Blog #5

There were numerous of interesting points that were stated in Bell Hook's video but two of them really made connection with Dent's introduction. One of them is the discussion about how film directors consciously choose African Americans to play as villains. For example, in the movie Some, the director, Wayne Wong, could not answer the question of why he chose a black boy to play the their. It is seen as adding to the imagination of a movie to give it a movie"spark" but honestly Wayne, and many film directors, believe in the stereotypes that already exist and is aware of the decision they make when casting. African Americans have been categorized to have a an attitude and to be violent so with their mindset fixed on myths, why else would they choose Bokeem Woodbine in Jason Lyric and James Earl Jones as dark vador in Star Wars. Consequently,this enhances stereotypes that we are now fighting to eliminate but there are these who are concerned about what sells rather than the image. Films are not the only thing that portrays African Americans in a negative way, rap music does as well. While there are different types of rap, the most popular ones are those that promote violence and degrade women. From watching and listening to.them, it portrays of what we believe African Americans are and it creates a domino effect that continues with upcoming film makers and music artists. "And it is a position that we sometimes enforce, or that now what black culture is."

Another interesting point that was made O.J. Simpson was found not guilty in the murder trial of Nicole Simpson. Despite the proof of domestic violence that occurred during their marriage, people still supported O.J.'s innocence because he was black. We ignored the wrong he committed and the accusation upon him. In the Hook's film it was surprising that the women in battered women's shelter was ecstatic to see him found not guilty. Out of all the people you would believe that these women would not be thrilled to see a man that use to beat his wife completely let off the hook. Even though its just speculation that he murdered her, there was factual evidence proving his.violent behavior. We all should have reacted a little just because of his history