Film and television has always been known to use people of different cultures stereotypes and sometimes it represents them in a very negative way. Only recently have minorities started taking more out typical stereotype roles in both film and television. Most noticeably Hispanic and African American were mostly always represented as their negative stereotypes. For example they would portrayed as uneducated or criminals with mostly minor roles. More recently they have taken more important roles including scientist, soldiers, and presidents. Racism in film hasn't always been a bad thing due to the fact that some of stories portrayed in the films are propelled forward thanks to some racism. Below are a few examples of racism done by film including a film that today is considered a big part of film. Another notable name includes Disney and many of their animated films.
Racist Disney
Birth of a Nation
Birth of a Nation is a film considered to be a pioneer in the film industry, but it has extreme racism represented. Birth of a Nation is a film that represent the KKK as a group fighting for good while hurting blacks that were played whites in black face. This film is considered one of the most racist films in history yet an accomplishment to the advancement of modern film.
Another film that was released in the 90's that has racism and race as a big piece to it yet doesn't give off the same racist feeling as Birth of a Nation is the film called American History X. American History X follows the life of skinhead who grows up in California during the time the state becomes a lot more diversified. Through out the this film many racist scenes are shown, but it in the end this film uses racism to teach a lesson. The lesson being that even a person so devoted to a life of racism can learn that people aren't always what they appear and that going of race alone in the end could lead you to some regrettable decisions.
American History X trailer
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