Ethnic motions

Ethnic notions documents the dynamic interplay between popular culture and racial tensions in America. Narrated by actress Esther Rollem this one hour work examines caricatures of Black Americans as Coon, Mammy, Uncle, Pickaninny and Sambo. Un careful detail it illustrates how these images shaped and mirrored changing attitudes toward race. Ethnic notions traverses more than 100 years of rights era of the sixties. In a compelling tapestry of cultural artifacts, the documentary interviewes fiction, folklore, theater, music, animation, newsreel, and film clips. Narration and commentary by scholars provide historical context. The result is a sobering analysis of cultural racism in America. Ethnic notions was broadcast by San Francisco public Television stations KDED during February 1987. A Variety review said: “This well-crafted documentary… is compelling, timely and underscores, with historic accuracy, latent racism in this nation. “Other reviews praised the documentary as “fascinating”, “provocative”, “unflinching.” Public response from the broadcast and subsequent community screenings have all struck a deep emotional chord in viewers and inspired lively discussion. PBS is tentatively scheduling a national airing for February 1988. In the meantime, Ethnic notions documentary is receiving numerous film festival awards, among them: Best Documentary, 1987 San Francisco International Film Festival Golden Gate Awards; Golden Apple (First Prize), 1987 National Educational Film & Video Festival; Red Ribbon, 1987 American Film & Video Festival; and Paul Robeson Award for Best Documentary, 1987 Newark Museum of Black Filmmakers Festival.