Ep 5. Man on Fire

In the fifth episode of season 20 of Independent Lens, titled "Man on Fire," viewers are taken on an immersive journey into the life of Charles Moore, a 79-year-old retired Methodist minister who committed self-immolation in 2014. The episode tackles issues of race, systemic racism, and the power of nonviolent protest.

The episode begins with footage of Moore's self-immolation, which stunned the small town of Grand Saline, Texas, where he lived. Moore, a white man, set himself ablaze in the town's city park. In a note he left behind, he explained that his drastic act was a protest against the racism that has plagued the town for decades. The case received national media attention and became a flashpoint for conversations about race in America.

"Man on Fire" explores the events that led up to Moore's self-immolation, painting a picture of a man who was deeply concerned about the racial injustice in his town and frustrated with the lack of progress towards equality. We see how the legacy of slavery and the Jim Crow era have cast a long shadow over Grand Saline, where many black residents still face discrimination and poverty.

The episode features interviews with Moore's family and friends, who describe him as a kind, compassionate man who was always looking for ways to help others. We learn about his background in the Methodist church and his strong convictions about social justice. We also hear from residents of Grand Saline, including those who knew Moore, as well as black residents who speak out about their experiences of racism in the town.

"Man on Fire" delves into the history of Grand Saline and shows how racism has been ingrained in the town's social fabric for generations. We learn about the local Ku Klux Klan chapter, which was active in the 1960s and 70s, and hear stories of cross burnings and other acts of terror against black residents. We also see how the town's schools were segregated until the 1970s and hear from black residents who remember being denied basic rights and opportunities.

Despite the dark history of Grand Saline, there are signs of hope and progress. We see how a group of young activists have formed a new civil rights group in the town and are fighting for change. There are also white residents who have come forward to denounce racism and pledge to do better.

Through the story of Charles Moore, "Man on Fire" raises important questions about the role of nonviolent protest in the fight for civil rights. We see how Moore's self-immolation sparked a national conversation about race, but also how some viewed it as a desperate act of a man who had run out of options. The episode does not seek to romanticize Moore's actions, but rather to understand them in the context of a long history of racial oppression and inequality.

Overall, "Man on Fire" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Independent Lens that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. It is a reminder that the fight for racial justice is ongoing and that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equal society.