Ethnic Minorities in the American Film Industry

Mgr. Lucie Pezlarová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

In this diploma thesis I have attempted to chronilogise the development of stereotypes in the American film industry and the influence of social and political changes on the development. A stereotype is a simplified and standardised image given special meaning and considered common by a group. Stereotypes surround us and influence our everyday lives. However, they do so less to some people than to members of ethnic minorities. Stereotypes have been part of human society for a long time and have not yet disappeared. First they were institutionalised in literature, then on stage and afterwards in mass media. The thesis is divided into nine chapters dealing with individual periods in the development of film industry and consequently the development of stereotypes. The first two chapters focus on historical factors influencing the development of stereotypes and their creation; they deal with the epoch before the invention of film. The chapter entitled Suggestions on Methodology presents ideas on practical usage of films in classroom lessons.

Keywords

ethnic minorities, film industry, American, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, Latinos, Hispanics

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 12. 6. 2006

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 12. 6. 2006
• Vedúci: M.A. Michael George

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Master programme / odbor:
Teacher Training for Secondary Schools / Upper Secondary School Teacher Training in English Language and Literature