African Representation in White Films from 1985-1997
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Gichuki, Atenya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
EdinBurg
Abstract
This paper analyzes the representation of African characters in white films from 1985-1997.
During this period, many Hollywood films were produced that depicted African characters in
various roles. However, the question arises as to whether these representations were accurate
and fair or whether they perpetuated negative stereotypes of Africans. Through a qualitative
content analysis of six selected films produced between 1985-1997, this paper explored the
ways in which African characters were portrayed in white films. The films were selected using
purposive sampling, and it used thematic analysis to get the findings. The paper used
Postcolonial theory that examines how power dynamics between colonizers and colonized
people influence cultural representation, including media representation. This study examined
the representation of Africans in six films: "Amistad"(1997)," "A Far Off Place"(1993)," "The
Power of One"(1992)," "Sarafina!"(1992)," and "Out of Africa"(1985)." and "The Power of
One". The films were analyzed through a postcolonial theoretical framework to explore power
dynamics and cultural representation. The findings revealed that the portrayal of Africans in
these films was mostly through a lens of victimization, perpetuating stereotypes of Africans as
primitive and inferior. It is based on the understanding that colonialism is not just a historical
phenomenon but also has lasting effects on contemporary societies.
Description
Article
Keywords
African representation, Hollywood film, Cultural stereotypes, Postcolonial theory
Citation
Gichuki, A. . (2024). African Representation in White Films from 1985-1997. International Journal of Scholarly Practice, 4(2), 1–10. Retrieved from https://edinburgjournals.org/journals/index.php/Internationa-Journal-of-Scholarl/article/view/277