Movie nights are some of the best nights. Just picture it: popping popcorn, settling into your couch, and hitting ‘play’ on a movie…only to realize its racial portrayals were a bit off! Or a LOT off? Let’s dive into some films that might make you rethink movie night. But remember, these are glimpses of past mindsets, so cringe but learn!
Aladdin (1992)
While we all love the adventures of the street-smart Aladdin and his magic carpet, the mix of various Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures can’t be overlooked. Plus, the original lyrics of its opening song had rather uncharming lines. Genie’s humor might distract, but the cultural mishmash is hard to ignore.
The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932)
This movie is a classic example of “Yellow Peril” fear. The character Fu Manchu, an Asian villain, embodies all the negative stereotypes Hollywood could muster. Pitted against a heroic white protagonist, it’s a film that shows a glaring cultural insensitivity, portraying Asians as menacing threats.
Borat (2006)
While Sacha Baron Cohen’s satire aims to reveal the prejudices of the people Borat encounters, the portrayal of Kazakhstan and its people goes into murky waters. From the fictitious version of the national anthem to his exaggerated behavior, the line between humor and offense can get blurry here.
Gone With the Wind (1939)
Epic in its storytelling and a classic by any standard, this film’s portrayal of the American South during the Civil War era is rather rose-tinted. Characters like Mammy and Prissy are loaded with racial stereotypes. While the movie may win on the love front, its racial perspectives fall short.
The Toy (1982)
Here, a rich white kid ends up “purchasing” a black journalist, played by Richard Pryor. If the start of the movie alone doesn’t raise eyebrows, the unfolding events are full of racial overtones that leave many viewers stunned. It was meant to be a comedy, but it often misses the mark in many ways.
Song of the South (1946)
Disney’s controversial take on post-Civil War America is a difficult watch. Uncle Remus’ stories might be captivating, but the film’s rosy view of plantation life is questionable. In fact, it’s so controversial that Disney has kept it away from modern streaming platforms. And rightly so!
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Iconic for Audrey Hepburn’s look and its title song, this film is equally infamous for Mickey Rooney’s Mr. Yunioshi. It’s an exaggerated, racially insensitive portrayal of a Japanese man, which takes away from the film’s overall charm and leaves modern audiences cringing about the film’s views on race.
The Sheik (1921)
Romance blooms in the desert, but not without its problems. The passionate Arab Sheik and his fascination with a white woman symbolize exoticism and stereotypes. It paints the Middle East with broad strokes, often missing the nuances of the culture.
The Littlest Rebel (1935)
While Shirley Temple’s charm is undeniable, the film’s light-hearted portrayal of plantation life is hard to digest. With the Civil War as a backdrop, the movie’s approach to race and slavery is quite naive, and it’s far from the truth of the real slavery experience.
300 (2006)
A visual treat with its stylistic battles, but the portrayal of Persians is controversial. The film puts the noble Greeks against the almost demonic Persians, loaded with racial ideas that could leave historians and cultural enthusiasts gritting their teeth.
Mandingo (1975)
Attempting to shine a light on the brutalities of slavery, this film often veers into exploitation territory. By focusing on forbidden relationships and racial stereotypes, it sometimes overshadows the very issues it tries to highlight. At least it tried!
Notorious (1946)
Hitchcock’s genius is well established, but “Notorious” fumbles in its representation of ethnicity. The characterization of Sebastian’s mother plays on fears of the foreign “other,” proving that even legends sometimes miss the mark.
The Eternal Jew (1940)
More than just a movie, this Nazi propaganda piece sought to vilify Jewish people, presenting them in a horribly negative light. Its historical and social implications make it one of the most racist films of all time, especially given the context where it came from.
Charlie Chan films (1920s-1940s)
Despite their popularity, these films have a glaring issue. The Asian detective Charlie Chan was regularly portrayed by white actors in yellowface. This not only robbed actors of color of key roles but also encouraged racial insensitivities.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
It’s a coming-of-age tale with a side of racial stereotypes. Long Duk Dong, the foreign exchange student, is an uncomfortable medley of Asian stereotypes, reminding viewers that even beloved 80s films have their flaws.
The Birth of a Nation (1915)
It was groundbreaking in its filmmaking techniques but equally infamous for its content. The film’s portrayal of African Americans is not just offensive but dangerous, as it glamorizes the Ku Klux Klan and its acts.
The Love Guru (2008)
Mike Myers takes on the role of an American raised in an Indian ashram. Though intended as a comedy, it often relies on cheap laughs at the expense of Indian culture, making viewers wonder where humor ends and insensitivity begins.
Soul Man (1986)
This story is about a white guy who resorts to blackface to get a scholarship for black students. This comedic take on race is riddled with issues, making viewers question its intent and execution. It’s definitely not a good movie.
