Blaxploitation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Blaxploitation is a film genre from the 1970s featuring Black protagonists, often in action-packed roles, aimed at Black audiences. It addressed racial issues but was sometimes criticized for stereotypes.
Definition:
A film genre from the 1970s featuring Black actors in stereotypical, often exploitative roles.
Synonyms:
exploitation films, urban cinema, racial stereotypes
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
empowerment cinema, inclusive representation
Common Collocations:
blaxploitation films, blaxploitation era, blaxploitation soundtrack
Derivatives:
blaxploitative, blaxploiter
Usage Tips:
Use to describe 1970s films targeting Black audiences with exaggerated stereotypes and action-packed plots.
Common Phrases:
"Shaft, " "Super Fly, " "Foxy Brown"
Etymology:
Blend of "Black" and "exploitation," coined in the 1970s for films capitalizing on Black culture stereotypes.
Examples:
- 1. The movie *Shaft* is a classic example of blaxploitation.
- 2. Blaxploitation films often featured funk soundtracks and antihero protagonists.
- 3. Critics argue blaxploitation reinforced negative stereotypes about Black communities.
- 4. Many modern filmmakers pay homage to the blaxploitation genre’s style.