About the book
The racial ideology of colorblindness has a long history. In 1963, Martin Luther King famously stated, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” However, in the decades after the civil rights movement, the ideology of colorblindness co-opted the language of the civil rights era in order to reinvent white supremacy, fuel the rise of neoliberalism, and dismantle the civil rights movement’s legal victories without offending political decorum. Yet, the spread of colorblindness could not merely happen through political speeches, newspapers, or books. The key, Justin Gomer contends, was film — as race-conscious language was expelled from public discourse, Hollywood provided the visual medium necessary to dramatize an anti–civil rights agenda over the course of the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
In blockbusters like Dirty Harry, Rocky, and Dangerous Minds, filmmakers capitalized upon the volatile racial, social, and economic struggles in the decades after the civil rights movement, shoring up a powerful, bipartisan ideology that would be wielded against race-conscious policy, the memory of black freedom struggles, and core aspects of the liberal state itself.
Editions of White Balance
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469655796
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469655802
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469655826
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469655819
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890856081
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890856074
Read an Excerpt
The racial ideology of colorblindness has a long history. In 1963, Martin Luther King famously stated, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” However, in the decades after the civil rights movement, the ideology of colorblindness co-opted the language of the civil rights era in order to reinvent white supremacy, fuel the rise of neoliberalism, and dismantle the civil rights movement’s legal victories without offending political decorum. Yet, the spread of colorblindness could not merely happen through political speeches, newspapers, or books. The key, Justin Gomer contends, was film — as race-conscious language was expelled from public discourse, Hollywood provided the visual medium necessary to dramatize an anti–civil rights agenda over the course of the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
In blockbusters like Dirty Harry, Rocky, and Dangerous Minds, filmmakers capitalized upon the volatile racial, social, and economic struggles in the decades after the civil rights movement, shoring up a powerful, bipartisan ideology that would be wielded against race-conscious policy, the memory of black freedom struggles, and core aspects of the liberal state itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is White Balance about?
The racial ideology of colorblindness has a long history. In 1963, Martin Luther King famously stated, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” However, in the decades after the civil rights movement, the ideology of colorblindness co-opted the language of the civil rights era in order to reinvent white supremacy, fuel the rise of neoliberalism, and dismantle the civil rights movement’s legal victories without offending political decorum. Yet, the spread of colorblindness could not merely happen through political speeches, newspapers, or books. The key, Justin Gomer contends, was film — as race-conscious language was expelled from public discourse, Hollywood provided the visual medium necessary to dramatize an anti–civil rights agenda over the course of the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
In blockbusters like Dirty Harry, Rocky, and Dangerous Minds, filmmakers capitalized upon the volatile racial, social, and economic struggles in the decades after the civil rights movement, shoring up a powerful, bipartisan ideology that would be wielded against race-conscious policy, the memory of black freedom struggles, and core aspects of the liberal state itself.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in White Balance?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social and ethical issues > Social discrimination and social justice
Where can I read a sample of White Balance?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469655796
How long is White Balance and how many pages does it have?
White Balance has 268 page(s)
Is White Balance part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in United States Culture
Who is/are the Author/s of the book White Balance?
Justin Gomer
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
White Balance is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469655796) and paperback(ISBN 9781469655802) and ebook(ISBN 9781469655826) and ebook(ISBN 9781469655819) and ebook(ISBN 9798890856081) and pdf(ISBN 9798890856074)
Where can I buy White Balance online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy White Balance from below
Where can I buy White Balance?