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One of the most significant films we have watched so far was “The Space Traders” by Derrick Bell. The short film confronts uncomfortable realities about race, morality, and American society. The film presents a sci-fi allegory where its message outlines historical and contemporary issues in the U.S. The use of aliens in the films, political debate, the national decision made helps criticize racism, injustice, and the idea that progress in the U.S. 

Critical race theory is very important in Space Traders, this theory is a framework that concentrates on how laws and political systems claim to create justice but still reinforce racial hierarchies and systemic inequality. In the film we see how the government and legal system fail Black citizens. Although Black leaders and allies challenge the trade in court, The Supreme Court rules in favor of giving up Black Americans for wealth, clean energy, and to solve environmental issues. The decision made proves how institutions that are supposed to protect justice instead prioritize power, economics, and the interests of others. In the film, white Americans are willing to abandon morality and human rights since the offer granted by the aliens would economically benefit the country, showing that unlimited wealth and resources is more important than protecting Black citizens. The rights and safety of Black Americans only matter until a problem arises with them and they have to choose between Black Americans or the interests of everyone else. This is an example of issues we see in America where racial progress may occur when it benefits those already in power.

Another important piece to why this is an important film is that Black Americans had to react rapidly to the trade. Many of them immediately purchased skin-whitening products to avoid deportation, once again, illustrating how race shapes identity and survival. The media and public opinion are divided where many argue that sacrificing Black citizens is immoral and inhumane, while others see it as something “necessary” for the country to survive and progress. This is a reflection of the world we live in today because fear, economic anxiety, and nationalism have been used to justify discrimination and oppression against minority groups. Even though it is a fake film it doesn’t feel that way. If we go back in time to American history we see how Black communities and other marginalized groups have been treated as expendable when political and economic interests are at risk. Slavery, segregation, discriminatory immigration policies, and unequal treatment in the system reflect how the government and society justify harm in the need of “security” and “progress”, but Space Traders helps expose these issues.