When I first watched Bernard Rose’s 1992 film Candyman, it affected me deeply. I saw it with my then-boyfriend and two other friends who sneered at its baroque tone; one of them jokingly intoned “Candyman” five times, as if to puncture the film’s central ritual. I was uncharacteristically furious at their ridicule. They exchanged furtive glances as if to say, “What’s up with her?” In truth, I woul...
The article presents a critique of the way in which Liverpool's history is presented and commemorated, particularly with regards to the city's role in the transatlantic slave trade. The author argues that while it is important to acknowledge and address this dark chapter in Liverpool's past, the focus on slavery can be harmful and oversimplify the complex history of the city. The author suggests that this single-focus approach can reinforce stereotypes, alienate residents, and overshadow other a...