In today’s culturally diverse, politically correct society, it is hard to believe that at one time racism was not only accepted as the norm, but enjoyed for its entertainment value. Individuals of African descent in North America today take the large, diverse pool of opportunities offered by the film industry for granted. Much like Canadian theatre however, there was a time when a black man in any role, be it servant or slave, was …showed first 75 words of 1364 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1364 total…point in time- before it there was no Canadian identity in theatre, after it there was. In the same fashion, Melvin Van Peebles’ movie marked the moment when African Americans reclaimed their identity. They were no longer content with the cinematic roles offered to them, and so they began to create their own. Although blaxploitation films were later commercialized, their intent and result stayed consistent, and have created the ethno-conscious cinema industry we find today.