Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Anita: Speaking Truth to Power is a 2014 documentary about the woman who ignited a firestorm of controversy when she testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee that she was sexually harassed by Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas. It shows footage from the hearings, in which Hill discusses things Thomas said to her about sex, pornography, pornographic actors, pubic hair, and penis size. It discusses how the hearings led to more discussions on sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as race and gender relations (Hill, an African-American woman, testified in front of an all-white Senate Committee, and Thomas was only the second African-American Supreme Court nominee). It's a fascinating if downright shameful chapter in our nation's history and should be seen by mature teens who were too young to have witnessed it firsthand. Although Republican families might find much to disagree with, this documentary should inspire discussion on appropriate behavior in the workplace and in life, no matter the political affiliation.
Sexual
Content
During her testimony, Anita Hill discusses the sexual harassment she experienced. She goes into detail about how Clarence Thomas talked about his penis size, pornographic movies, the pornographic actor "Long Dong Silver," and a time when he asked her, "Who put this pubic hair on my Coke?" These experiences are discussed time and again in the documentary.
Violence
Not applicable
Language
This film shows the actual testimony Anita Hill gave during the Clarence Thomas nomination proceedings in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and, as she discusses the sexual harassment she experienced, she repeats things Thomas said around her, with references to pornography, pornographic actors, pubic hair, and penis size.
Social
Behavior
This movie shows, through the example of Anita Hill, the importance of not remaining silent in the face of injustice and speaking out when inappropriate behavior has occurred.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
