Blackface: The Depiction of non-White Races in the Media

For the millions of people around the world, the television and film industry is more than just a form of entertainment, but also a way of understanding and getting a glimpse into the culture it is created from. Unfortunately, many of these representations continue to perpetuate disturbing racial stereotypes and further promote racial discrimination. Many individuals think that racism no longer exists, but a quick survey of the films and television shows currently out would suggest otherwise. Blatant racism can be seen in Hollywood blockbuster movies like Transformers where two “jive-talking” robot characters present racial caricatures, they speak in “street slang”, can't read, and wear gold tooth pieces. More subtle racism can be noted in the fact that of the top ten movies in the box office, not one features a minority in the lead character. The fact that there are so few images of minorities in films and on television is even more damaging than the stereotypes. When minorities are seen, they are usually in the background, playing sidekicks or present just to further the storyline of the white male lead.

Racial discrimination has been entrenched in the film industry since its inception when Blackface also emerged. According to Wikipedia, “Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used in minstrel shows, and later vaudeville, in which performers create a stereotyped caricature of a black person.” Part of the most damaging aspects of Blackface were the stereotypes they created of African Americans. All performers both white and black, when performing as black characters were expected to darken their faces with makeup and to conform to the following stereotypes.

First, the stereotype of Zip Coon, which was first performed ...

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...m to plan or strategize successfully.”(brown-face.com) Examples of The bandito can be seen in our cultures current portrayals of Latinos as drug dealers, thugs and gang members.

One way to challenge these stereotypes is for people to create more of their own entertainment. More and more individuals are using social media video sites like Youtube to create and publish their own content. As consumers of television and film, one can dictate the quality of content that they receive by choosing to support only those shows and movies that meet their requirements. One can also support writers, actors, and producers that share and reflect their values. Although much has changed in the film and television industry. There are now more positive characters and overall roles of minorities being shown. It is important to have a balance of both positive and negative images.