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STEREOTYPES AND AUTHENTICITY IN BLACK CINEMA: ANALYZING REPRESENTATION

Through Historical and Contemporary Lenses

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Aniah Satterfield

Durham School of the Arts/11th Grade

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RESEARCH QUESTION

How are films that use stereotypical depictions of African Americans for entertainment and empowerment, counterproductive in their effect on the groups that are being represented in these films?

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THESIS STATEMENT

American films that use topics of slavery, oppression, and racial stereotypes for comedy and entertainment to empower their audiences, further uplift the negative racial narratives associated with African Americans

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FILMMAKER CHOICE

Tyler Perry

Spike Lee

Tyler Perry:

    • Intends to represent the black experience
    • Receives backlash for

stereotypical characters

    • Filmmaker and Playwright

Spike Lee:

    • Intends to represent the Black experience
    • Receives praise for his films

Whats the difference?

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KEY FINDINGS

1. Complex distinctions​

2. Reclamation of stereotypes in Black film

3. Critiques of Black filmmakers

4. Critic consideration

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THANK YOU!

Email: aniahsatterfield13@gmail.com

LinkedIn:

Aniah Satterfield