Whether we are in cinema, economy or politics, there is a great debate concerning the issues of representation in the United States. In fact, it is a permanent debate drawing the attention of people, as it is difficult to assert if a group is well represented. So the question of representation has already and always been debated by university professors and specialists of the issue, and continues to be debated. But some questions are worth asking: at which level can we talk about representation? Or when can we say that a group is actually represented?
These questions lead us to deal with minority representation. Here we want to consider the notion of visibility and invisibility. In the United States there is what we term visible minority and invisible minority. Representation here is not about telling how many African Americans have succeeded in various fields. It is not about the number of Blacks who succeeded in cinema, economy or politics. The issue of representation goes beyond that perception. Of course, it does not imply that the quantity of Blacks advancing socially cannot be taken into account. But the point is that if we look at this, we shall notice that their representation is not that visible. For this reason we find useful to transcend that perception of representation.
Our paper focuses on representation as the fact of being visible in the mainstreams. For instance, concerning minority visibility, can we say that Hispanics and African Americans have the same representation? We do not think so. This is why the notion of visible and invisible minority has to be considered. Representation here is more related to merit. Take for example, the case of the business world, do we know an icon among Hispanics whose visibility is worldwide? Certainly not! However, we have Oprah Winfrey whose fame has reached worldwide as the only Black billionaire. Take also politics with President Obama. And finally, consider American cinema, can we speak about Hispanic or Chinese cinema in the United States today? Certainly not! Yet, we can speak about African American cinema, because it is visible. That is what we have termed as minority visibility.
Table of Contents
- Part I: Independent Filmmakers
- African-American Cinema
- A Brief History of African-American Cinema
- Poor Blacks' Presence on the Screen and Blaxploitation
- The Image of Blacks in Hollywood Films
- The 1980s and 1990s Eras of African American Cinema
- The Growing Entrance of Blacks in Films and Hollywood
- Julie Dash and Charles Burnett
- Eddie Murphy
- Spike Lee
- Part II: African-Americans in the US Economy: Black Capitalism
- Obstacles to Black Businesses
- The Problem of Capital and Lending
- Self-Employed Role Models, Survival Rate and the Lack of Support
- The Lack of Education and Business Experience
- Black-Owned Corporations
- Oprah Winfrey
- Black-Owned Businesses and Johnson Publishing Company
- African-Americans and the Banking Sector
- The Situation of Black-Owned Banks and the National Bankers Association
- The Reality of Black-Owned Banks in today's America
- Part III: African-Americans in Politics
- Blacks in Elective Office
- Members of Congress
- Municipal Officials
- The Bradley Effect
- Black Political Representation and Challenges
- Participation Rate
- The Support of White Voters
- Black Major Politicians
- Reverend Jesse Jackson
- Barack Obama
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to examine the representation of African Americans in American cinema, economy, and politics from 1980 to 2010. It analyzes the concept of "minority visibility," exploring how the achievements and challenges faced by African Americans contribute to their presence and representation in mainstream society. The study employs a postmodern approach, considering issues of identity, power, and marginalization within the context of American society.
- Minority Visibility and Representation
- The Impact of Marginalization and De-marginalization
- African American Achievements in Cinema, Business, and Politics
- The Role of Public Image and Merit in Representation
- Challenges and Obstacles Faced by African Americans
Chapter Summaries
Part I: Independent Filmmakers: This section delves into the history and evolution of African-American cinema, examining the portrayal of Black individuals in Hollywood films and the emergence of independent filmmakers who challenged dominant narratives. It traces the journey from limited representation and stereotypical depictions to the growing presence of Black voices and perspectives in filmmaking, highlighting key figures and their contributions to shaping a more inclusive cinematic landscape. The discussion considers the complexities of representation, acknowledging both progress and persistent challenges in achieving authentic and diverse storytelling.
Part II: African-Americans in the US Economy: Black Capitalism: This part analyzes the economic realities faced by African Americans, focusing on the obstacles encountered by Black-owned businesses. It examines issues such as access to capital and lending, the lack of support systems, and educational disparities that hinder economic advancement. The chapter also highlights successful examples of Black entrepreneurship, such as Oprah Winfrey and the Johnson Publishing Company, illustrating the resilience and achievements of Black individuals in the face of systemic challenges. The complexities of achieving economic parity and overcoming historical disadvantages are central themes.
Part III: African-Americans in Politics: This section explores the political participation and representation of African Americans, tracing their journey from disenfranchisement to significant milestones like the election of Barack Obama. It examines the challenges of political participation, including voter suppression, the impact of white voters' support, and the persistent presence of racial bias in the political landscape. The chapter profiles key figures like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Barack Obama, contextualizing their achievements and struggles within broader historical and socio-political contexts. The section emphasizes both the progress made and the continued work necessary to ensure full political equality.
Keywords
African-American representation, minority visibility, marginalization, de-marginalization, cinema, economy, politics, Black capitalism, entrepreneurship, political participation, postmodernism, identity, power, Hollywood, independent filmmaking, racial bias, social justice.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on African Americans in American Society (1980-2010)
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of African American representation and experiences in American cinema, economy, and politics between 1980 and 2010. It analyzes the concept of "minority visibility," examining both achievements and challenges within a postmodern framework that considers identity, power, and marginalization.
What topics are covered in Part I: Independent Filmmakers?
Part I explores the history of African-American cinema, tracing its evolution from limited and stereotypical portrayals to the emergence of independent filmmakers who challenged dominant narratives. It highlights key figures and their contributions, analyzing the complexities of representation and the ongoing struggle for authentic and diverse storytelling.
What are the key themes discussed in Part II: African-Americans in the US Economy: Black Capitalism?
Part II examines the economic realities faced by African Americans, focusing on obstacles to Black-owned businesses such as access to capital, lack of support, and educational disparities. It also showcases successful Black entrepreneurs and businesses, highlighting both challenges and achievements in the pursuit of economic parity.
What does Part III: African-Americans in Politics cover?
Part III analyzes the political participation and representation of African Americans, from historical disenfranchisement to significant milestones like Barack Obama's election. It addresses challenges such as voter suppression and racial bias, profiling key figures while acknowledging both progress and ongoing struggles for full political equality.
What are the key objectives and themes of the entire document?
The main objective is to examine African American representation across cinema, business, and politics. Key themes include minority visibility, marginalization and de-marginalization, the impact of public image and merit, and the persistent challenges faced by African Americans in achieving full inclusion and equality.
What are the chapter summaries?
Each part (Independent Filmmakers, Black Capitalism, and African Americans in Politics) provides a detailed summary of the key arguments, findings, and notable figures discussed within that section. These summaries offer a concise overview of the complex issues explored in each part.
What keywords are associated with this document?
Keywords include African-American representation, minority visibility, marginalization, de-marginalization, cinema, economy, politics, Black capitalism, entrepreneurship, political participation, postmodernism, identity, power, Hollywood, independent filmmaking, racial bias, and social justice.
What methodology does the document employ?
The document utilizes a postmodern approach, acknowledging the interplay of identity, power dynamics, and marginalization in shaping the experiences of African Americans within American society.
What is the time period covered by this document?
The document focuses on the period between 1980 and 2010.
Who is the intended audience of this document?
The intended audience is primarily academic, supporting structured and professional analysis of themes related to African American representation and experiences in American society.
- Citation du texte
- Dr. Jean Cédric Obame Emane (Auteur), 2010, African-American Representation in US Cinema, Economy and Politics (1980-2010). Myth or Reality?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/441313
