The Representation of Black People in Film and Social Media

Growing up with my older sister Rachael, at first hand I saw the effects of bullying and how it weakened her self-esteem.

I saw how she viewed herself and how she viewed others around her. It was a journey of learning to love herself again. I remember the days she would come home crying because of how she was being treated in school.

I watched her blossom into a beautiful strong woman who seeks to teach others self-love and the strength they have inside too. I interviewed my sister and talked to her about her experiences of growing up as a black teenager in society.

Representation of Black People in the Media Today

"I started #BlackGirlsAreMagic to honour the Black women in my family and all around me that I saw doing incredible things, so much so that they appeared to be magical to me." - CaShawn Thompson.

Black Girl Magic

Black Girl Magic is a movement founded in 2013 by blogger CaShawn Thompson. However, this movement was shown worldwide in 2016 by prominent celebrities such as Ryan Destiny, Yara Shahidi, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o and Laura Harrier. This movement was created to celebrate the power and beauty of black women.

I believe that there are a lot of positive representations of black women and men. Some films today, however, still tell the boring stereotypical narrative that subjects the black race to just gangs and drugs. However, many do not. Here is a list of films that have changed the overused narrative!

Black Panther

“Ryan Coogler delivered the best black superhero film of all time with Shakespearean twists, epic chase scenes, and a palpable love between the characters. It’s no wonder it had one of the biggest opening weekends ever.” - Complex.

Black Panther is an astounding film. I believe it was very crucial for young people to see. I loved the creative use of visuals and the unpredictable storyline.

Black Panther takes you to a new world of Wakanda and the film allows you to feel a part of it. The superheroes give you a feeling of pride, showing beautiful representations of strong women and men.

Bulletproof 2 (2020)

“Hilarious comedy. On screen bromance is extremely entertaining! Expect the unexpected.” - Newsproof.

Bulletproof 2 brings back Jack Carter and Archie Moses in this fantastic action comedy. Hilarious, charming and witty Special Agent team up together and are assigned to take down a powerful South African crime family. As Carter and Moses face hard tasks and enemies, they must fight to stay alive whilst figuring out an international multi-million dollar laundering scheme.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

"But it feels more than anything else to be destined for junior-high science classrooms — which, if the film reinforces anything, is a noble venue in its own right." - Vulture.

This film is one of my personal favourites. Heartfelt and pure, Chiwetel Ejiofor beautifully depicted the life of a 13 year old boy who deals with poverty and a difficult family life. He chases his dream and is determined to fulfil it. William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba) does not allow his lack of education stop him from gaining wisdom from life. The film portrays the themes of love, loss and faith.

By Rhea Dehaney