Horror and All Things Black

  Yooooo! I had no idea how complex and layered Beloved truly is, its connections to slavery, murder, grief, and ghosts go far beyond what I initially understood. As a younger viewer, my approach to movies has mostly been surface-level, focusing on action, costumes, and well-known cast members rather than the deeper themes and messages within the story. I do remember Oprah Winfrey's role in the film, but I never fully grasped the emotional weight behind the character she played. This class and Professor Due's Sunken Place journey has completely changed my perspective on movies. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the intricate work of directors, writers, producers, and casting teams in bringing hidden messages to life. Beloved is more than just a ghost story it’s a haunting reflection of historical trauma and the lingering effects of slavery. Horror, as I’ve come to realize, is not just about scares; it’s a mirror of real-life fears and experiences. The way we connect with ho...

  Horror movies are more than just entertainment they are a way to tell real stories and reflect the struggles people face in life. For Black people, horror has often erased our real experiences or turned us into stereotypes. In many classic horror films, Black characters are the first to die, are treated as sidekicks, or are made into something otherworldly, like aliens or spiritual guides. This limits how our stories are told and puts us in a box. But horror can also be a tool for survival, problem-solving, and fighting back against the real horrors that exist in our world. Movies like The Blackening and Candyman show how horror can finally include Black voices and real experiences. The Blackening flips the racist horror trope of "the first to die" by centering on an all-Black cast who are smart, resourceful, and fight back. Instead of being passive victims, they take control of their situation, showing that horror can be a space for Black survival, not just death. Can...

When I was younger, if something strange happened, my parents would laugh. I’d be scared out of my mind, but their smiles and laughter made me feel safe, like things would be okay. Now, as I’ve been coming to class, Professor Due’s energy and passion for horror have brought me so much joy, even as we explore the horrific trauma within the Black community. Watching  The Blackening , I couldn’t help but think about the details she’s p ointed out in class. This movie uses clever storytelling and cultural humor in a way that feels real and intentional. I love how it flips the old horror trope of the “Black character dying first,” allowing the characters to fight back and survive together. The movie had its scary moments, but the jokes, the way they handled adversity, and just like Dewayne Perkins pointed out their refusal to leave each other behind made it feel authentic. This movie wasn’t just funny; it was relatable. Black people have always used humor as a way to cope with real-li...

  Blackpast 2/12/2007 First off, Ouanga was absolutely crazy voodoo, control, and a Black woman plantation owner desperately chasing after this white dude. Suppose this whole thing could not be stereotypical enough. The moment Klili (played by Fredi) said, "I will be your slave,"   then Adam responded, “You belong with your own kind.”I was honestly shocked and offended. While watching Ouanga , I couldn’t help but wonder why Fredi Washington chose to take on roles like these roles that seem to uplift white men while portraying Black people as desperate or subservient. It reminded me a lot of Imitation of Life and the way it showcased Black pain, especially how her character ultimately caused harm to those around her. Listening to Professor Due’s lecture, I kept asking myself: Why did Fredi Washington, a talented Black actress, take on roles reinforcing harmful stereotypes? As I thought about it more, I started to consider the idea of light-skinned trauma versus dark-skinned ...