While watching this film, I have to say I was a bit shocked, to say the least, but Lee's courageous approach at conquering the negative effects of race and stereotypes in the media is definately something that gets your attention.
After some google-ing, I figured out the meaning behind the main characters name-Mantan. Mantan was the name of a famous black-face character in a minstrel show in the 30's who became extremely popular. The use of this name and the other "performer" SleepN'Eat-it is unmistakable what message Lee was trying to embed in his viewers' minds. Dunwitty, the big-wig, white, TV exec and Delacroix, the prim and prober African American character are portrayed at opposite ends of the spectrum...which I think speaks for the gap in our culture. Whether you love this movie or hate it, there is no denying it's impactful message-If the American media doesnt make a change, we will never make progress in race relations and the stereotyping of other races. The way TV, film, music, etc portray blacks isnt much different today than it was almost a century ago; we have to do something now.
My favorite part of the movie that really speaks volumes about its true intention is when the two characters Mantan and Sleen'NEat are performing and one of them says: "Go to your windows and shout, Im not going to take it anymore." (or some version of that saying) To me, this is his call to action, for people to try and make a difference.
While this film is controversial, disturbing, and offensive-it definately makes a point-One that I wont forget anytime soon.
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