Ethnic Notions: Part of the Chronicles of Color Film Screening Series

When

February 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free; email woodsonmuseum@gmail.com to register

What

Ethnic Notions is Marlon Riggs’ Emmy-winning documentary that takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through American history, tracing for the first time the deep-rooted stereotypes that have fueled anti-black prejudice. Through these images, we can begin to understand the evolution of racial consciousness in America.

Loyal Toms, carefree Sambos, faithful Mammies, grinning Coons, savage Brutes, and wide-eyed Pickaninnies roll across the screen in cartoons, feature films, popular songs, minstrel shows, advertisements, folklore, household artifacts, even children’s rhymes. These dehumanizing caricatures permeated popular culture from the 1820s to the Civil Rights period and implanted themselves deep in the American psyche.

Following the film screening, a brief discussion will take place to explore thoughts and feelings that emerged during the documentary.