Political Correctness In Blazing Saddles

The world of film has changed dramatically over the last fifty years, both in technology and perceptions on how the industry should work and how it is viewed by the public. The ending of the production code in Hollywood started the cultural change in the industry. With this restrictive institution gone, many directors chose to take advantage of this in many different ways. My favorite of these is Mel Brooks; he chose to break and push boundaries both socially and comedically. Brooks’ style often includes crude humor inlaid with deeper jokes and meaning, many fourth wall breaking moments such as the “We’re in now now” scene of Spaceballs, to stand out in the world of comedy. His masterpiece, Blazing Saddles, is one such film that did just that. Through its new found sense of humor in the post production code era and its twists on common genre tropes of the time, Blazing Saddles was able to find its place into the New Hollywood Cinema.

Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles, sheds light to the cultural problems of the Western era through satire with elements of parody within. John Vogel describes Blazing Saddles as “The Ultimate Western Spoof.” The problem of racism is the main focus of this film. If one takes a closer look at the work of Mel Brooks, there is a noticeable trend of his films pointing fingers at racists. In order to better understand why he takes this

Blazing Saddles, a Mel Brooks film, is a perfect example of satire. The main object of the movie is to make fun of the western genre of films. Mel Brooks is notorious for his satires of many different films and film genres, and Blazing Saddles follows true to form. Many of the film’s ideas and problems are common in most westerns, although Mel Brooks has added a twist. In addition, the movie pokes fun at a more modern theme, racism.

When racism is used in comedy, it tends to normalize racial stereotypes and then these stereotypes become common sense. This film in particular helps “classify our world in terms of the categories of race” (Hall). As viewers, either white or black, we can’t help but receive the film as offensive. White chicks has managed to offend most of the demographic of their audience. Depicting white people as pretentious and rich and black people in a derogatory manner is offensive, no matter how you spin it. But as a film in the comedy genre, the viewers know that the media text was meant as a joke. So people could find the stereotype jokes were funny, because there is truth to them (which is indicative of a problem of normalized racial

However, while poking fun at the problems of inter-racial romance, the movie reminds viewers that discrimination and stereotypes are still alive and well in the new millennium.

A successful movie is decided by gross revenue of the movie. Most writers and directors base on the world 's histories, the reality society, and the favorite people 's style to make their successful movies. Indeed, the writers are responsible for writing the script. Once they have handed over the script that is pretty much the end of their creative involvement with the movie. The directors control film 's artistic and dramatic aspects, and visualizes the script while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of filmmaking. Therefore, the writers and the directors are the most important people who make a successful movie. Even though, the writers and the directors are the main people who create the content of the film, they do not have a responsibility to avoid stereotyping ethnic characters in the movie because it is just the connection between the audiences and the actors or actress, it is the way to increase the business of filmmakers and the writers, and it is just the way to review the world 's history.

Racism is still an issue in the United States of America. Many authors of satirical cartoons such as The Boondocks and Black Dynamite have emphasized these events in a satirical manner to try to get the American public involved and stop the racial oppression that is occurring. However, many audience members do not take these types of shows seriously and view them as a joke rather than a serious topic. As the majority of audience members not taking satirical shows such as The Boondocks and Black Dynamite seriously has led to the support of racism instead of the abolishment of it.

What images come to mind as one reflects upon his or her childhood? Playgrounds, blackboards, and soccer balls may be among the fondest of memories. Yet, for many, mermaids swim their thoughts, princesses get swept off their feet, and lions roar to their royal place in the animal kingdom. Disney films have captivated the American culture for years and have become a pivotal part of popular culture as well as a form of education. However, these films have devoured the youth of America and, in the process; have perpetuated an institutionally racist society based on harsh stereotypes. Minorities are often underrepresented, and even completely left out, of many Disney films such as Dumbo (1941), The Lion King (1994), Aladdin (1992), and

Films have the power to both influence and reflect society. The stereotypes prevalent throughout American culture are reflected in most films. While the United States is becoming an increasingly diverse country, this diversity is not portrayed within American cinema. Minority figures often occupy

On April 22,2015, about a dozen Native American actors walked off the set of Adam Sandlers movie. Brandon Griggs, Senior producer of CNN Digital, describes that the actors found the “satirical Western’s script as insulting to Native Americans and women-.” Sandler planned to use sayings such as “Beavers Breath” and “No Bra,” which the actors brought attention to these slurs, but were quickly replied by producers that, “ If you guys are so sensitive, you should leave” (Griggs). The media is obviously insensitive to their negative connotations towards their culture. Hill, a Choctaw actor explained that, “We understand that this is a comedy.We understand this is humor, but we won’t tolerate the disrespect” (Griggs). The movie portrayed inaccurate housing such as the teepees, unrealistic costuming, and white actors playing the roles of Native Americans (Griggs). Some may argue that the film isn’t for educational or realistic purposes, therefore the movie shouldn’t be criticized for such reasons,yet the disrespect is inevitable. These stereotypes heavily affect our Natives and encourage to keep them as people of the past. The Indigenous society takes great pride in their culture, but the misrepresentation hinders the rest of society to gain respect for their

Blaxploitation movies in American society were at an all time high in the 1970’s. They gained popularity during and after the civil rights movement due to the influence African Americans were having on society. The movie Coffy, directed by Jack Hill and release in 1973, is a great example of how Blaxploitation movies reinforced the stereotypes that already exist about black men and women. Young African American filmmakers, made lots of these types of movies in order to appeal to the young African American crowd. In the article “Baadasss Gangstas: The Parallel Influences, Characteristics and Criticisms of the Blaxploitation Cinema and Gangsta Rap”, by Dustin Engels, it says, “African American artists began using their mediums to appeal directly to black audiences in an attempt to spawn cultural movements that would display and bring to the forefront the cultural, social and economic struggles of the African American experience.” The African American that was originally making these films had a positive purpose and wanted to spread social consciousness in the best way they could.

This essay is going to discuss about racism in comedy and in addition to that it is also going to look at whether it is acceptable for comedians to use certain racial words for example when black comedians use the word “Nigger”. Also it is going to look at how different audience put up with this kind of material, but first of all it is going to look at the actual word itself and where in the blue marble that we call earth it originated from.

Throughout the history of motion pictures, prejudice directors have used film to control how the general public views certain demographics of people. In particular, the black community has historically been viewed in a negative light. Stereotypes were created through literature and film that still affect African Americans. Directors and writers would create relatable stories and attach demeaning traits to black people that have qualities in common with Black Americans. This would force readers and viewers to subconsciously attach these stereotypes black people. Examples of these stereotypes can be found in Uncle Tom’s Cabin and The Birth of a Nation. Derogatory terms such as “Bucks,” “Toms,” “Coons,” and “Mulattos”, have put African

According to the Word Police,  political correctness has some disadvantages. In each case , “the would be censor aspires to suppress what he or she finds distasteful   all of course in the name of public good” So this does limit what you have to say.Another Speaking out could cause violence or squabbles.

All of this proves that Hollywood is not doing a good job in making up for the blatantly racist films of the twentieth century. Hollywood needs to do more to reverse the stereotypes of early film because such stereotypes are still seen today along with their respective repercussions.