The Representation of Africans as the “Other” in American Cinema
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Mass Communication
Faculty Mentor
Nathaniel Frederick II, Ph.D.
Abstract
This research examines the subtext in American film, by observing the construction of African characters within the context of depictions of Western values personified often by the American military. The African characters are represented as the “other” when these depictions are approximated against Western themes. A textual analysis involves a close reading of three films and the identification of discursive themes within each film. This research argues that these films simplify complex social, economic, and political issues in African conflict and present biased accounts that perpetuate xenophobia of African diaspora. The two films released post-9/11 are Black Hawk Down and Tears of the Sun; these films were also analyzed in comparison with two films released pre-9/11: Out of Africa and White Mischief.
Start Date
24-4-2015 3:50 PM
The Representation of Africans as the “Other” in American Cinema
DiGiorgio Campus Center, Room 114
This research examines the subtext in American film, by observing the construction of African characters within the context of depictions of Western values personified often by the American military. The African characters are represented as the “other” when these depictions are approximated against Western themes. A textual analysis involves a close reading of three films and the identification of discursive themes within each film. This research argues that these films simplify complex social, economic, and political issues in African conflict and present biased accounts that perpetuate xenophobia of African diaspora. The two films released post-9/11 are Black Hawk Down and Tears of the Sun; these films were also analyzed in comparison with two films released pre-9/11: Out of Africa and White Mischief.
