The stereotypical will be televised

When Hattie McDaniel won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role as “Mammy” in the film “Gone With the Wind, ” it was a bittersweet moment in African-American history.
This win was a first by an African American. A spot for Black actors and actresses was claimed upon the “elite.” However, there was a bitter side for the role which McDaniel won the coveted award. “Mammy” quickly became a stereotypical character in film and TV from that moment on.
Other stock characters of that era and before were the “carefree Sambo,” the “grinning Coon” and the wide-eye “Pickaninny.” The “Sambo” does not have a care in the world. He is portrayed as jobless with no ambition to succeed.
The “Coon” describes a character that was not quite ready for the advancements of the North after slavery was abolished in the South. They are in awe of “richness” and improvements.
The wide-eyed “Pickaninny” is a stereotype geared toward Black children who are “dirty, ill-mannered and under-achievers.”
One critic’s blame could be pointed to the highly controversial 1915 film”The Birth of a Nation.” According to a review by the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library, “Black characters (were) depicted and shown as thieves, coons, untrustworthy, and decadent, as servants, mulattos, (and) dominant mammies.”
The question is “are these images still seen today in the entertainment industry?”
Just do a little channel surfing.
The “Sambo” can clearly be seen in Marlon Wayan’s character in the film, “Mo Money.” A prime example of the “grinning Coon” can be seen in the character “Jazz” on the now sydincated sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Belle Air.” “Picaninnies” can be seen in black animation such as “Bebe’s Kids and the Eddie Murphy creation, “the PJ’s.”
While these stock characters may be a little difficult to recognize at first glance, there are the obvious that are becoming increasingly common in film and television. For instance, the lovable drug addict is quickly becoming a staple in film. The popular movie “Friday” proves just that.
In addition, the “black side-kick cop” can be seen. This dates back to movies such as “48 Hours,” “Lethal Weapon” and “Rush Hour.” In the up-coming feature, “Showtime,” starring Robert Dinero and Eddie Murphy, the two are “TV cops” starring in a reality police TV program.
While the producers are frantically searching for a partner for Dinero’s character, one makes the comment, “We need one of those funny, minority types.”
Thus, the question is clearly answered. Stereotypes of African Americans are present in today’s entertainment industry. Will they be present tomorrow? Well, that is up to the audience.