Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots)
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Herzing University *
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HU340-7A
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Arts Humanities
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Feb 20, 2024
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Uploaded by janayxdownes
Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots ) 1
Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots)
Janay X Downes
Herzing University
Humanities & Contemporary Pop Culture
Professor James Weatherford
December 17, 2023
2
Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots) Abstract
The miniseries "Roots" stands as an iconic and groundbreaking depiction of the African American experience, offering a sweeping narrative that traces the historical journey of one family from enslavement to post-Civil War liberation (Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25). While widely celebrated for its courageous exploration of a painful chapter in American history, "Roots" has not escaped scrutiny, particularly for its portrayal of African American characters. This analysis delves into one prominent aspect of critique: the portrayal of African Americans primarily as victims of brutal oppression and suffering under the institution of slavery. The raised questions about potential stereotypes and biases embedded within the narrative. Examining these elements reveals not only the role of "Roots" in communicating and potentially reinforcing stereotypes but also the broader implications of popular culture in shaping societal perceptions. Furthermore, this exploration emphasizes the importance of countering stereotypes by promoting awareness, showcasing diverse narratives, and encouraging critical thinking. In envisioning a revised artifact, we consider how the series could present a more balanced and nuanced representation, acknowledging the complexities, achievements, and resilience of African American individuals and communities throughout history. Through this analysis, we aim to engage with the multifaceted nature of storytelling, recognizing both the impact and the responsibility inherent in presenting historical narratives on screen (Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25).
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Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots) Biases in the Artifact:
1.
Victimhood Bias:
The series exhibits a bias towards depicting African characters as victims, potentially oversimplifying their experiences and limiting the exploration of their agency and resilience. By focusing predominantly on the sufferings of the characters, the series might
inadvertently reinforce a one-dimensional perspective of African-Americans solely through the lens of historical oppression(Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25).
2.
Homogenization Bias:
Africa is often portrayed as a homogenous entity in the series, overlooking the diverse cultures, societies, and histories present on the continent. This bias may contribute to a monolithic representation of Africa and its people, neglecting the rich tapestry of distinct traditions and customs across various regions.
Role of Pop Culture in Communicating Stereotypes:
The role of popular culture, including films like "Roots," is pivotal in shaping societal perceptions
and reinforcing stereotypes. In this case, the series plays a significant role in communicating and perpetuating stereotypes related to African American history and culture. Popular culture often simplifies narratives for storytelling purposes, and while this can enhance accessibility and engagement, it may come at the expense of nuanced and accurate portrayals(Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25).
Countering the Stereotypes:
1.
Educate and Promote Awareness:
One effective strategy for countering stereotypes is to encourage audiences to educate themselves on the complexities of history. Providing additional context and historical information can help individuals recognize when stereotypes are being perpetuated.
2.
Show Diverse Narratives:
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Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots)
Counteracting stereotypes involves showcasing diverse narratives within African American history. Beyond just focusing on struggles, the revised narrative could highlight the achievements, cultural contributions, and resilience of African American communities(Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25).
3.
Encourage Critical Thinking:
Promoting critical thinking is essential in addressing stereotypes. Audiences should be encouraged to question and analyze the portrayal of characters and events in popular culture, fostering awareness and the ability to challenge stereotypes.
Revised Artifact:
The miniseries "Roots" serves as a pivotal exploration of the African American experience, offering a compelling narrative that traces the historical journey of one family from enslavement to post-Civil War liberation. While the series has been widely commended for its courage in delving into the painful realities of American history, it has also faced criticism for potentially perpetuating negative stereotypes and biases, particularly in its portrayal of African Americans primarily as victims of brutal oppression.
In envisioning a revised artifact, it is crucial to approach the narrative with a commitment to showcasing the resilience, agency, and cultural richness of the African American community. By providing a more balanced representation, the revised artifact aims to counter negative biases, fostering a nuanced understanding of the complexities and contributions of African American individuals and communities throughout history.
1. Balancing Victimhood with Resilience:
The revised artifact will actively strive to strike a balance between acknowledging the historical struggles faced by African Americans and highlighting their resilience and agency. By showcasing instances of strength, resistance, and triumph, the narrative seeks to move beyond a singular focus on victimhood.
2. Diverse African Representations:
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Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots) To counter the potential bias of homogenizing Africa, the revised artifact will intentionally represent the continent in a diverse light. It will explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, languages, and histories across different regions. Factual examples will be woven into the narrative, showcasing the vibrant diversity of African societies.
Example: The series might delve into the profound cultural contributions of various African civilizations, such as the Mali Empire's scholarly achievements or the artistry of the Benin Kingdom.
3. Complex Characterization:
The revised artifact will focus on developing characters with depth and complexity, avoiding one-
dimensional portrayals. By presenting multifaceted personalities with individual aspirations and experiences, the narrative aims to move beyond simplistic stereotypes((Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25).
Example: Characters may be depicted as not solely defined by their historical circumstances but as individuals with unique talents, dreams, and relationships. This could include showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals or the resilience of familial bonds.
4. Celebrating Achievements:
Beyond acknowledging historical struggles, the revised artifact will intentionally highlight the achievements and contributions of African American communities. This approach seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their multifaceted history.
Example: The narrative could explore the intellectual and artistic achievements of African Americans throughout history, from the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary contributions in various fields. In this reimagined version, "Roots" becomes a platform for not only educating audiences about historical injustices but also for celebrating the richness and diversity of African American culture. By consciously countering negative biases, the revised artifact aims to foster a more inclusive and accurate portrayal that encourages viewers to appreciate the enduring strength and vibrancy of the African American community(Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25).
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Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots) In conclusion, while "Roots" is a significant and impactful portrayal of African American history, it is not
exempt from criticism for potentially perpetuating certain stereotypes. A thoughtful revision that considers these critiques and incorporates a more nuanced and diverse representation would contribute to a more accurate and respectful portrayal of African American experiences (Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25).
References
Clay, S. (2023, Jul 25). HOW 'ROOTS' MADE TELEVISION HISTORY AND CHANGED AMERICAN CULTURE. Philadelphia Tribune Retrieved from https://prx-herzing.lirn.net/login?
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Artifact of Popular Culture (Roots) url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/how-roots-made-television-history-changed/docview/
2847079196/se-2
Letters: Roots of slavery in america go back thousands of years. (2019, Aug 28). Saint Paul Pioneer Press Retrieved from https://prx-herzing.lirn.net/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/letters-roots-
slavery-america-go-back-thousands/docview/2281568560/se-2