Ethnic Notions (1986)This documentary traces the deep-rooted stereotypes which have fueled anti-black prejudice. Director:Marlon Riggs |
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Title: Ethnic Notions (1986)
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Ethnic Notions is Marlon Riggs' Emmy-winning documentary that takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through American history, tracing for the first time the deep-rooted stereotypes which have fueled anti-black prejudice. Through these images we can begin to understand the evolution of racial consciousness in America. Loyal Toms, carefree Sambos, faithful Mammies, grinning Coons, savage Brutes, and wide-eyed Pickaninnies roll across the screen in cartoons, feature films, popular songs, minstrel shows, advertisements, folklore, household artifacts, even children's rhymes. These dehumanizing caricatures permeated popular culture from the 1820s to the Civil Rights period and implanted themselves deep in the American psyche. Narration by Esther Rolle and commentary by respected scholars shed light on the origins and devastating consequences of this 150 yearlong parade of bigotry. Ethnic Notions situates each stereotype historically in white society's shifting needs to justify racist ... Written by Anonymous
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I saw this doco as part of a racial studies course, and as such found it to be a fascinating and, at times, disturbing, picture of the misconceptions circulated in popular culture regarding African-American culture. While an academic study, this is by no means dry or over-intellectual - in fact if anything it comes across as a little sensationalist at times. However, interesting points are made nonetheless.