In Febrary CBS will broadcast their version of the relationship between
Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings his slave, which began when she was 14
years old. Jefferson's writings reveal he did not consider people of
African descent to be as "human" as Europeans. He was a slave owner until
he died.

The trailer CBS is using to promote this miniseries promotes the
relationship as "An American Love story"  and stars Diahann Carroll, Mario
Peebles and a white (light-skinnned) hispanic Carmen Ejogo playing Sally
Hemings.  This  movie is really a trivialization of what happened to many
of our female African ancestors who were raped by their slavemasters and
seems to be a way of vindicating Jefferson and others like him.

Now this is certainly  controversial since at least some of the family of
Ms. Hemings apparently basks in the glory of being descendants of
Mr. Jefferson, seemingly feeling honored that they have a connection to
one of America's "founding fathers" through their enslaved
ancestor. Thomas Jefferson's writings about slavery and African people
indicate that he considered people of African descent to be inferior.

Though I have respect for Diahann Carroll, Mario Peebles and other
ground-breaking entertainers...they have to be held accountable also
and made to realize the impact the roles they play have.

Most African Americans have ancestors who had no choice in their relations
with their "masters", beginning with how they were treated on the ships by
sailors, on the auction blocks by those seeking to make purchases and in
countless other instances. The writings of former enslaved Africans
reveals the facts that women were targeted even if they were only young
girls. (I repeat Sally was 14 and Jefferson's slave).

Note also that many slave owners used their plantations as breeding
farms..allowing their sons(even giving them their own private"wench"),
other male relatives, the hired help and any "white"man who desired to sow
their oats.

Your comments or opinions on this matter are appreciated.

An "American lovestory" sneak preview.

The show is scheduled to air February 13 and February 16.

http://www.cbs.com/now/eframe

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