The film Ethnic Notions by Marlon Riggs pays particular attention to the representation of
African Americans in popular culture, from the antebellum period to the era of the civil rights
movement. Minstrel shows are talked about in detail, a type of stage entertainment featuring
songs, dances, and formulaic comic routines based on stereotyped depictions of African
Americans and typically performed by white actors with blackened faces. Additionally, the film
reveals the effect of classic portrayals of African Americans in film, such as the Mammy, the
Coon, the Sambo and the Uncle, on American society. To give an example, the Sambo “was
picked to avoid work while reveling in the easy pleasures of food, dance, and song,” thus
portraying African Americans as careless and irresponsible (Ethnic Notions 05:46- 53). As an
extra factor, minstrel caricatures caused American society to believe that slavery was good for
the slave by showing them in a state of peaceful happiness. The belief that different races possess
distinct characteristics, abilities, and qualities, prevailed after President Abraham Lincoln issued
the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, nevertheless the representation of African
Americans in popular culture became different. “Those who wanted to reestablish firm white
control and wanted to maintain white supremacy by any means possible used the argument that
what had happened was that blacks, no longer under the benign, or beneficent, or kindly
guidance of whites, were reverting to savagery” (Ethnic Notions 17:16- 36). From my own point
of view, every person should watch Ethnic Notions in order to learn about the origins of the
dehumanizing African-American stereotypes found in popular culture. A large number of people,
including myself, lack knowledge and awareness with respect to such topic, so educating
ourselves is a priority.
“Ethnic Notions.” Films On Demand, Films Media Group, 1987,
fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=98132&xtid=49775. Accessed 14 Apr. 2022.