Analysis of Color Adjustment - Movie Review Example

Analysis of Color Adjustment Thesis: segregation of blacks is still an important question that should be addressed inthe United States of America; several instances of segregation against the blacks have been witnessed in schools; in politics and other aspects of life. In the movie Color Adjustment, Marlon Riggs thoughtfully and cogently surveys how American television represents Black Americans. Programs such as “Amos ‘n’ Andy” and “The Cosby Show” show the stereotypes that exist in the televisions. Mr. Riggs is of the opinion that the supposed positive images of assimilated, prosperous characters have not changed the notion of racism. Albeit with little variations, they still depict past “bad” images. The producer also brings to light the continuing identity crisis that continues in the American television. He is able to contrast the ideal blacks depicted in sitcoms and sagas with the angrier, harsher ones presented in the news (Riggs et. al. 0:12). In a rather informative and straightforward manner, Marlon draws opinions from producers and stars from notable shows in the history of black television. He occasionally pauses to observe James Baldwin’s literature. Every one of the shows he discusses comes out as a show of both pride and pain. Tim Reid and Diahann Carroll, who were the main actors in popular television series significant in Mr. Riggs’ argument, openly talk about their varied response to “Amos ‘n’ and Andy”, a television show in which the N.A.A.C.P did say: “every temperament is either a crook or a clown.”(Riggs et. al. 0:32) As the film progresses, Ms. Carroll opens up about her family being adamant concerning not watching “Amos ‘n’ Andy.” It is only later that she could see the offensiveness in the show to see its humor (Riggs et. al. 0:25). With chronological procession of the movie, it depicts Beulah, a jolly black servant who is committed to the white family who employs her. “That was a maid from Hollywood,” (Riggs et. al. 0:29) Esther, who starred in “Good Times” quips. In this case, she is referring to the Louse Beavers who was popularly called the grinning actress. She is the one responsible for making Beulah be acceptable to the white viewers. Beulah is black. The film, which debuted at the Anthropology Movie Archives, devoted attention to Nat Cole’s variety show. It signaled the initial non-comedic episodes that that starred black actors, but which was called off due to lack of sponsorship for an entire season. “I was so proud when I saw the elegant man on TV,” (Riggs et. al. 0:31) says Ms. Carroll. In the meantime, Marlon shows the violence over integration that was a coincidence with show’s short lifespan. Ms. Carroll accepts that she was guilty of something they had to do for survival. She also says, “And that is known as adjustments,” (Riggs et. al. 0:33). This implies that she was obliged to make compromises so that she could star in “Julia,” a 1960’s film where acted as a fully assimilated nurse whose race was practically and addendum. Mr. Riggs, well competent for idiocies of television series, briefly extracts a scene, which featured the young son to Julia as a white boy. The white boy explained that Julia was colored. In response, the boy says, “I am equally colored!” The white boy is surprised at this response. Perhaps this is a deliberate colorblind idealism resulted in the attack of the characters of “Julia” and “I Spy” (Riggs et. al. 0:47). Of the two characters, Dr. Henry Gates observes that they were people who could interact with members of “your vicinity” and fail to disturb the people there at all. In my opinion, this significant commentary serves to show that the American television still display stereotypes against the black actors and black people in general. “Uncle Tom and Aunt Jemima are deceased, their spaces taken by assemblage of well-adjusted, amazing youths, intensely literate, scrubbed and well dressed,” Dr. Baldwin mentioned of the black role models. Narrated by Ruby Dee, the movie makes reference to “East Side, West Side,” (Riggs et. al. 0:56) which was well received in New York City and was consciously received by various factions. The summary aside, Colored Adjustments is about racial profiling that in my view goes beyond the works of the producer. I can support Mr. Riggs claims by considering three more articles that show that the American society has not come of age. Black actors are still stereotyped against. They are not given major roles in television series and other productions. When they are given roles, they are given minor roles to play. Perhaps, this serves to show that segregation is still rife in the American society. Mr. Giggs wanted to expose these stereotypes and prejudices and maybe help to create a change in this perception. In the Atlantic Monthly, Randall Kennedy remarked that people who fail to take sides is discussions of racial segregation, only do so for political convenience. I agree with him that racial profiling is to the contrary of the affirmative action. Even in the schools, academic excellence is still a preserve of “those who act white” (Riggs et. al. 0:56). What could help to effect desegregation would be an integration of an inclusive culture that recognizes all Americans as equal and having same capabilities. Michael Omi’s “In Living Color: Race and American Culture” also offers a useful insight into stereotypes and racism in American culture. He notes that racial profiling has been witnessed in sports, music and television. Is the American culture to blame? People are psychological trained to accept the different categorizations that exist in the American culture such that they have become acceptable. Acting White by Buck Stuart is a story that shows how African Americans make their integration into the larger American society difficult. For instance, sometimes they can be perceived to betray their culture when they refuse fail to assume social expectation of the Whites. In conclusion, it is evident that the film Color Adjustment depicts the racial segregation that exists not just in the American television, but also the view of the blacks and the whites that “their” culture is superior. The blacks sometimes fail to conform to the white’s culture and vice versa. As it is, this mentality is not ending soon and will continue to be witnessed in schools, sports, television and other areas. Work Cited Riggs, Marlon T, Vivian Kleiman, Ruby Dee, Esther Rolle, Diahann Carroll, Denise Nicholas, Tim Reid, Norman Lear, Steve Bochco, David L. Wolper, Deborah Hoffmann, Mary Watkins, Rick Butler, and Michael Anderson. Color Adjustment. San Francisco, Calif: California Newsreel, 1991. Read More