http://www.jlcauvin.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/token.jpgGoing off of the Bechdel theory that I learned about in my woman/racial studies class, which is looking at a movie, T.v, or any part of media and seeing if there are two or more woman with names, that talk to each other, and about something other than men, the same can be related to African Americans in media as well. Whether there is two African Americans that talk to each other about something other than a white man. One concept going off from this idea is the idea of "the Token black friend".
One of my all time favorite shows would have to be South Park, because it makes fun of everything in society. Nothing is off limits to Matt and Trey, the makers of South Park. In the town of South Park, the only reaccuring African American friend of the main boys in the show just so happens to have the name of "Token". Now this was not just some coincidence, but more of a point to criticize the blatant media industry of trying to seem not so one sided in the issue of race.
Another example of the "token black guy" can be seen in the movie, "Not Another Teen Movie" (seen in the two clips posted on my blog also), where the "token black guy" makes fun of himself and the situation where he has to be the only person of a different race in the movie.
Natalie -
ReplyDeleteYou have an interesting point of view in this entry, but it needs to be developed. Right now you are just writing about things fairly superficially without really taking a closer look. Keep analyzing. For instance you say, "This is in itself extremely racist." But don't really go into much depth as to how or why.
Also, don't forget that you need to italicize or underline the names of movies and TV shows in your blog. Before your next post make sure to reference the announcement on blackboard for other formulaic requirements so you don't loose points for the small things.
- Ruth