Black Hawk Down

Though Black Hawk Down was released in 2001, I am only just now getting around to watching it for the first time. What an ugly movie. Columbus has a high Somali population and apparently they aren't entirely welcome here. I wondered where the nasty stereotypes were coming from. I don't wonder anymore. As popular as this movie was, I am sure it contributed.

For a small taste of some of the issues on cinematic portrayal of the "other," check out the trailer for the movie. Note how "exotic" music and dark color is used to signify the "other" aka the 'enemy' aka crowds of angry/poor black people (notice how the music changes when the American soldiers appear). The whole movie is a mess of poor judgment ranging from the subtle to the blatant.

Maybe this leads into a post soon about how the media treats Africa...or maybe I will just direct you here for starters. I am going to bed.


See Also:
Color of Freedom
Freedom Writers
Ballet Requiem