The African-American Image in Films - 1114 Words

The African-American Image in Films Films serve many functions like education, entertainment, handbooks of social behavior, and a transmitter of cultural and social values. The most effective way in which stereotypes are perpetuated in America is through the mediums of film and television. American films mostly played an influential part in fixing images of ethnic groups in the minds of audience. The negative representation of films or movies sometimes reinforces false assumptions (as poor, dangerous and dumb) about minority groups, for example African-American. The way African-Americans were represented in past films can be proved misrepresentation of minority group by an average viewer. The lack of control of films over the†¦show more content†¦In the1998 film ‘Deep Impact,’ it’s a scene that never would have been imagined; a well-dressed attractive woman stands before a group of reporters, and announces, â€Å"Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States†. At this po int, a middle-aged African-American man walked out, the African-American man is Morgan Freeman. In this film, Freeman’s portrayal of the most powerful man in the world seemed more presidential. There was a time when African-Americans were considered as weak and dumb. But those times have changed, and it is reflected on the big screen. In fact, there have been several films over the past ten years that African-Americans have shown as presidents, or presidential candidates For the longest time, one of the biggest taboos in film has been the subject of interracial relationships. The best example of this taboo would have to be two earlier versions of William Shakespeare’s, ‘Othello’ (1952, 1965) a story that deals with the subject of interracial romance. In both cases, white actors in black face were cast to play the famous Moor of Venice (1952, 1965). But, nowadays story has changed, a black actor playing a black character and the climate of films has also changed, something as little as a kiss between a black man and a white woman on screen. The African-American image in the past that had been perpetuated by Yaphet Frederick Kotto as criminal has changed to loving role of African-American. In 1999’s ‘TheShow MoreRelatedBlue-Collar African American Life in Killer of Sheep by Charles Burnett944 Words   |  4 PagesEvery so often a film is made that makes a major impact on the culture of cinema. Charles Burnett with his film Killer of Sheep (2007) made that impact. The film was created by Burnett as his masters thesis from the UCLA film school in 1977, but was not formally released until 2007 (Burnett, Milestone Films). Even though it wasn’t released for almost thirty years, the film received international praise. Killer of Sheep brought to life a new image of African American cinema and created a powerfulRead MoreEthnic Notions: Film Response Essay1219 Words   |  5 PagesEthnic Notions: Film Response The 1987 film documentary Ethnic Notions directed by Marlon Riggs, identifies the evolution of African American cultural depictions through ethnic stereotypes and caricatures in American culture. I feel Ethnic Notions exposes the roots of false generalization from the beginning and presents a series of classifications for racial depictions that still are noticeable in todays society. These racial depictions identified with in this film begin in the mid 1800s andRead More Controversial Minority Representation in the Film, Birth Of a Nation1068 Words   |  5 PagesRepresentation in the Film, Birth Of a Nation       Birth of a Nation was a film that broke several artistic boundaries in the film industry yet was seen as the most racist film of any generation. This has caused it to be a film under heavy debate since its release in 1915. One can never look past the racist depictions that this film portrays in it. However, to truly understand the film and explore its importance in the study of minorities in film, one must look at this film from all perspectivesRead MoreEssay on Taking a Look at African-American Cinema1543 Words   |  7 Pages and blatant discrimination. African American cinema is enshrouded in history that depicts these themes of racism, struggle, and deprivation. Yet, this same cinema also shows scenes of hope, artistic spirit, intellectual greatness, and joy. Black actresses, actors, directors, producers, and writers have been fighting for recognition and respect since the great Paul Robeson. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s was fueled by black cinema through f ilms like A Raisin in the Sun. ProgressionsRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie Birth Of A Nation 803 Words   |  4 Pagesperpetrated in this film? The film consistently perpetuates stereotypes that the African American community are less than human and more like animals. This is done through how they act, the film itself depicts them as being uncivilized. Within the film there are scenes where many African American characters have taken political office and are shown taking their shoes off and being lazy, and eating food openly during political hearings. The film also depicts most African Americans as being evil orRead MoreSince The Beginning, Television Has Not Known Quite What1159 Words   |  5 PagesSince the beginning, television has not known quite what to do with black characters. The representations of African American especially in the media has been a major issue. However, it has struggled as has the country, to find a place for them that white Americans could find joy, comfort and digestible from the comfort of their own homes. In the media African Americans have always been portrayed as many things. Characters of color always remain underrepresented in mainstream TV shows and moviesRead MoreThe Learning Tree Is Among The Most Influential Films Directed By Gordon Parks1716 Words   |  7 PagesThe Learning Tree is among the most influential films directed by Gordon Parks. The film was produced and released in 1969 by Warner Bros-Seven Arts. The genre concentrates on the story of an African-American growing up in the Uni ted States during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Across the globe, racial discrimination is a challenge that prevents socialization and extensive interaction among different ethnic groups. During that particular time, racial discrimination was a major problem in most partsRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The Help 1132 Words   |  5 Pagesunderstand that the African American in the past where being abused from white people and where insulted and treated as animals. They used men as cookers and farmers. And women where used as nannies. Also they splurge the nannies between each other. However, white people doesn’t treat African American in a good way. When they was treated from white people one of the friend of the white people tried to solve this dilemma which is to make justice between white and African Americans. She brought a twoRead MoreUnderstanding Do The Right Thing1250 Words   |  5 Pagesand rappers, engaging with the â€Å"New Jack† image, transforming the Ghettos of yesteryears into the hood of today. A major director that emerged during this time was Spike Lee. According to Paula Massood’s book titled, Black City Cinema, African American Urban Experiences in Film, â€Å"†¦Lee not only transformed African American city spaces and black filmmaking practices, he also changed American filmmaking as a whole.† Lee is perhaps one of the most influential film makers of the time, likely of all timeRead MoreThe History Of Police And African Americans Essay1434 Words   |  6 PagesAfrican Americans in modern America have bound together in unity against inequality to help end the unnecessary murders and unjust police beatings. However, where did these tensions between police and African Americans begin? This question can be answered by looking at the history of police in America and why they were originally established. Police first came on to the scene in 1704 when Carolina established the nation’s first slave patr ol that would turn into what we know today as the modern police