The Tragic Mulatto
"The Tragic Mulatto" is a character type in some films of the 20th century. Based on the lives of half white, half black women of the time who often appeared white. The tragic part comes from the difficulties these women suffered, living in a time where they were rejected by the white population for having black blood and by the black population for not appearing black. Notable films include Imitation of Life (1934 & 1959) and Show Boat (1951) |
The Acceptable Face of Blackness
With progression of the Civil rights movement came the emergence of a new type of black star, most famously Sidney Poitier. Blacks started to get cast alongside white characters, in roles that were non-threatening, middle class and dignified. |