Frontline Season 8 Episode 15 Seven Days in Bensonhurst

Frontline season 8 episode 15 is titled "Seven Days in Bensonhurst" and takes an in-depth look at the tragic murder of a young black man in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in August of 1989. The episode explores the underlying racial tensions and prejudices within the community, which ultimately led to the senseless killing of Yusef Hawkins.

The episode begins with a recreation of the events leading up to Hawkins' murder, detailing how he and three friends went to Bensonhurst to inquire about a used car for sale, only to find themselves at the center of a violent and racially charged mob. The mob, made up of white residents, hurled racial slurs and threats at the group, eventually culminating in the shooting of Hawkins.

From there, "Seven Days in Bensonhurst" digs deep into the underlying issues at play within the community. The episode introduces viewers to a cast of characters, including Hawkins' family, as well as various residents of Bensonhurst, both black and white. Through interviews and archival footage, the audience gains a better understanding of the complicated history of race relations in the area.

The episode highlights the role that gang violence and drugs played in the lead up to Hawkins' murder, with interviews from former members of local gangs shedding new light on the tensions that were already simmering in the area. The exploration of Bensonhurst's history of mob violence also provides important context for the events of August 1989.

"Seven Days in Bensonhurst" also touches on the role that media coverage played in shaping public perception of the incident. The episode includes footage of inflammatory and often racially charged media coverage, which may have inflamed tensions even further. Interviews with journalists who covered the story at the time provide valuable insight into the media's handling of the tragedy and the potentially damaging impact of sensationalized coverage.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America. Through the examination of one tragic event, "Seven Days in Bensonhurst" forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the persistence of racism and prejudice in our society. Despite being over three decades old, the issues at the heart of the episode remain as relevant as ever in today's world.