Do Biopics Hurt Black History?

Chadwick Boseman as James Brown in Get On Up (2014)

Over recent years Hollywood has been obsessively working overtime to dramatize black history for the silver screen. This can be seen as a good or bad thing depending on who you ask or which way the wind blows. In 2014 alone, there has been the release of the James Brown film and production has been announced for movies about the incomparable Whitney Houston and the tragic death of singer Aaliyah. Unlike in years past, many of these stories are or will be told through the lens of a black person either as director or producer. As happy as I am to see color on the big screen does it come at a price that is harmful to black history? 

Movies are just that. They are written and produced to entertain not to educate and on several occasions films have failed to convey truth and accuracy for artistic purposes. This is understandable since cinematic value is important but usually it is achieved through embellishing the facts here and there. The problem lies not within the production and release of such films but the lack of education of their audiences. How many young people do you know under the age of 25 who care about the legacy  of Mr. James Brown? 


Films about black pioneers can be beneficial if they encourage people to seek more information about the dynamic figures outside of the visual aspects.  Many a topics I have sought to learn more about after first being introduced to something or someone unfamiliar. Hopefully the influx of films based on black historic figures will serve as a introductory platform for those who have yet to be exposed to the richness and diversity of black history. Another great hope is that Hollywood will seek to provide black films not just based on slavery or musicians as well. We can only dream can't we.