Topic > Representation of African Americans in film: Django Unchained and 12 Years a Slave

The topic of representation of African Americans in film is broad and encompasses various aspects. In the 19th and 20th centuries, major film companies, particularly Hollywood, did not incorporate the black man into most films, and this is attributed to widespread racial discrimination in these periods. However, at the dawn of the 21st century, the appearance of black man on the big screens is erected in which they formed a better part of the film characters and production officials. In this process, there are myriad ways through which African Americans are represented in every part of the broadcast film. Below is a countdown of black man representation in films. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Physical Strength and High Productivity The strength of the black man was the ultimate recipe for his enslavement in the 19th and 20th centuries. This has therefore been a factor and one of the fundamental tools for the representation of African Americans in various films. To this end, the masculinity of African-Americans is greatly diminished, which is why most auctioneers and slave traders worshiped them (“Popular and Persuasive Stereotypes of African-Americans”). Other films that echo the masculinity and physical strength of the black man include Django Unchained and 12 Years a Slave. In 12 Years a Slave, African Americans are portrayed as engines used by whites for production, as they are subjected to black-collar jobs where they work as servants on farms. In the film Django Unchained, African Americans are portrayed in two distinct ways. This film admits, or rather cites, Malcolm X's example regarding the behavior of African Americans. The film uses this point to portray the rift among African Americans regarding issues that concern them, and this suggests that this community is not united. In the film, Django aggressively launches a revolution against those who enslave the black man, yet Stephen acts as a key man against the white man who enslaves African-Americans. The two characters differ in ideology and this portrays African Americans as a group of people who cannot see and act against the issues that affect them. This supports Malcolm's argument regarding the field negro who does not care about his master's business, as well as the house negro who is a puppet for the master. To this end, the film portrays the diligent part of the African community launching a revolution preparing for their appreciation. This is evidenced by Django's bold moves as he sails through the white man's farm, killing his guards. Conversely, the film also points to the weak African Americans who are manipulated like puppets. Stephen is the agent in this case and actively defends his master, and it is also interesting that he was the first to notice that Django did not mean well for his master. This demonstrates the infighting and rift within this community, and much of this is empowered and exacerbated by personal and ideological interests. It was in Stephen's best interest to defend his master and this was because he was housed and fed by his white master. However, Django's interest was to liberate the black man, freeing him from slavery. African Americans, through most films, have been depicted as second-class citizens, and this has been a product of racial discrimination stereotypes in which the community is perceived as foolish, childish, lazy, impure as well as a symbol of disgrace and poverty . The stereotype of the black man was introduced during the.