I feel as soon as the film started, African Americans were portrayed as dumb and poor and nothing else. A lady stated in the film that the African American figurines were placed in white American's homes as "amusement and to make us laugh". I just thought it was quite weird. Honestly, I was bothered by how the African Americans were portrayed throughout the film, both as cartoons and figurines as well as in life. They had to blacken their face even more to be in the plays...the whites started plays based on African American figures. They were imitated and in a way made fun of for their dances and other things. I felt the way they were portrayed was very devastating...people who had never seen an African American bought the crazy hair, bulged eyes, large lips as a real African American person.
It's odd how Jim Crow was a lighthearted figure was something that became a huge part of the African American history. This ended up being a major part of the African Americans and their lives based on their rights as American citizens...based on a lighthearted figure.
The worst part for me was that the African Americans were portrated as "happy" slaves. The old plantation was shown as paradise. The African American slaves were happy doing things for their white masters. The "mammy" was a larger woman who loved the white masters of the household as well as entertaining the whites' children. The general public actually thought slavery was OK when in reality these people were being seperated from their families and were beaten as well as many other horrific things.
I enjoyed watching the film in class, it was a nice change of pace. I liked being able to actually see how things were rather than just reading it. Overall, it was a good film and it's just interesting to see all the things in the film.
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I too was bothered by the way African Americans were portrayed. But it's a reality of society. There are sterotypes all over the place, which different races and nationalities. It was interesting to see that you posted about the "happy slave", I agree with what you said. I think it's horriable that society could portray something that was so horriable as something that was happy.
I was disgusted by the images portrayed in the film. It completely boggles my mind to think that anyone could beleive the images. What also bothered me, and you have also mentioned, is how the plantation was portrayed as paradise. The fact that this image was used to justify the horrific acts of slavery is unreal.
The justifications for how African Americans were treated and portrayed is absolutely disgusting. It is kind of like Becky the entire town would not have anything to do with her, but they were still curious about every action she took. They even justified their cruelty by leaving her food and such. Is that how society goes. We justify our cruelties by acts of kindness? Is that what has been taught and continues to be taught?
I agree that it is unfortunate that African Americans were portrayed in this comedic and distorted way. Many white Americans, especially those who were not exposed to many African Americans, saw black cartoon characters and figurines presented in this way. This would have given them the wrong impression about African Americans. It seems that many negative stereotypes were perpetuated in this way. That was a good point to highlight, Michelle.
I do feel that there were situations where the master treated their slaves more like people than as animals. I also believe that this was rare. The idea of having a plantation that was a happy environment and that people were working for no money and enjoyed it is stupid. The ignorant people of that society believed it because it was better than what the truth actually was.
You are right it is extremely problematic the way African Americans were protrayed. I think the worst part was the "happy slave" image because i feel that that is a complete contradtion. I don't know how you could be happy without freedom and liberty.
I was also bothered by the film and how they portrayed African Americans. Especially in that book that was intended to be a childrens book. In this book it details how these 5 black boys are being killed and I just couldn't believe it.
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