I wrote down several key moments during the viewing of the film. First, I noticed the stereotypes presented in the opening scene, all of which are in reference to black men. In the scene, a group of black men, most of whom were obviously suppose to be working, shooting dice, and speaking in a common vernacular associated with African Americans. Also, they were obsessing over a female character of the light-skinned complexion (this becomes important later). This scene represents quite a few stereotypes about black men: that black men are lazy, not well dressed, and looks and behaves like a buffoon. Other stereotypes are seen in the main male character, Jimmy. Jimmy is an opportunist, who takes advantage of Bessie’s character by stealing her money and running off with the light-skinned woman, who was presented as more desirable.
The color caste system became one of the most important features of the film, as we understood the origin of the system: during slavery, mixed offspring had closer access to the house, and, ultimately, more power. Therefore, the idea was that light-skinned blacks were better than dark-skinned blacks.