Racism In Film

Storey (2009) clarifies on page 167 that there is only one human race and within that human race there are different divisions of “races”. In addition, race can be used as a sign or meaning, and also show the importance by taking certain actions. Certain movies and cinema can reflex the significance of race and multiracial and multiethnic dimension, by depicting them either working together or against each other towards a common goal or outcome. Storey states we need to understand that ‘race’ and racism are not natural occurrences; they are a result of human actions and interactions (Storey, 2009, pp. 168).
When analyzing the article The New Hollywood Racelessness: Only the Fast, Furious, (and Multiracial) Will Survive, by Mary C Beltran (2005) the text states multiracial has existed within the film for decades, starting back to the gangster movies in the 1920 and 1930’s. Beltran (2005) illustrates on page 3 that the intent of these films was to reinforced dominance of race, ethnicity, and class tied to housing and apparent safety. The race is a social assembly and can create real consequences and effects on certain groups within society and how we depict them. Depending upon the setting of the film and the films intent, the film can illustrate
political or social power.
The reason why the Fast and the Furious is part of a popular culture is because it illustrates a diverse cast of multiracial individuals working together to gain power and steal wealth from large political figures. The audience enjoys watching characters that look like them and are “underdogs” trying to get gain a better life. The film not only reflexes multiracial networking but gender equality. Beltran (2005) states that white majority no longer fits within this country (pp. 55), and I believe Beltran points out the trends in ethnic demographics and the youth-driven popular culture. In the film, Romeo Must Die, there is little to no screen time dedicated to the white characters in the film. The film showcases hip-hop, Chinese and African-American cultures set in the Inner city, struggling to gain power over each other. As Beltran (2005) indicates on page 63, the growing representation of race in the film is directly related to the nonwhite subordinates who have a powerful influence over
the film industry. Do these movies depict a true reflection of how race can signify power and political stance? Or was it made as a form of pure entertainment, with no real message? The every evolving popular culture changes and the variety of ethnic backgrounds clearly is driving the interest in these types of films and their popularity. The X-Men film is another example of race, in the film; signifying a multi-ethnic group dealing with social issues, fighting for civil rights. It illustrates the groups’ conflict between the principles of peace versus fierce methods of change to gain ultimate political power.