Racial Stereotypes In Film

Racial stereotypes in film developed during the early 19th century. Before the first african-American Film company was founded Whites used stereotypes to deface African-Americans. one of the most commonly known stereotypes was "Blackface". Blackface involved white actors covering their faces completely with a black make-up. The actors drew on red lips to make the face even more over the top. This technique emphasized the racial stereotypes that existed and was most prominent starting in the mid-19th century. Minstrel shows showcased blackface actors at the expense of the African-American community. The shows made blacks look bad and impersonated them by making them look like imbeciles, using stereotypical characters such as the mammy, a large female who watched over the white children and Sambo, a young male who works on the plantation. William D. Foster tried to break down these stereotypes. Entering an industry that had never had much positive African-American influence before, he ignited a spark in the African-American community for decades to come.