Reid Chapter 1

The most meaningful concept I learned in chapter one (and throughout the book in its entirety) was the suppression of African American films in general.  I guess I wasn't necessarily surprised by any means, but it was definitely striking to read about how depictions of African Americans in American mainstream cinema were not (are not) exactly accurate.  I find it interesting that Hollywood acts as a gatekeeper for what gets produced and what does not; what gets play time and what doesn't.  To this day, many non-white groups do not get portrayed accurately in film and on TV, and I can't help but wonder why.  To me, this sort of act, namely, suppressing and/or neglecting true representations of African Americans (and many other non-white persons) in mainstream cinema and television, alludes to some deeper intimidation Hollywood has towards these powerful, intelligent people.