In the films "Ethnic Notions" and "Birth of a Nation" racism is clearly present. Both films show the representation of blacks in the eyes of white Americans. The film "Birth of a Nation" showed the Ku Klux Klan's hatred for all African Americans, while "Ethnic Notions" took the viewer through the history of some of the common terms for blacks. Some of the terms are "Mammy", "Coon" and Tom. With characters like the "Coon", the producers decided to make this character's main goal to amuse others. He is shown as a complete buffoon who acted like a loon. This character had hair standing on end and was completely harmless to others. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay “Ethnic Notions” is a historical film that takes the viewer through the entire course of American history from the 1920s to the 1980s. The songs, watching the films and seeing all the artifacts is what makes this film such a powerful tool. The film describes some of the terms used to describe African Americans. Until the twentieth century, "Mammy," "Coon," and "Sambo" were all terms used to refer to black Americans. In the movie "Birth of a Nation" all African Americans are seen as villains, while all whites are seen as heroes. African Americans danced and performed for their masters. The film tells the story of the Old South and the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan. A law was once passed requiring whites to salute black officers in the streets, and interracial marriages between blacks and whites made whites seem like a defenseless minority. It was then that a group of men covered in white sheets and hoods fought the blacks. When hooded white men beat black men they were seen as defenders of white women, honor and glory. These men were praised as they restored order and their white supremacy. This is where the title "Birth of a Nation" comes from along with the birth of the Ku Klux Klan. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Both of these films show many misrepresentations by African Americans. In "Birth of a Nation" the "Mammy" is shown in "blackface" played by a white actress. In the films the role of "Mammy" was that of a servant who was stereotypically a very dark and heavy woman who had set her priorities on doing whatever her master or mistress wanted. “Mammy” was shown as a loyal person who protected the white family. He was a powerful person who became a stable figure in every image of the South. The "Mammy" is very similar to the "Coon", but the "Mammy" is shown as totally independent and asexual. Throughout "Ethnic Notions" the "Mammy" and the "Coon" were shown as fun and entertaining. These stereotypes show that African American characters are inferior and subordinate to the white race