Black Hollywood: From Butlers to Superheroes, the Changing Role of African Ameri

Moving through cinematic history decade by decade since 1910, this important volume explores the appropriation, exploitation, and agency of black performers in Hollywood by looking at the black actors, directors, and producers who have shaped the image of African American males in film. To determine how these archetypes differentiate African American males in the public's subconscious, the book asks probing questions--for example, whether these images are a reflection of society's fears or realistic depictions of a pluralistic America.
Even as the work acknowledges the controversial history of black representation in film, it also celebrates the success stories of blacks in the industry. It shows how blacks in Hollywood manipulate degrading stereotypes, gain control, advance their careers, and earn money while making social statements or bringing about changes in culture. It discusses how social activist performers--such as Paul Robeson, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Spike Lee--reflect political and social movements in their movies, and it reviews the interactions between black actors and their white counterparts to analyze how black males express their heritage, individual identity, and social issues through film.


Author: Kimberly Fain
Publisher: Praeger
Published: 06/30/2015
Pages: 251
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781440831904
About the Author
Kimberly Fain, JD, MA, is a licensed attorney who has taught literature at Texas Southern University and Houston Community College.