The Complexity and Progression of Black Representation in Film and Televisionexamines the intricacies of race, representation, Black masculinity, sexuality, class, and color in American cinema and television. Black images on the silver screen date back to the silent film era, yet these films and television programs presented disturbing images of African American culture, and regrettably, many early films and small screen programs portrayed Black characters in demeaning and stereotypical roles. In order to fully analyze the roles of Black actors and actresses in film and television, Moody addresses the following issues: the historical significance of the term race films; female Black identities and constructs; queerness and Black masculinity; Black male identities; and Black buffoonery in film and television.

David L. Moody is assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the State University of New York at Oswego.

Introduction: Who Am I?
Chapter 1: Race Films as a Genre in American Cinema
Chapter 2: Riding the Train of Cultural Complexity with Sarah Jane and Clay : Critique of the FilmsImitation of Life andDutchman
Chapter 3: Black "Zombies/Non-Zombies" that Live Amongst the Dead: A Closer Look at the Screen Acting Work of Mantan Moreland and Duane Jones inKing of the Zombies (1941) andNight of the lIving Dead(1968)
Chapter 4: The Devil Made Me Do It...That Is, Burn Down Paris: Queering Masculinity in African American Culture, American Cinema, and Television
Chapter 5: The Scarface Identity: Rap Gone Wild, Cash Money Bruthas, and Niggas Killin' Nigga(z) on Da Streets
Rob Prince Obey and David L. Moody
Chapter 6: Black Popular Culture,The Boondocks, and Black Jesus
Chapter 7: American Culture and the Black Situation Comedy
Conclusion: What Am I?