over the systemic oppression and moral implications of slavery. - Sam B
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 +One of the biggest historical inaccuracies in Gone with the Wind has to do with its portrayal of slaves and slavery. The film romanticizes slavery and depicts it as being something slaves were happy with. They were portrayed as being content and happy with their circumstances. When the "Yankee's" were pushing their way South to Atlanta, the slaves were all too happy to dig trenches and help in driving them out which is something I feel diminishes and overlooks the actual struggles of slaves and their fight for freedom.-Vumiliya V.
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 +Gone with the Wind while got many themes right did not get the specifics right and skipped over the racial issues of the time. Such as how the slaves were portrayed to be happy to be working for Scarlett. Just like in the patriot even after they were freed after the war they just continued to work there as if they were part of the family. And the Ashley saying that they didn't treat the slaves badly just reminded me of the patriot again. The only instance that mistreatment of slaves was brought up was when Scarlett's father said you are being to hard on the slaves like she was their parent or teacher scolding their child. Overall this movie did not touch the issue of slavery in the slightest bit which should of been the biggest issue in this movie.-Ryan King
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 +Gone with the Wind did not portray the horror of slavery and instead tried to spin it to look much less awful than it really was in reality. It romanticized it. -Kazu Ferris 
  
 ====== How does the film’s overall interpretation(s) deviate from scholarly historical sources? ====== ====== How does the film’s overall interpretation(s) deviate from scholarly historical sources? ======
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 This movie didn’t do a great job of painting slavery, showing the slaves as being happy and proud of their work. That being said, it still was a good primary source in some aspects. I thought that it captured a lot of the southern attitudes well before, during, and after the war. Some of the first hand experiences that the film portrayed gave the viewers a small look into what those people might have gone through emotionally. Along with emotional changes, there were lots of societal changes as well, seeing towns/cities go through reconstruction and even social hierarchies changing. For women’s experiences back then, it was a great primary source. It showcased lots of things that they had to go through, that of the pressure of marriage, poverty, and abuse. Furthermore, this film did romanticize the South and its people a little too much. Portraying messages like “better things will come tomorrow”, when in reality people probably didn’t have super hopeful mindsets when their homes were destroyed. -Matt S.  This movie didn’t do a great job of painting slavery, showing the slaves as being happy and proud of their work. That being said, it still was a good primary source in some aspects. I thought that it captured a lot of the southern attitudes well before, during, and after the war. Some of the first hand experiences that the film portrayed gave the viewers a small look into what those people might have gone through emotionally. Along with emotional changes, there were lots of societal changes as well, seeing towns/cities go through reconstruction and even social hierarchies changing. For women’s experiences back then, it was a great primary source. It showcased lots of things that they had to go through, that of the pressure of marriage, poverty, and abuse. Furthermore, this film did romanticize the South and its people a little too much. Portraying messages like “better things will come tomorrow”, when in reality people probably didn’t have super hopeful mindsets when their homes were destroyed. -Matt S. 
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 Gone With The Wind is an excellent source to use when looking back at American society and culture during the 1930's. During the period this film was released, Americans were still reeling from the Great Depression, with millions of ordinary Americans jobless and unable to provide for their family. What's more, Americans were also grappling with their role in the world as Hitler and Imperial Japan were murdering their way across Europe and Asia. Conceivably, this film could've been seen by Americans as escapism that took them back to a simpler time. Lastly, this film also appeared during a time when there was still a decent amount of Civil War veterans were still alive, making the topic of the Civil War "more" personal to Americans of the 1930's.--Thomas K. Gone With The Wind is an excellent source to use when looking back at American society and culture during the 1930's. During the period this film was released, Americans were still reeling from the Great Depression, with millions of ordinary Americans jobless and unable to provide for their family. What's more, Americans were also grappling with their role in the world as Hitler and Imperial Japan were murdering their way across Europe and Asia. Conceivably, this film could've been seen by Americans as escapism that took them back to a simpler time. Lastly, this film also appeared during a time when there was still a decent amount of Civil War veterans were still alive, making the topic of the Civil War "more" personal to Americans of the 1930's.--Thomas K.
  
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 This film was created during the height of Jim Crow laws and the black actors were not allowed to attend the premiere. Needless to say, it’s not shocking, but still upsetting, with how the glaring issue of race is portrayed. This film does provide insight into what Hollywood and the general American audience thought of the Civil War. It was highly romanticized in its depictions of the enslaved people. They wanted to believe slavery “wasn’t that bad” but didn’t shy away from the violence and horror of the Civil War on Southerners. - Allie This film was created during the height of Jim Crow laws and the black actors were not allowed to attend the premiere. Needless to say, it’s not shocking, but still upsetting, with how the glaring issue of race is portrayed. This film does provide insight into what Hollywood and the general American audience thought of the Civil War. It was highly romanticized in its depictions of the enslaved people. They wanted to believe slavery “wasn’t that bad” but didn’t shy away from the violence and horror of the Civil War on Southerners. - Allie
 +
 +The way in which Gone With the Wind portrays the events it does tells us a lot about the people who created it, and the atmosphere surrounding the Civil War era in the film industry of the time. When the movie was released, the Civil War had ended less than a century ago — many of its veterans were still alive. Despite some changes from the source material, such as skirting any specific mention of the Ku Klux Klan, the movie largely ignores the concepts of slavery and racism in favor of a vaguely defined Lost Cause that would not offend any with immediate connections to the conflict. - Claire
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 Despite the issues presented in this movie it's important to understand the time period that this particular film was created in and why producers would want to portray this media. Since this film was first introduced in 1939 it was geared towards having righteous hero's or heroine as a reflection of the terrors of World War 2. This film pushes towards having a romantic agenda for Scarlett and Ashley for example and how the antebellum South should be praised for its ideals of superiority and prosperity. However, this instance is skewed from reality because African American slaves in this film are not only slaves physically, but their also slaves mentally to the notion that this is how life is supposed to be as displayed through their glee. What we need to ultimately take away from this film is that the era that this film was made which still had race related issues throughout the country is not an accurate depiction of the reality of the situation; thus, we need to actually be responsible individuals and learn about our history truthfully so that we do not repeat our past mistakes. --Alex Despite the issues presented in this movie it's important to understand the time period that this particular film was created in and why producers would want to portray this media. Since this film was first introduced in 1939 it was geared towards having righteous hero's or heroine as a reflection of the terrors of World War 2. This film pushes towards having a romantic agenda for Scarlett and Ashley for example and how the antebellum South should be praised for its ideals of superiority and prosperity. However, this instance is skewed from reality because African American slaves in this film are not only slaves physically, but their also slaves mentally to the notion that this is how life is supposed to be as displayed through their glee. What we need to ultimately take away from this film is that the era that this film was made which still had race related issues throughout the country is not an accurate depiction of the reality of the situation; thus, we need to actually be responsible individuals and learn about our history truthfully so that we do not repeat our past mistakes. --Alex
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 +Well two of the biggest reasons why we should be discussing this movie, and they sort of go hand-in-hand, are its issues with depicting slavery (and the romanticism of the Antebellum South) along with the fact that it was, and still known as, one of the most successful movies of all time. It is even still considered today as an “American classic.” I mean, people who haven’t even seen this movie have at least heard of it. -- Emma F. 
  
 Gone with the Wind is another example of how the creator’s perspective of the story greatly affected the general public’s outlook on a major historical event. When this film came out in 1939, it’s said that it was equivalent to the popularity that a Star Wars film brings. While it’s great that it’s been able to get so many viewers, it can also be dangerous as it isn’t a fair representation of the true history. Gone with the Wind was extremely sympathetic towards the South, aggrandizing Confederate soldiers as cavaliers and heroes, while making the Union men to be the clear antagonists. Having this story be so one sided probably painted a very false image in the minds of people whose main source of information about the Civil War was probably from this. The makers seemed to be much more worried about romance in this film too, disregarding some of the major political and racial problems that occurred back then. Overall, this movie hid a lot of the atrocities that occurred back then to give entertainment that would appeal to a large audience. -Matt S.  Gone with the Wind is another example of how the creator’s perspective of the story greatly affected the general public’s outlook on a major historical event. When this film came out in 1939, it’s said that it was equivalent to the popularity that a Star Wars film brings. While it’s great that it’s been able to get so many viewers, it can also be dangerous as it isn’t a fair representation of the true history. Gone with the Wind was extremely sympathetic towards the South, aggrandizing Confederate soldiers as cavaliers and heroes, while making the Union men to be the clear antagonists. Having this story be so one sided probably painted a very false image in the minds of people whose main source of information about the Civil War was probably from this. The makers seemed to be much more worried about romance in this film too, disregarding some of the major political and racial problems that occurred back then. Overall, this movie hid a lot of the atrocities that occurred back then to give entertainment that would appeal to a large audience. -Matt S. 
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 When adjusted for inflation, GWTW is the most successful movie of all time. I wanted to learn more about the film’s reception while watching and found out that within the first four years of its release, it sold what was just under half of the US population of that time. Needless to say, audiences loved it. 85 years later, this film’s relevance continues to permeate the American cultural landscape. “Frankly my dear, I just don’t give a damn,” is probably one of the most, if not the most, famous and iconic movie lines ever. With such a widespread and long-lasting impact, people are still found believing GWTW’s sugar-coated, pro-Confederate portrayal of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. - Allie When adjusted for inflation, GWTW is the most successful movie of all time. I wanted to learn more about the film’s reception while watching and found out that within the first four years of its release, it sold what was just under half of the US population of that time. Needless to say, audiences loved it. 85 years later, this film’s relevance continues to permeate the American cultural landscape. “Frankly my dear, I just don’t give a damn,” is probably one of the most, if not the most, famous and iconic movie lines ever. With such a widespread and long-lasting impact, people are still found believing GWTW’s sugar-coated, pro-Confederate portrayal of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. - Allie
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 +Gone with the Wind is one of the highest-grossing films of all time and this is significant due to the fact that it romanticizes the Antebellum South and largely ignores the horrors of slavery. It even goes as far as to depict slavery as a being something good and beneficial, with slaves content and happy with their lot in life and lacking any desire to change it. The film is definitely a product of its time but it has also influenced how many generations viewed slavery and the Civil War in general. It perpetuates the narrative of the South as a victim, framing the Confederacy's efforts in the war as being a defense of their way of life (slavery) being threatened. It also further goes on to depict the aftermath of the war in the South and the devastation southerners faced, all while completely ignoring the very real suffering slaves faced and the impact of slavery as an institution in the South. Given the films enduring legacy, it's all too likely that not many of the people who watched or will watch this film will go out of their way to research what this period in time was actually like which leads to further complications and distortions in our understanding of the past. -Vumiliya V. 
 +
 +Gone With the Wind is the quintessential piece of media often thought of in popular culture when the romanticized concept of the antebellum and Civil-War era South comes up. I have personally seen several parties and balls on social media over the years themed after the movie, often thought of by attendees as a love story whose historical roots are an afterthought irrelevant to the fantasy of being Scarlett O’Hara. Of course, with this comes the criticism that only privilege can allow these often white women to play pretend in a sandbox that includes the horrors of slavery and the Civil War. The aspects of its setting that Gone With the Wind chooses to focus on, and the aspects that it chooses to minimize, heavily impact society’s impression of that period. - Claire
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