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Has the portrayal of African people in movies improved over time?

Vollie Shyram

Yes, the portrayal of African people in movies has improved over time, but there is still a long way to go until we see fair and accurate representations of the vast, diverse, and multifaceted continent.

Historically, Hollywood and other Western film industries have perpetuated harmful stereotypes of African people, often portraying us as primitive, exotic, violent, or simply as background characters and plot devices. These portrayals have not only been inaccurate, but they have also reinforced harmful prejudices and contributed to the marginalization and erasure of African perspectives and stories.

However, in recent years, we are starting to see some progress in this area. African filmmakers are gaining more visibility and recognition, and their movies are challenging the dominant Western narratives and offering more complex and nuanced depictions of African people and cultures. There has also been a push for more diverse casting and hiring practices, as well as initiatives to train and mentor African talent.

Some Hollywood movies have also attempted to represent African cultures and people more authentically and respectfully, such as Marvel's "Black Panther" and "Queen of Katwe". These movies have been well-received by both African and non-African audiences, demonstrating that there is a hunger for more diverse and inclusive representations in mainstream media.

Furthermore, the rise of social media has given more power to African audiences to challenge and critique harmful representations and demand better. Hashtags such as #OscarsSoWhite and #BlackPantherSoLit have brought attention to the lack of diversity in Hollywood and the need for more authentic African representation.

However, there is still a long way to go until African people are truly represented in all their diversity and complexity in movies. Many African movies and stories still struggle to get funding and distribution, and African representation in Hollywood is still limited and tokenistic. Moreover, while some progress has been made in challenging negative stereotypes, new ones have also emerged, such as the "poverty porn" genre that fetishizes and commodifies African suffering.

To truly improve the portrayal of African people in movies, we need to not only challenge harmful stereotypes but also support and amplify African voices and perspectives. We need to invest in African filmmakers and stories, create more opportunities for African actors and crew members, and provide more platforms for African audiences to consume and critique media. Most importantly, we need to recognize that there is no monolithic "African" identity, and that the continent and its people are diverse and dynamic, with rich histories, cultural practices, and achievements that cannot be reduced to simplistic or exoticized tropes.