What are Blaxploitation Films?
The rise of blaxploitation films became rather prominent in the 1970s. It could be seen in an increase in the number of films that had settings or narratives that focused heavily on the Northeast, or West Coast. In which characters interacted in predominantly poor, urban neighborhoods. Perhaps youâve heard the term, âblaxploitation films?â before, but do you know what it means? So, what are blaxploitation films?
What are Blaxploitation Films?
They were representative of a particular era of filmmaking in which black genre cinema evolved in the 1970s. This resulted in narratives that are largely set in the Northeast or West Coast, within poor suburban neighborhoods. Blaxploitation films center around black casts.
The term blaxploitation was originally controversial and stereotypical, not welcomed by those responsible for the groundbreaking cinema. But over time, this era of filmmaking would become not only widely accepted. But ironically representative of this particular period of cinema.
Blaxploitation Film Genre
Blaxploitation films typically had a common theme. They all had the narrative that essentially includes a focus on âfighting the manâ. Moreover, âthe manâ was represented by oppressive white bigots.
Dating back to the 1970s, many of these films touched on the stereotypies that were representative of the black culture with narratives that touched on:
- Stereotypical drug dealing, violence and sex.
- Pimps, street hustlers, drug dealers.
The Exploitation
Unfortunately, for all the good that could have come from the blaxploitation film genre. Furthermore, these stereotypes and the actors that played roles in the stereotypical narrative were criticized for their eagerness to cash in.
As such, prominent African Americans would then challenge the actors and actresses involved in the films, stating that they were not presenting the black community in an appropriate manner.
An attempt at defense
As a result of the criticism that came about, many studios and directors would attempt to defend blaxploitation films. They stated that they were fulfilling the demand of the viewers, those interested in the narratives and the storylines that were being produced.
These studios were just attempting to connect with the African American audiences at the time, but their attempts would continue to be criticized.
The End of an Era
Blaxploitation films essentially exploited African Americans drawing stereotypical connections that would only escalate the struggle between those African Americans that sought equality and acceptance.
The era would end around 1979, although hundreds of blaxploitation films would be created during the short, 8 year phase.
