Independent Lens Season 5 Episode 14 Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property

In season 5 episode 14 of Independent Lens, titled "Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property," the life and legacy of Nat Turner - the leader of one of the most famous slave rebellions in American history - are explored in-depth. The episode takes a closer look at the various interpretations of who Nat Turner was, how he became a symbol of resistance for African Americans and how his story has been both embraced and distorted by popular culture throughout the years.

The documentary gives historical context to the Nat Turner rebellion, which occurred in Southampton County, Virginia in August 1831. Turner, who was born into slavery, believed that he had been chosen by God to lead a rebellion against slaveholders. With a small group of followers, he launched an attack on white households in the county, resulting in the deaths of around 60 people, mostly women and children. Turner's rebellion was ultimately put down by state militias and federal troops, and Turner was captured, tried and executed.

Through interviews with historians, authors and cultural critics, "Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property" delves into the complex legacy of Nat Turner and the conflicting ways in which he has been portrayed throughout history. The episode highlights the arguments put forward by writer William Styron in his 1967 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Confessions of Nat Turner," which depicted Turner as a man driven by sexual frustration and mental illness. These depictions were controversial in African American circles, where Turner was seen as a hero for his resistance to slavery. Many activists and writers have critiqued Styron's portrayal as a distortion of history, and the episode explores why such a portrayal has been so controversial.

The documentary examines the different ways in which Turner has been represented in popular culture, from film and literature to songs and artwork. It looks at the ways in which Turner has been seen as a symbol of resistance to slavery in African American culture, and how his story has been appropriated by white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. Throughout it all, the episode highlights the ways in which Turner's story has been used to justify or condemn different aspects of American society - from slavery and the Civil War to the modern civil rights movement.

The episode also examines the ways in which Nat Turner's story has been used as a political tool. Turner's rebellion was used by pro-slavery forces in the years leading up to the Civil War to argue for the need to maintain slavery as an institution. On the other hand, in the 1960s, during the height of the Civil Rights movement, Turner's story was invoked as a symbol of African American resistance to white oppression. The episode delves into how these different uses of Turner's story reflect the historical context in which they emerged.

Ultimately, "Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property" provides a nuanced look at an iconic figure in American history and a crucial turning point in the struggle against slavery. Through interviews with historians, authors, and cultural commentators - as well as archival footage and re-enactments - the episode asks viewers to consider the different interpretations of Turner's story, the ways in which these interpretations reflect historical context, and the power of historical myth-making in shaping America's self-image. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of slavery, the Civil War, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.