PHOTO/ George Yin “It’s about cultural representation and integration, not separation or segregation,” Ms. Gaulden said. “It would be ideal if filmmakers made movies that showcase our heritage, success stories and historical contributions, not just our stereotypes.”
By Ella Chan,
Tech Editor
“From a young age, I had a lot of issues with recognizing that I was Black in a community where there’s only, like, three of us,” senior Kaylin Gaulden said. “A lot of people who grow up disconnected to their culture have to live through cinema and social media.”
With the increasing accessibility of films through streaming platforms, the importance of Black representation within cinema has grown. In TC, where 0.5% of the population identifies as African-American according to the U.S. Census Bureau, cinema is uniquely influential.
“Black representation in cinema is important because we want to see our reflection on the screen. We want to see that we matter, that we are part of the kaleidoscope of cultures that exist.” Jennifer Gaulden, Kaylin’s mother, said. “It was really important to me — when Kaylin was growing up — that I show her things that look like her, so that she knew that she existed outside of her own four little walls.”
Black cinema can be an integral tool to understanding Black culture, but it’s best to be careful choosing which films to watch, as many older films featuring Black actors in major roles are focused on the tragedy and brutality of racism. While these are valuable stories to be aware of, the violence can frighten audiences away from trying other Black films.
“ ‘12 Years a Slave’ was the first [Black history] movie I watched, and I was scared after that,” Gaulden said. “I couldn’t watch anything for a while. It wasn’t that I felt disconnected with my culture but I felt scared of my culture.”
It’s important that we not only choose films that won’t scare audiences away, but also ones that accurately represent Black culture and history. In 2020, the Gauldens were disappointed by Temple City’s choice to show “Remember the Titans” for Black History Month, a football film that perpetuates the stereotype of all African-Americans being sports-focused, instead of a more historically relevant movie.
“When I inquired about the movie choice, administration was like, ‘It’s not a good movie to show?’” Ms. Gaulden said. “I thought, ‘Wow. How are you going to help showcase Black History Month and what it represents if you don’t even know that’s not a Black History Movie?’ It was eye-opening.”
The Gauldens hope TC becomes more conscious of Black culture and representation, and suggest movies like “Hidden Figures” and “Malcolm X” for Black History Month, and “The Hate U Give” and “Tangerine” for a more contemporary perspective.