In the early 1970s, Hollywood studios were dominated by white actors and directors. In response to this lack of representation, African American filmmakers made films that reflected their own experiences and values in an effort to combat what they viewed as the racist depiction of black people in films.
Unfortunately, in addition to giving African American filmmakers a voice in Hollywood, these films also helped to create new stereotypes about black people that continue to be used in popular culture today.
The term blaxploitation is a blend of the words “black” and “exploitation” and was coined in August 1972 by Junius Griffin, then president of the Beverly Hills-Hollywood NAACP branch. He felt the films were “proliferating offences” to the black community due to stereotypes.
These movies typically featured a tough protagonist who was unafraid to use violence or sexually exploit women for his personal gain; these films often dealt with crime, drugs, prostitution and other social ills within African American communities. Some of the most famous blaxploitation movies include Shaft starring Richard Roundtree, Jackie Brown staring Pam Grief and Superfly staring Ron O’Neal.
Themes and plot points that are common in blaxploitation movies
The themes and plot points that are common in blaxploitation movies typically focus on the struggles of African Americans in a white-dominated society. The films often feature protagonists who are fighting for justice and revenge against oppressors because of this they quickly became popular among black audiences.
It is important to note that not all blaxploitation films have these themes, some are more focused on comedy than anything else but it is largely through this genre that we can understand how some African Americans were challenging Hollywood’s portrayal of them.
Blaxploitation movies also commonly depict black characters as strong and resilient which is a departure from the negative stereotypes that were often seen in mainstream cinema at the time. The dominant narrative in Hollywood often relegated black characters to supporting roles or side-lined them altogether.
The legacy of blaxploitation movies
Criticisms of Blaxploitation movies for their negative and stereotypical depictions of black people are valid which is why some argue that they are not important. However, blaxploitation films played an important role in the development of black cinema and helped to open up opportunities for black actors and directors.
The themes and plot common in blaxploitation movies are still relevant today, and the legacy of these movies is undeniable. If you’re interested in exploring black cinema, it’s important to understand the context in which these films were created.
For better or worse, blaxploitation films are an important part of American history and should be watched with that in mind.
Leave a Reply