Racially Integrated Films? Segregation, Marginalization and Audience Receptions

• In Event: 034 - Regular Session. Media Sociology: Mass Media and Popular Culture

Abstract

Historical and contemporary racism in the U.S. film industry may not be news to sociologists. While most research has focused on analyzing the representations of Black Americans on the screen and pointed to racial segregation in Hollywood, few studies have examined what racially integrated films look like and where they are located vis-à-vis audience reception. In this paper, we examined the 100 highest-grossing films in the period between 1995 and 2010 to examine the contemporary status of Black representations both on and off screen and their receptions by the broad audience in the U.S. and on the global stage. In analyzing our findings, we apply the conceptual framework of racial segregation and integration. Regarding “racial integration” in films, we argue for the two-way considerations in the filmmaking process and the audience reception of “Black films.” We identify different types of “racially integrated films” and their implications in the earnings charts. The findings show that in the 15-year period, the number of major films with Black actors in supporting roles shows the upward trend, the number of films with African American actors in major roles has not changed much. Also, Black films portraying Afrocentric themes and perspectives have continuously received limited attention. We explore different aspects of filmmaking to assess the degree of racial integration in the film industry.

Authors

• Minjeong Kim, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Rachelle Jeneane Brunn, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Kimberly Johnson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University