Melvin Van Peebles' Classified X (1998)

Classified X examines the treatment of black characters throughout the history of American cinema. With candor and wit, Melvin Van Peebles explores the institutionalization of racism in Hollywood.

Good video for my class

Here is one of two presentations that I show to my class every year following a discussion on stereotypes. This is a no BS presentation that shows how images have been maniupulated through the decades of film.
I finally bought the DVD so it could be stopped and discussed. Since I teach African American History all year round instead of just during February, this video is one that I always have available. My suggestion is to also find a copy of the Bill Cosby video "Black History: Lost, Stolen, Strayed" if you can and show or watch right before this one. March 2, 2006

Truthful

This is a very informative DVD. Melvin Van Peebles is a master of entertainment. He gives a very informative and accurate overview of the history of Black Cinema. I recommend this DVD to anyone who is interested in exploring the true roots of African-Americans in film. We have come a long way from Step N Fetchit!!! February 24, 2006

In defense of classic African-American performers....

The reviewer who claims that "samboing" black performers of vintage Hollywood were not funny is both right and wrong. Some of them were not funny, but some of those African-American artists were very funny entertainers who were extremely talented even if they had to do some "samboing" to showcase their talents. Performers like Moreland and Rochester were nothing short of highly talented comedic geniuses. To claim that their comedy only caused their people to suffer ignores two extremely important facts: there was far more to their talent than just "samboing", and whites with blackened faces were already hurting blacks with racist "humor". Talented African-American artists like Moreland and Rochester subverted an already existing racist stereotype to open the door to real black performers, culture, and artistry. They stole the spotlight from racist whites with their comedic talent and worked clever non-racist humor into their performances thus paving the way for future African-American stars and comedians. Comedic subversive geniuses like Moreland and Rochester shouldn't be damned for their sacrifice and comedic talent. They should be appreciated for being damn funny, and honored for helping to change the face of American comedy forever. June 6, 2005

this prune would think degrading Africans is funny

Spoken like a (...). How can this airbrain claim that black ppl bo-janglin, sa- sucking and samboing was a good thing cos they could pay their bills and it was just comedy? Sure, comedy at the expense of ppl suffering from such demeaning antics. I guess this idiot feels that slavery and degradation of a culture was in good taste and approved as being universally ethical. Aussie dude get yur head from down under ground cos u actin like a ostrich and it is not FUNNY! July 9, 2004

Much Props to Melvin Van Peebles

everything He said Hit Home ten fold.the History of Black Actors&Actress's out in Hollywood hasn't always been given the best possible showing.this Documentary pulls no punches&just deals the Cards the way they were dealt from start to finish.I wish this was longer because when you are watching History you want to keep on learning.Brother Melvin VAn Peebles is truly a Pioneer&One of the Most Versatile Creative Human Beings that has graced the Planet. May 30, 2004

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