How The Portrayal Of Black People In Film Has Evolved
Courtesy of Collis
Introduction
It’s no secret that Hollywood has a long history of racism. For decades, black people have been sidelined, misrepresented, and stereotyped in film. But times are changing. In recent years, we’ve seen a slow but steady increase in the number of black people in leading roles.
This is a positive trend for black people and the film industry as a whole. A more diverse range of voices and perspectives can only make Hollywood stronger. As we continue to demand better representation on screen, we can only hope that the film industry will continue to evolve and grow.
The earliest days of film
In the earliest days of film, black people were hardly represented at all. When they were, it was often through degrading and demeaning caricatures. Black actors were often subject to berating and abusive behavior on set and weren’t allowed to speak unless they had a script. This was a reflection of the Jim Crow laws in the United States, which kept African Americans subordinated and unequal under the law. Some of the most iconic films of the time, such as “Birth of A Nation” by D.W Griffith, depicted African Americans as incompetent and violent, with depictions that have since been condemned by contemporary audiences.
The Civil Rights era and beyond
The civil rights era ushered in a new era for black actors, directors, and producers. The fight for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans were represented on screen, with films such as “In The Heat of The Night” and “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” breaking ground for black representation in film. The 1970s saw the emergence of blaxploitation films, which were low-budget genre films focusing on urban, inner-city life. These films are often dismissed as simply reinforcing negative stereotypes of black people. However, they did provide an opportunity for African American actors and filmmakers to tell their stories and be a part of the industry.
Side Note!
One of my favorite Sidney Poitier films is “A Patch of Blue”. If you’ve never seen this 1965 classic please give it a good watch!
More recent portrayals
In recent decades, we’ve seen a slow but steady rise in the number of black protagonists, both on the big and small screens. Films such as “Black Panther”, “Moonlight”, and “12 Years A Slave” have won prestigious awards and praise from critics. These films are a testament to the progress that’s been made, but we cannot ignore the fact that there is still a long way to go. Pointless stereotypes and underdeveloped black characters are still pervasive in the industry, so it’s up to us to continue to demand representation and equality in film.
Why representation matters
Representation on screen matters for several reasons. Not only does it offer opportunities for actors and filmmakers, but it also allows for stories and perspectives that may not otherwise be heard. The film is a powerful medium, and it’s important that people from all races and backgrounds are seen and represented accurately and fairly. It’s also important for young black people to see themselves reflected on screen. Representation can be empowering and inspiring for those who may feel isolated or overlooked.
Conclusion
The portrayal of black people in film is far from perfect, but there have been welcome steps in the right direction. We have seen better representation in recent years, but we must continue to fight for more. It’s up to us to ensure that Hollywood is a place where all voices are heard, and all stories are told.
