1.What is significant about the birth and demise of the blaxploitation genre?

The blaxploitation genre is a subset of exploitation cinema, which fundamentally

comprises independent, low-budget B-movies or grindhouse films (Well, 2018). During this era,

the films featured black actors and actresses as lead characters, with themes typically centered

around African Americans overcoming oppressive, antagonistic, and generally white authority

figures referred to as "The Man" (Well, 2018). It also contained stereotypical characterizations,

such as pimps, pushers, prostitutes, or bounty hunters, promoting a message of black

empowerment (Well, 2018). The term "blaxploitation" was coined by Junius Griffin, the head of

the Los Angeles National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as a

form of criticism for the negative images of African Americans depicted in the genre (Well,

2018). However, not everyone in the black community agreed with the NAACP's assessment

since most of them considered blaxploitation movies as a sign of progress (Well, 2018). Before

the emergence of the blaxploitation genre, African Americans' roles in American cinemas were

limited, such as a sidekick or a victim (Well, 2018).

Before the emergence of the Blaxploitation genre, the impact of race relations, the

insurgence of television, and the rapid decline of musicals put the film industry at the risk of

bankruptcy during the 1960s (Well, 2018). With the proud proclamations of "Black Power"

becoming progressively more audible throughout America, it became impossible for Hollywood

to ignore African American society, making it easier for black filmmakers and actors to penetrate

the film industry (Well, 2018). Among the first of these filmmakers was Melvin Van Peebles,

who created the film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) (Well, 2018). Van Peeble's

movie was a huge success, which ignited the blaxploitation genre's birth (Well, 2018). Aside

from the Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss Song, Shaft by Gordon Parks was a huge success.
Shaft gave audiences a more commercially accessible blaxploitation brand, making it more

popular among black audiences (Well, 2018). Both Shaft and Sweetback marked a turning point

for these types of films and gave rise to a demand Hollywood had never expected to exist (Well,

2018).  

By 1976, nearly 200 blaxploitation films were produced in American cinemas (Well,

2018). However, despite the success of the blaxploitation genre, the genre continued to receive

backlash, which boomed in the mid to late 70s (Well, 2018). The NAACP continued to criticize

the studios for the negative stereotypes perpetuated by the genre and its tendency to reinforce

white stereotypes about black culture (Well, 2018). Simultaneously, audiences were tired of the

cheap production and re-hashed crime-thriller formula (Well, 2018). By the time the 1980s

arrived, productions within the blaxploitation era had come to a grinding halt (Well, 2018). As a

result, the demise of the blaxploitation genre put many actors, directors, artists, and technicians

who had fought so hard to break into the film industry back into unemployment (Well, 2018).

2.Why is representation in film important?

The representation in the film is important because it creates an image that can positively

or negatively impact the audience. The misrepresentation of African Americans in American

cinemas resulted in negative stereotypes that affected African Americans for many years. As a

result of negative stereotypes among African Americans, black actors and actresses were forced

to take secondary roles, such as maids or butlers, limiting their talent and skills in the film

industry. But with the emergence of Blaxploitation films, African Americans were given a

different spotlight. Although they depict roles that reinforce negative stereotypes, such as pimps

or prostitutes, African American actors and actresses were given a chance to showcase their

talent and change their image. In the blaxploitation movies, African American actors and
actresses were often the lead characters. They were typically strong, independent, and powerful

characters that often served as heroes or heroines for urban black audiences.

3.What can be done to ensure people of color (and their stories) are accurately and genuinely

represented in film?

The best possible way to ensure that people of color are accurately and genuinely represented

in the film is to have black filmmakers create the film. Aside from representing black actors and

actresses in the movie, black filmmakers should also be equally represented in producing films.

If black filmmakers are given a chance to direct films containing black actors and actresses as

lead characters, the movie will have a tremendous impact on the audience, particularly the black

audiences. Van Peebles' Sweet Sweetback Badasssss Song (1971) and Parks' Shaft (1971) had a

significant impact among the black audiences, resulting in the rise of the blaxploitation genre.

Additionally, the black culture will be constituted effectively if black directors create the film.

Since black directors produce the film, the black audience will find it more relatable since the

filmmaker is more aware of African American culture and beliefs compared to White

filmmakers.

4. What was your favorite film and why?

My all-time favorite blaxploitation movie is Cleopatra Jones (1973) by Jack Starrett. As

an undercover agent in the film, Cleopatra Jones challenged gender roles in society since secret

agents were typically a white dominating occupation during those times. It represented an image

of equality among men and women since Cleopatra Jones personated a strong, authoritative

woman highly respected by her men subordinates. Additionally, despite her richness and high

status in the government, Cleopatra Jones did not forget her community. She kept her feet on the

ground as she visits her community and respects her neighbors. She loves her community and
ensured that they were protected against drugs. Unlike any other blaxploitation films, Cleopatra

Jones did not depend on nudity to promote black and women empowerment. Instead of using her

body, she applied karate and gun skills to attack her enemies. Although sexual gratification was

typically included during the blaxploitation era, it was a refreshing sight to see an empowered

woman without applying nudity to entice its viewers. Overall, Cleopatra Jones is a stand-out for

me, and I will rewatch the movie again if given a chance.