Title
Forgeries of Memory and Meaning: Blacks and the Regimes of Race in American Theater and Film before World War II,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Cedric J. Robinson offers a new understanding of race in America through his analysis of theater and film of the early twentieth century. He argues that economic, political, and cultural forces present in the eras of silent film and the early 'talkies' firmly entrenched limited representations of African Americans.Robinson grounds his study in contexts that illuminate the parallel growth of racial beliefs and capitalism, beginning with Shakespearean England and the development of international trade. He demonstrates how the needs of American commerce determined the construction of successive racial regimes that were publicized in the theater and in motion pictures, particularly through plantation and jungle films. In addition to providing new depth and complexity to the history of black representation, Robinson examines black resistance to these practices. Whereas D. W. Griffith appropriated black minstrelsy and romanticized a national myth of origins, Robinson argues that Oscar Micheaux transcended uplift films to create explicitly political critiques of the American national myth. Robinson's analysis marks a new way of approaching the intellectual, political, and media racism present in the beginnings of American narrative cinema.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Forgeries of Memory and Meaning'? A: The book analyzes race in America through theater and film before World War II, emphasizing how economic, political, and cultural forces shaped representations of African Americans.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Cedric J. Robinson, who provides insights into the historical context of black representation in American media.
- Q: What type of media does the book discuss? A: The book discusses both theater and film, particularly focusing on silent films and early talkies.
- Q: What edition is this book? A: This is the First Edition of 'Forgeries of Memory and Meaning'.
- Q: When was this book published? A: The book was published on December 17, 2007.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains 456 pages.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is listed as 'New'.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: The book falls under the category of History & Criticism.
- Q: What significant themes are explored in the book? A: Significant themes include the construction of racial regimes, black resistance, and critiques of American national myths.
- Q: Is there any specific focus on film directors in the book? A: Yes, the book examines the works of directors like D. W. Griffith and Oscar Micheaux, highlighting their differing approaches to black representation.