The evolution of cinema may not be as evident to the millennial generation as it is to our parents and grandparents. I’m not just talking about the livelier and more visual aspect of today’s movies but the change in roles and, thus, the change in perceptions of different racial and ethnic groups.
The representation of minority groups in American movies has evolved immensely over the years. The racist and stereotypical ways of the past that were ingrained in the mere day-to-day living were also ingrained in American movies of the past. Over the years, American movies have made leaps and bounds in creating a more equal portrayal of ethnic and racial groups such as the enhancement in African American roles, greater attention to minority groups, and the often times complete switch in roles between the hero and villain.
Early representations of African American men and women in American movies portrayed a role that was subservient and incompetent. Particularly, African American men were often times portrayed as hyper-sexual or criminals. For example, in the old famous movie Gone With The Wind, the African American people were portrayed as lesser than the white characters in that they were depicted as submissive and ignorant to the white owner.
Today, however, the public has almost seen a complete change in the portrayals of African Americans within American movies. For example, the recent movie Remember the Titans portrays Denzel Washington, an African American football coach, as the head coach leading his newly interracial team to victory.
Similarly, due to early Western films, Hispanic people, especially Mexicans, were portrayed in a negative light. Mexican people were given the stereotype of criminals, gang affiliates or greasers due to their former roles in Western movies. If Hispanics were not given these stereotypes, they were most likely not in American movies at all.
However, with the gradual change in societal views, we now see many Hispanic actors in popular American movies such as Hot Pursuit with Sofia Vergara. Some of the other major famous Hispanic actors include Jennifer Lopez, Mario Lopez and Eva Longoria.
Lastly, the role of hero and villain has almost entirely changed from the early American films to the present American films. For example, old time movies would always portray the minority as the villain and the white man as the hero.
Today, however, it is very rare to see a man or woman of color portrayed as the antagonist in American film. Thus, it is highly common to see the white man as the villain in today’s day and age.
With all of that said, it is very apparent that the art of film making is changing from what it was in the past. This makes me wonder if it is our culture that is influencing cinema or if cinema and media are influencing our culture.
