blaxploitation etymology

Etymology:

Blaxploitation is a portmanteau of "black" and "exploitation."

Meaning:

Blaxploitation is a genre of cinema from the 1970s and early 1980s that primarily featured Black characters. These films often explored themes of race, poverty, crime, and violence.

Origin:

Blaxploitation films emerged during the Black Power movement when there was a growing demand for Black representation in media. These films were often produced by independent filmmakers with limited budgets and were characterized by:

  • Gritty storylines: Focused on crime, violence, and social issues.
  • Exploitative elements: Depicted nudity, violence, and sexuality in an exaggerated manner.
  • Independent production: Made outside of the mainstream Hollywood system.
  • Predominantly Black casts: Featured Black actors and actresses in lead roles.
  • Low-quality production values: Often had low budgets and technical limitations.

Notable blaxploitation films include:

  • "Shaft" (1971)
  • "Super Fly" (1972)
  • "Blacula" (1972)
  • "Foxy Brown" (1974)
  • "Coffy" (1973)

Blaxploitation films had a significant impact on American culture, influencing fashion, music, and attitudes about race. They also paved the way for more Black representation in the film industry. However, they have been criticized for their often stereotypical and exploitative nature.

blaxploitation relate terms

  • black

    Etymology The word black is derived from the Old English word blac which is cognate

  • swart

    Etymology The word swart has origins in the Middle English word swart which in turn

  • exploitation

    Etymology Old French exploitation from exploiter meaning to utilize take advantage

  • exploit

    Etymology The word exploit comes from the Old French word exploitier which in turn d

  • year

    Etymology The word year comes from the Middle English word yer which in turn derive

  • confusion

    Etymology The word confusion is derived from the Latin word confusio which means a

  • system

    Etymology The word system comes from the Late Latin systema which is derived from t

  • Jehovah

    Etymology The name Jehovah is an Anglicization of the Hebrew name Yahweh יהוה

  • altruism

    Etymology The word altruism is derived from the French word altruisme which in tur

  • antibiotic

    Origin Late Latin antibioticus from Greek antibiotikos anti against biotik

  • ground

    Etymology The word ground has several origins Old English grund meaning soil

  • spruce

  • oven

    Etymology From Middle English ovene from Old French ovne from Vulgar Latin ŏfnus fr

  • vacuum

    Etymology The word vacuum originates from the Latin word vacuus meaning empty or