Fall 2018 - Unit I/Blog I: Some of the Firsts...

During this unit, I've hopefully introduced you to some of the first major cinematic films: the first major Hollywood blockbuster, the response to that blockbuster, and the film which birthed Blaxploitation.  While several may feel these films are problematic, I probably wouldn't disagree.  Nonetheless, I believe that film spectatorship is almost an existential experience.  You might ask what is spectatorship?  It is what Huey Newton says is missing from media audiences, and it is what Toni Morrison says she expects from her readers, to engage with the media/text through critical analysis.  As I've taught this class, I realize that films I used to enjoy, don't have the same meaning.  My spectatorship is evolving.  I'd like you to consider the films that you watch, and see whether or not you can make correlations between one of these films and a film which you enjoy.   What did you discover?  Is your spectatorship evolving or changing?  If so, please include a film to explain how and why.  Your response is due by the beginning of class on Fri., 9/14/18 (Don't forget the rubric on the syllabus).

Unit IV - Blog III

After last night's Common presentation, I'm still hype.  So, I contemplated how to combine what he spoke on with our last unit.  We've discussed Black Lives Matter, Starbucks, Mass Incarceration, the Prison Industrial Complex, Oscar Grant, Jordan Davis and others.  We've watched The 13th and Fruitvale Station.  Both offer suggestions on how to proceed, but how can we identify our role in greatness within and external to us?  Further, I'd like to ask: how will you proceed?  What type of action is it time for from you?  What can you do to (re)construct the narrative of black folks in the media, and how can this impact into our everyday lives?

Due: During class on Fri., 4/27/18 only.

Unit III - Blog II/Spring 2018

The above images are from various films we've both viewed & discussed during Unit III.
From Bulletproof Love to (re)imagined female representations, we've engaged in some thought provoking class discussions.   These films (re)present platforms as sites of resistance.  Black women serve as generals in an all-female Army & Black women are beautiful enough to wear Italian designer clothing while supporting one of their own through a difficult break-up; a Black man evokes a (re)imagined happening which we can all dream of - a bulletproof Black man.  What about the music?  I can close my eyes and hear the drum beat and the chant from "Pray for Me by Weeknd and K."  And, finally, Eric Killmonger commands intellectual respect as he 'corrects' a white woman about African history.  Each of these moments signifies the fire in the spirit of our ancestors - the fire.  Do you think the fire this time is here?  If so, how?  Which film from our discussions supports your position, and why?  Please be specific, and provide examples from both the film and our class.