Ava DuVernay, the acclaimed filmmaker behind 'Selma' and '13th', is back with a powerful new documentary for Netflix, titled '14th'. This film delves into the significance of the 14th Amendment, a pivotal piece of legislation that granted citizenship and rights to formerly enslaved individuals following the Civil War. DuVernay's exploration of this amendment comes at a critical moment, as it has been under legal attack by former President Donald Trump, who sought to restrict birthright citizenship through an executive order.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 during the Reconstruction era, is a cornerstone of American democracy. It states, 'All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.' This amendment effectively overturned the Supreme Court's 1857 decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford, which had denied citizenship to individuals descended from enslaved people.
DuVernay's documentary promises to shed light on the ongoing relevance of the 14th Amendment. She highlights the amendment's role in becoming 'a permanent argument,' featuring politicians, historians, and cultural voices in the film. By doing so, DuVernay invites viewers to consider the present-day implications of this historical document.
One of the key messages DuVernay emphasizes is the distinction between the 13th and 14th Amendments. While the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment focuses on counting and citizenship. As DuVernay states, 'If 13th asked who gets caged, then 14th asks who gets counted.' This framing underscores the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in America.
The Supreme Court's 6-3 vote in favor of upholding the 14th Amendment's protections was a significant victory. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized the amendment's promise of citizenship and rights, stating, 'Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights – to freely participate in our political community.' However, Trump's continued opposition to the ruling raises concerns about the future of this fundamental right.
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision, Trump's reaction on Truth Social was alarming. He described the ruling as a 'miscarriage of justice' that would 'destroy America' if not reversed. This reaction underscores the deep political divisions in the country and the ongoing challenges to the principles of equality and citizenship.
'14th' is not just a historical examination but a call to action. DuVernay's film encourages viewers to reflect on the present state of American democracy and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. As she says, 'The film asks what kind of country is being written beneath our feet now … while we’re busy believing the stories we’ve all been told.' This documentary is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and defending the rights and freedoms enshrined in the 14th Amendment.
