I have learned so much from "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram X. Kendi. Very well written and informative. But I would love to hear your thoughts on this quote:
"(White fears of black power movement) were reflected in a new blockbuster film that broke box-office records in 1968… Planet of the Apes took the place of Tarzan in racist popular culture, inspiring four sequels between 1970 and 1973, three more in the 21st century, a TV series, and a host of comic books, video games, and other merchandise – you name it, the franchise produced it. While Tarzan put on America’s screens the racist confidence of conquering the dark world that prevailed in the first half of the 20th century, Planet of the Apes held up in full colour the racist panic during the second half of the 20th century of the conquered dark world rising up to enslave the White conqueror."
While the book is an ocean of knowledge regarding the history of racism I find that Ibram X. Kendi is overly enthusiastic in claiming different films racists. While I can see that the films he discusses can be interpreted this way I honestly can't agree that this is the most obvious interpretation. As to Planet of the Apes, it is a nuclear war that caused the apes to take over in Planet of the Apes and it was white people who held the knowledge and power of nuclear weapons back then.
"(White fears of black power movement) were reflected in a new blockbuster film that broke box-office records in 1968… Planet of the Apes took the place of Tarzan in racist popular culture, inspiring four sequels between 1970 and 1973, three more in the 21st century, a TV series, and a host of comic books, video games, and other merchandise – you name it, the franchise produced it. While Tarzan put on America’s screens the racist confidence of conquering the dark world that prevailed in the first half of the 20th century, Planet of the Apes held up in full colour the racist panic during the second half of the 20th century of the conquered dark world rising up to enslave the White conqueror."
While the book is an ocean of knowledge regarding the history of racism I find that Ibram X. Kendi is overly enthusiastic in claiming different films racists. While I can see that the films he discusses can be interpreted this way I honestly can't agree that this is the most obvious interpretation. As to Planet of the Apes, it is a nuclear war that caused the apes to take over in Planet of the Apes and it was white people who held the knowledge and power of nuclear weapons back then.
Am I reading the film wrong?