About the book
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.
Editions of Forgeries of Memory and Meaning
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807831489
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807858417
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890881694
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469606750
Read an Excerpt
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forgeries of Memory and Meaning about?
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.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Forgeries of Memory and Meaning?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity
Where can I read a sample of Forgeries of Memory and Meaning?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807831489
How long is Forgeries of Memory and Meaning and how many pages does it have?
Forgeries of Memory and Meaning has 456 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Forgeries of Memory and Meaning?
Cedric J. Robinson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Forgeries of Memory and Meaning is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807831489) and paperback(ISBN 9780807858417) and ebook(ISBN 9798890881694) and ebook(ISBN 9781469606750)
Where can I buy Forgeries of Memory and Meaning online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Forgeries of Memory and Meaning?