I found the documentary 1989 Tongues Untied interesting and eye-opening. I recognized numerous examples of the standpoint group theory from the movie. The theory asserts the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized people. For instance, the documentary narrates the challenges that Black gay men underwent as they grew up. Examples include being ridiculed and discriminated against by peers and being beaten, as was the case for one college kid (Riggs, 1989). The documentary also highlights positive experiences, such as when Black gay men visited the Institute of Snap!thology to learn how to do various types of snaps. The film provided a space for Black gay men to share their experiences and for the audience to learn from these men.
I also noticed the muted group theory in several instances within the documentary. This theory holds that certain voices within the society are usually given less audience. In this film, we see that Black gay men have traditionally been silenced. For instance, you narrate how, growing up, this particular group of people was absent from books, magazines, and posters (Riggs, 1989). The representation of Black gay men was so lacking that your own fantasies did not feature them despite you being one yourself. I felt that this particular example perfectly encapsulates the muted group theory.
I found the documentary both heartbreaking and heartwarming, almost in equal measure. It was sad to hear about the first-hand experiences of growing up Black and gay. I think the rawness with which you narrated your experiences makes the film authentic. It was also heartwarming since it shows the high moments of being a Black gay man, not just the lows. I enjoyed the different mediums of communication you used, including poetry, rap, and dance. Overall, I loved the film, and I think it remains relevant in modern times.
Reference
Riggs, M. (1989). Tongues Untied. [Film]. Frameline California Newsreel.