Ethnic Notions
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| Ethnic Notions | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Marlon Riggs |
| Produced by | Marlon Riggs |
| Narrated by | Esther Rolle |
| Distributed by | California Newsreel |
Release date |
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Running time | 56 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Ethnic Notions is a 1987 video essay[1] documentary film directed by Marlon Riggs.[2] It examines anti-Black stereotypes in popular culture from the ante-bellum period until the advent of the Civil rights movement of the 1960s.[2]
Ethnic Notions describes the history of stereotypes which contributed to anti-Black prejudice in the United States. It describes stereotypes including The Tom, The Sambo, The Mammy, The Coon, The Brute, The Pickaninnies, and The Minstrels. The stereotypes are shown in different mediums such as cartoons, feature films, popular songs, minstrel shows, advertisements, folklore, household artifacts, and children's rhymes. Narration is provided by Esther Rolle and commentary is provided by academics.
The documentary touches upon issues of servility, sexuality, appearances, the noble savage, and the impact of mass media on the image of African Americans and how this affects their self-image.
