Topic: Catharsis

1 chapters across the catalog

17: Shaft Stache
53:17 - 56:32

17: Shaft Stache

Kerner Commission, Quelling Riots through Cinema

Charles Woods explains that Blaxploitation films in the 1970s served as a "catharsis" to help quell civil unrest following the Kerner Commission study. By allowing audiences to see "Whitey" get beaten on screen, the films provided a safe emotional release that prevented actual rioting. The hosts suggest Hollywood maintains a "slate" of such films to release during modern times of unrest, such as the Black Lives Matter movement.