From American History to Hollywood Screening. Black Stereotypes in Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation"

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The film "The Birth of a Nation," directed by D.W. Griffith, is both celebrated and criticized for its portrayal of race and history. Released in 1915, it became a landmark silent film yet sparked significant controversy due to its racist themes and stereotypes. Griffith claimed his work aimed to present historical events from the Civil War and Reconstruction without reflecting on contemporary racial issues. However, his depiction reinforced white supremacy and distorted the realities of the Jim Crow era, highlighting the exploitation of Black individuals during that period.