Thursday 19 January 2012
Thursday 12 January 2012
Representations of Slavery in Hollywood Cinema
Over the years Hollywood has attempted to address the issue of slavery and although a number of films have been made, prominent voices from the African American community have criticised such films for re-presenting slavery through a white middle class perspective. Here are some examples of Hollywood films and TV shows that have explored slavery:
1). The Birth of a Nation (1915) offers some of the earliest representations of slavery and was influential for establishing many of the early black stereotypes. The film takes place in the period known as the reconstruction and depicts African Americans as one dimensional, ignorant and politically inept. The film was notorious in its representation of the African American man as a sexual brute.
2). Roots (1977) TV Series - This was a groundbreaking TV series that made the slaves the main protagonists and focus of the narrative. What made Roots so unqiue in the 1970s was its broad appeal to American audiences. The story of Kunta Kinte traces a journey from African to America and finally gives a 'voice' to the African slave.
3). Amistad (1997) is Spielberg's epic re-telling of a slave ship rebellion. Based on a true story, the film yet again offers some of the sharpest depictions of the journey and ordeal slaves were forced to go on from their homes in Africa. What the film succeeds at conveying is the crime of slavery especially in the Middle Passage sequence.
1). The Birth of a Nation (1915) offers some of the earliest representations of slavery and was influential for establishing many of the early black stereotypes. The film takes place in the period known as the reconstruction and depicts African Americans as one dimensional, ignorant and politically inept. The film was notorious in its representation of the African American man as a sexual brute.
2). Roots (1977) TV Series - This was a groundbreaking TV series that made the slaves the main protagonists and focus of the narrative. What made Roots so unqiue in the 1970s was its broad appeal to American audiences. The story of Kunta Kinte traces a journey from African to America and finally gives a 'voice' to the African slave.
3). Amistad (1997) is Spielberg's epic re-telling of a slave ship rebellion. Based on a true story, the film yet again offers some of the sharpest depictions of the journey and ordeal slaves were forced to go on from their homes in Africa. What the film succeeds at conveying is the crime of slavery especially in the Middle Passage sequence.
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Good Hair, 2009, Chris Rock
In this documentary, Chris Rock explores the culture surrounding African American, or black, hair. He particularly focuses on black women and their values, attitudes and beliefs.
Monday 9 January 2012
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Introduction to G325
- The exam will be in June 2012
- It is TWO HOURS long
- You must answer BOTH questions on Section A: 25 MARKS EACH
- You must answer ONE question on Section B: 50 MARKS
DO SECTION B FIRST
Introduction to Collective Identity
HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is where it gets fun/difficult...Syllabus g325 collective identity
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To analyse the case studies we will be using several
media theories. This is the hard part as they can be quite abstract but with a strong essay technique and a deep knowledge of how to apply the theories to the case studies you'll be fine. You will need to put the time in right from the start to make sure you understand everything properly, you can't blag this.
Some of you may find that the theories link into stuff from other subjects e.g. Comms or Sociology- if you can use what you already know, excellent.
To analyse the case studies we will be using several
media theories. This is the hard part as they can be quite abstract but with a strong essay technique and a deep knowledge of how to apply the theories to the case studies you'll be fine. You will need to put the time in right from the start to make sure you understand everything properly, you can't blag this.
Some of you may find that the theories link into stuff from other subjects e.g. Comms or Sociology- if you can use what you already know, excellent.
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