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African Americans In Hollywood Essay

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Thesis Statement: Hollywood portrays African Americans in a way that reinforce many misconceptions by the majority, rather than projecting an objective reality. Often times limiting African Americans to star in “stereotypical” roles.

After watching numerous films, I found that African Americans in Hollywood were generally depicted in service or blue-collar occupations, such as a house cleaner or a postal worker. Similarly, in an extensive review of Blacks in film, I found that Hollywood often portrayed African Americans in occupational roles, such as a servant, a crook, a cook, an entertainer, a musician, a sad non-White person, an exhibitionist, an athlete, or a corrupt individual. Moreover, in viewing various films they only affirm that most stereotypes about Blacks are …show more content…
Furthermore, unfavorable portrayals of Blacks not only influenced Whites’ perceptions, but African Americans’ perceptions as well. Likewise, television portrayals whether positive or negative greatly influence viewers’ stereotypes of African Americans. Also, when firsthand knowledge is not present, television images have a huge effect on viewers’ perceptions. As for as African American music in Hollywood, it seems to be more of a universal aspect. Music from African Americans are often times used in many films whether predominantly black or white. Music is universal because people all around the world play, or listen to all different types of music. It is a way people connect. Two people cannot know each other at all or not be able to speak with each other, but still be able to connect with a piece of music and be able to communicate. In that sense skin tone wouldn’t play a role in what kind of music is chosen for the

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