The film, “Ethnic Notions,” looks into the anti-black
stereotypes in detail and describes the purpose and impact that they have had. The five main stereotypes are uncle
tom, mammy, sambo, coons, and pickaninnies. When looking at the impact these
stereotypes have had on African Americans during the 1800’s until the Civil
Rights period it makes me think of how these stereotypes have been carried over
in time and how they are used in today’s pop culture. The first thing that came
to my mind is the television series, “Orange is the New Black.” I have been
watching this television show and hadn’t realized the stereotypes that are
embedded in this series, until after watching “Ethnic Notions.” The series
takes place in an all women’s prison. Piper, the main character, is followed by
“Crazy Eyes”, an African American woman. Crazy eyes purposely widens her eyes
and gives the persona of a crazy, wild, savage-like person. She doesn’t speak
much and follows Piper around and is willing to do anything for her because she
loves her. This can be seen as an Uncle Tom stereotype because in these scenes
she is willing to oppress herself and give up anything for her Caucasian lover.
This character depicts the black is ugly, black is a happy servant, black is a
savage. These stereotypes are ideologies that have been passed along in time
and are still regularly being used in our present day media.
I have been hearing good things about this show and its depiction of the prison industrial complex (see Michelle Alexander's book). I will have to check it out. The description you provide certainly plays upon ethnic stereotypes. Check out the reading in the week on TV and film about the "Magical Negro" character in hollywood.
ReplyDeleteI watched this show as well and also never realized the stereotypes that were embedded in the series, until after reading your post and looking back on my notes on the film Ethnic Notions. Watching Ethnic Notions gave me a better understanding on how African Americans are depicted in the media and what kinds of characters they play. I agree with you in that Crazy Eyes is a good example of a stereotypical African American. She is a savage with wide bulging eyes and is willing to do anything to show her loyalty and love for Piper, with a smile on of course. The other day I came across an article about the show that featured an interview with Uzo Aduba who plays the character of Crazy Eyes, who initially did not audition for that role. She was offered the role of Crazy Eyes because the directors believed this role was fit for her. I am curious as to why the directors thought so because, she even said, "What in my audition would make someone think I'd be right for a part called Crazy Eyes?"
ReplyDeleteNow that we have talked about the "Magical Negro" character, Crazy Eyes from "Orange is the New Black" definitely falls under that category. Crazy Eyes continues to follow Piper around showing the viewers that she has no true meaning in the series. Without Piper, Crazy Eyes would not be needed. Once Piper finds that she can use Crazy Eyes to her advantage to get what she wants, Crazy Eyes assists with her needs and becomes the "Magical Negro" character. So basically that character is all around an ethnic stereotypical character.
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