Ethnic Notions
Ethnic Notions is Marlon Riggs' Emmy-winning documentary that takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through American history, tracing for the first time the deep-rooted stereotypes which have fueled anti-Black prejudice. Through these images we can begin to understand the evolution of racial consciousness in America.
Loyal Toms, carefree Sambos, faithful Mammies, grinning Coons, savage Brutes, and wide-eyed Pickaninnies roll across the screen in cartoons, feature films, popular songs, minstrel shows, advertisements, folklore, household artifacts, even children's rhymes. These dehumanizing caricatures permeated popular culture from the 1820s to the Civil Rights period and implanted themselves deep in the American psyche.
Narration by Esther Rolle and commentary by respected scholars shed light on the origins and devastating consequences of this 150 yearlong parade of bigotry. Ethnic Notions situates each stereotype historically in white society's shifting needs to justify racist oppression from slavery to the present day. The insidious images exacted a devastating toll on Black Americans and continue to undermine race relations.
Ethnic Notions has quickly become a mainstay of university, high school, and public library collections. It is a basic audio visual text for American History, Sociology, Black Studies, Anthropology, Social Psychology, Media Studies, and any training program concerned with stereotyping and cross-cultural understanding.
Approaching a complex and delicate subject with great sensitivity, Ethnic Notions equips viewers to view media and other cultural representations with a more critical eye. It's a direct challenge to those who say, "It was just a joke."
"Riggs packs enough in one hour to fill a documentary three times its length! Hearing the songs, watching the films and seeing all the artifacts are what make Ethnic Notions roll with the power of a juggernaut... It’s nothing short of astounding."
New York Post
"Decades of studying Afro-American history did not prepare me for the devastating impact of one-and-one-half centuries'worth of vicious racial stereotyping. Anyone claiming to understand our nation's past must see this documentary."
Nell Irvin Painter, Professor Emerita, Princeton University
"Downright superb! The visual presentation packs a wallop that would be impossible with worlds alone. Because it covers the entire course of American history from the 1820s, it will be useful for US history survey courses, as well as sociology and social psychology. I can think of very few people who would not benefit from seeing it."
Winthrop Jordan, University of Mississippi
"Disturbing but absorbing! With no rancor and considerable scholarship it lays out how stereotypes helped white society justify slavery, segregation and even lynchings."
Los Angeles Times
"A classic! Should be required viewing for every American. It helps us better understand the dangers of Black stereotypes so deeply rooted in our culture."
William Ferris, former Executive Director, National Endowment for the Humanities
"A historically accurate, thoughtful, skillfully-crafted treatment of the racial stereotypes and images that have plagued Black people since slavery. It is a compelling documentary, a superb teaching aid, and an impressive work of art."
Darlene Clark Hine, Northwestern University
Ethnic Notions
Awards
National Emmy Award
Links
For further information on racist representations of African Americans throughout history visit The Jim Crow Racist Memorabilia Museum
Read the New York Times opinion piece, "How Blackface Feeds White Supremacy" by Brent Staples.
To honor Marlon Riggs’ important cultural legacy as well as to facilitate the appreciation for and use of his work, we have created a Marlon Riggs Critical Resource page featuring articles, guides, transcripts and media.
Transcripts
Ethnic Notions transcript
Ways to Watch
Educational Streaming
Recommended for Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations
Community Screening
Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (where no admission is charged)
Home Viewing
48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply