Ethnic Notions Soundtrack (

Ethnic Notions Soundtrack (1986) cover

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Rating: 8.10/10 from 562 votes
Tags: stereotypes, cultural history, black face
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Ethnic Notions
Title in Italiano:

Ethnic Notions
Title in Português:

Ethnic Notions

Synopsis

Ethnic Notions is Marlon Riggs' Emmy-winning documentary that takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through American history, tracing for the first time the deep-rooted stereotypes which have fueled anti-black prejudice.

Through these images we can begin to understand the evolution of racial consciousness in America. Loyal Toms, carefree Sambos, faithful Mammies, grinning Coons, savage Brutes, and wide-eyed Pickaninnies roll across the screen in cartoons, feature films, popular songs, minstrel shows, advertisements, folklore, household artifacts, even children's rhymes.

These dehumanizing caricatures permeated popular culture from the 1820s to the Civil Rights period and implanted themselves deep in the American psyche. Narration by Esther Rolle and commentary by respected scholars shed light on the origins and devastating consequences of this 150 yearlong parade of bigotry.

Ethnic Notions situates each stereotype historically in white society's shifting needs to justify racist oppression from slavery to the present day. The insidious images exacted a devastating toll on black Americans and continue to undermine race relations.

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Ethnic Notions

User reviews

Joshua Turner
9/10

The soundtrack of Ethnic Notions perfectly captures the emotional depth and historical significance of the documentary. The music enhances the storytelling, creating a powerful and immersive viewing experience.

Robert Baker
6/10

The musical choices in Ethnic Notions serve to deepen the viewer's understanding of the insidious nature of racial caricatures that have permeated American culture.

Carol Davis
6/10

The soundtrack of Ethnic Notions skillfully underscores the evolution of racial consciousness in America, providing a somber backdrop to the portrayal of dehumanizing stereotypes.

Nancy Jones
6/10

The soundtrack of Ethnic Notions serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of racial stereotypes in American society, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nation's history.

Ashley Miller
8/10

The music selection in Ethnic Notions effectively sets the tone for each scene, creating a sense of historical context and emotional resonance that stays with the audience long after the documentary ends.

Melissa Clark
1/10

The use of certain musical cues and motifs can come across as insensitive and tone-deaf, diminishing the power of the storytelling and undermining the important message of the film.

Paul Roberts
6/10

The musical accompaniment in Ethnic Notions enhances the viewer's engagement with the documentary, drawing attention to the lasting impact of these harmful stereotypes.

James Campbell
5/10

The soundtrack of Ethnic Notions effectively complements the documentary's powerful narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of the historical content.

Linda Davis
9/10

The carefully selected compositions in the soundtrack help to underscore the impact of the dehumanizing caricatures depicted in the documentary. The music serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting effects of racial stereotypes and the importance of challenging and dismantling them in society.

Mary Rodriguez
6/10

The soundtrack of Ethnic Notions effectively captures the somber tone of the film, immersing viewers in the dark history of racial prejudice in America.

Carol Wright
10/10

The use of traditional African American music in the soundtrack adds authenticity and cultural richness to the film. The songs evoke a sense of resilience and strength in the face of oppression, highlighting the enduring spirit of the black community throughout history.

Mark Garcia
5/10

The music in Ethnic Notions adds an additional layer of complexity to the documentary, eliciting a range of emotions from the audience as they confront the historical injustices depicted on screen.

Melissa Wilson
5/10

The use of music in Ethnic Notions helps to create a haunting atmosphere that underscores the gravity of the stereotypes and prejudices explored in the film.

Emily Nelson
7/10

The combination of narration by Esther Rolle and the evocative music in the soundtrack creates a compelling narrative that sheds light on the origins and consequences of racial stereotypes in American history.

Amanda Lee
7/10

The use of traditional African American music in the soundtrack adds a layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the storytelling, making it a powerful and engaging experience.

Matthew Gonzalez
1/10

The music chosen for the film at times feels disjointed and out of touch with the gravity of the subject matter, detracting from the overall impact of the narrative.

Daniel Thomas
2/10

The soundtrack of Ethnic Notions fails to adequately capture the emotional weight and historical significance of the documentary's content.

Robert Miller
7/10

The soundtrack of Ethnic Notions perfectly captures the emotional intensity of the documentary, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the deep-rooted stereotypes portrayed.

Carol Miller
6/10

The use of music in Ethnic Notions contributes to the overall atmosphere of the film, creating a sense of reflection and introspection around the themes of racism and oppression.