Elvis Tanyi (’27), Staff Writer
Since the inception of the motion picture industry in the late 1800s, depictions of Black people in film have mirrored their supposed socio-political status, perpetuating stereotypes of inferiority. These films frequently portrayed Black individuals as subjects of ridicule, reinforcing the notion that they were not to be taken seriously unless serving as sacrificial scapegoats for their white counterparts. But let’s really explore why this is.
Hollywood’s perverse attempt to improve profits in the late 1960s replaced the positive images paired with the Black liberation movement with images of intense violence. The peak of this ultimately culminated in the creation of “Blaxploitation” films.
Michael Washington, the writer of “A Field Study of ‘Blaxploitation’ Films,” writes, “The racist exploitation of Black actors and actresses involved in the production of these films, combined with the derogatory effect of these movies on the Black populace, provides the genesis of the word ‘blaxploitation.'”
Filmmakers and producers within the horror genre contrive racial tropes that have emerged to fully perpetuate this issue. Most notably, the “Black Sacrifice” trope, or in layman terms the reason why Black people always die first in horror movies. It shocks audiences to further reinforce the idea that since Black people are inferior, their lives are therefore disposable. To take it a step further, this trope is a tangible manifestation of the suggestion that Black lives are worth less than those of their white counterparts.
The real question: is there a reality where filmmakers can destigmatize these racial tropes?
Fortunately, a vanguard of directors is actively working to transform this landscape. Among them, Jordan Peele stands as a paragon, dedicated to reshaping the portrayal of Black characters not only through compelling narratives but also by exposing critical social issues.
During an interview with The New York Times about the critically acclaimed film, Get Out, Peele admits the objective of his films is purely to expose the lies of a post-racial America. Each one of his films is a critique of the society we live in – specifically about how consumerism can segue into a violation of human rights through blatant racism and prejudice.
While the portrayal of Black people through the lens of film won’t simply change overnight, perhaps this new wave of filmmakers, led by Jordan Peele, can pave the way for achieving justice by healing these damaged bonds. The question still remains: can filmmakers destigmatize these racial tropes? The answer lies in the sustained effort of these changemakers in actively redefining and transforming the film industry. By dismantling these destructive narratives and biases we can ultimately establish an eclectic community where people of all color can come together and appreciate the delicate intricacies of film.
