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

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 24th, 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.