In the movie “The Color Purple” there is a strong and realistic message pertaining to racism and discrimination. The scene where Albert pursues Nettie on horseback and tries to rape her illustrates the undeserving power of some people over others and how they use it to discriminate and manipulate others. Albert tries to make a friendly impression in order to lure Nettie in. The fact that he only acts nice while having completely opposite and disrespectful thoughts, shows how people can put on a mask of kindness, seeking something evil for their personal pleasure. It is possible to see how Nettie senses that something is wrong and right away becomes cautious. To the very last moment, she tries to deny Albert’s true intentions and helplessly tells him that she has to go to school hoping that he will let her go. Albert acts playful up until the last moment and pulls her into the bushes. But Nettie is determined to avoid this hurtful situation, hits him in the groin, and runs away. She is stressed and shocked by what almost happened. This can be seen when she is running away, swinging her purse for protection and losing books in the process, but not even caring for that. She knows that her sister is the only one who can offer her comfort and protection, so she runs to the house. While being comforted in the arms of her sister Celie unexpecting of what is about to take place, Albert arrives back. He tears them apart, picks Nettie up, and starts to carry her away from the house, shouting that he is kicking her out and that she should get off his property. Celie is heartbroken; she tries to hold on to her sister, grabs Albert to prevent him from kicking her sister out, but unable to stop him. She is then dragged down the stairs, which is very dramatic and life-like, showing how a person fights in desperation for their close ones. This makes her painful emotions and her weakness obvious, together with the love that she has for her sister and the refusal to be left without her. When Albert finally pushes Nettie behind the gate and lifts up his arm to hit her because she is trying to get back to her sister, she realizes that he will not let her stay. She is crying and asking “why?” not being able to understand what she did wrong and the reason she is being kicked out and separated from her sister.
Both sisters are crying and they feel that this might be the last time they see each other. Celie tells her sister to write and Nettie says that nothing but death will keep her from it. This shows how much she loves Celie and intends to keep any contact with her. When she is leaving the farm, a piece of the sky in the background with the sun peeking through the clouds is seen, shedding a sunray of hope, representing a higher force that is looking over this dramatic moment.
Both events from the movie draw attention to the good and evil sides of humans, which can be seen every day in real life. The scene where Nettie encounters Albert with the worst intentions and escapes unharmed, and the scene where she is parted with her sister, both show how helpless a person can be, but at the same time believe and stay determined. In the past, there were no laws and no publicity to stop such acts, and people were considered property, stripped of their rights, and had all the freedoms taken by their owners. These scenes show male domination that can be traced far back in time, focusing on such important issues as discrimination and racism, but also hope and how people can take the much-needed action to prevent this from happening anywhere in the world, anytime in the present and future.