Hayden Saltz
MFS 260
10-10-22
The dilemma, according to Bogle, of the early Eddie Murphy movies is quite simple. Eddie played characters that were stereotypical to the Black male. Alongside the stereotypes, Eddie also was usually harassed by the white supporting main character usually in a sly racial way. Eddie is usually painted as a sly, quick witted thief, “who is a product of his environment,” and his character is usualy hypersexualized. Eddie is painted as a “buck” but also “has the characteristics of a coon” as stated by Bogle. The issue is, still after all this time African American actors, such as Eddie Murphy, starred in comedies that placated to the white audience.
Another problem I recognized was the case with Richard Pryor. He was a man with no filter who spoke freely about the African American underclass. He was scrutinized in his early comedy career for being too vulgar and obscene. He was a voice for the less fluent class and among all African Americans. He often played roles in which he portrayed a man who was putr down by the white man but didn’t take it for long. He used humor to get the point across that speaking out against white oppression was what the black community needed. He became a big sensation for the African American community in the early 80’s. He starred in several comedies and stand up shows until he eventually starred in movies which pitted him against a white main character. He eventually fell into the same stereotyped African American actor roles as actors such as Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes.