Chapter 11

Chapter 11

by Skylar Troy -
Number of replies: 3

The controversy surrounding Denzel Washingtons performance in Training Day was that it resembled the classic Hollywood buck stereotype. The film depicts a rookie cop, Jake Hoyt, being taken under the wing of Alonzo Harris, a cynical and guiltless cop whose lack of moral sparked the debate of whether the film was further harming the perception of the black community. Washington was viewed as an actor who championed black excellence, so seeing him play such a morally corrupt character felt like a setback in the eyes of many. 

Another topic in the chapter that interested me was black music stars dipping their toes in the film industry. Despite their fame, they weren’t spared from the reality of racial stereotypes and tropes within Hollywood. For example, Damon dash’s appearance the violent, gangster drama State Property reaffirmed the traditional old buck stereotype and even through directing the sequel, State Property 2, the film still fell into that trap. Idlewild, directed by Bryan Barber, also reflected these conventions by having the films dream girl, Angel, be played by the lighter skinned actress, Paula Patton. On top of musicians sometimes being involved in films that portrayed stereotypes, there was the overarching fact that just because they’re famous musical stars, doesn’t mean they had the ability act. 50 Cents strength as a high-status rapper didn’t translate into his performance in the film Get Rich or Die Tryin. On the other hand, Snoop Dog made film appearances that didn’t require any intense, heartfelt performances, and mainly utilized his natural personality as a comedic anchor. 


In reply to Skylar Troy

Re: Chapter 11

by Skylar Troy -
(4/4)
Halle Berry’s role in Monster Ball was controversial because of the oversexualization of her character and her placement as the black damsel in need of white saving. With her son dying in a car accident, the execution of her husband, and getting evicted, Leticia Musgrove’s only saving grace comes on the form of Hank Grotowski, the white prison guard responsible for the death of Leticia’s husband. The films sex scene solidified the clear power imbalance between the two where Leticia was shown to physically and emotionally dependent on Hank. This is also seen in Leticia’s desire for Hank remaining intact despite her knowledge of his involvement in her husband’s execution. This furthers the controversy of a black woman being used as a pawn in the story of the redemption of a white man.

Another topic that interested me was T.D Jakes and Tyler Perry. Jakes is a West Virginian preacher who gained notoriety through “self-help” televangelism. He saw film as a way to reflect his faith and his message of self-advancement coincides with themes found in Tyler Perrys films which mainly depict black women pulling themselves out of hardships. The films Jakes produced such as Woman Thou Art Loosed, Jumping the Broom, and Sparkle all touched the experiences of black women that were often ignored in Hollywood. Although their films have resonated with black people, there are problematic aspect in how these characters are depicted. For example, Tyler Perrys Diary of a Mad Black Woman, fell on old black archetypes such as the aggressive black buck, the mammy, and the desirable light skinned woman. Perry also has the tendency to only showcase black women struggling and being abused, which brings upon the critique of his films essentially being trauma porn.
In reply to Skylar Troy

Re: Chapter 11

by Teddy (Robert T) Champion -
good response, although the first paragraph is technically a little too short, and it was due before class on Oct. 31.