The media stereotype of bad guys wearing black or that anything that is black is evil has been encouraged for over a hundred years. ... Birth of a Nation suggested Black men were vicious vile beast that sought out White women and Black women were sex slaves. ... While Hollywood would demean Black actor's or actresses "race movies"" allowed Blacks to depict themselves in honorable roles. ... The mother, Florida Evans," played by actress Esther Rolle appearance represented the typical "Mammy " that had been depicted since the early 20's. In 1980's, the movie Color Purple portraye...

• Word Count: 1272
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

But what does the absence of a black female character convey to the black females in the audience? ... It is through the minor or absent representation that black women learn to read between the lines of what is being presented to them and attempt to substantiate the black female gaze. What pleasure is available for the black female audience member when viewing Imitation of Life? ... She lashes out at anything that reminds her of her blackness; one of the first hysterical outbursts Sarah Jane has occurs when Susie gives Sarah Jane a black baby doll to play with. ... The only time Sarah Jane a...

• Word Count: 1793
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography

"The paradox was that in actuality Tom wasn't Black at all. ... Although Black films did emerge, it was for the most part produced by white production companies for a black audiences. ... This marked a radical change in Black cinema. ... He, and other Black directors of the time, took the Black Buck, Coon, and Mammy stereotypes of the era before and modernized them. Mammy' lost weight and grew an Afro, becoming the ultra-stylish diva, which was personified best by actress Pam Grier. ...

• Word Count: 1420
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

One program that is being used to teach America about its diverse history is Black History Month. ... Television shows dealing with issues of race and the history of minorities are not only aired during black history month, though. ... There was not even an actor or actress of a minority group present in the show. Even in programs in which the actors or actresses were minorities, their culture was still suppressed. ...

• Word Count: 1776
• Approx Pages: 7