Review of D Nakanos Movie White Mans Burden

The film "White Man's Burden is a deliberate attempt by the director, Desmond Nakano, to show what the effects of race and social status are on a person's beliefs, attitudes and behavior. The setting for the film is modern day America with a twist. In the film, blacks dominate economically, politically, and culturally, while whites represent the underclass. Touching upon issues that are prevalent in society today, the film gives the viewer a glimpse of what it's like to be a minority living in a society where the social norms and popular culture are defined by the ruling class. These issues are presented in ways that are both direct and indirect. Mr. Nakano uses his characters Thaddeus Taylor and Louis Pinnock to illustrate both sides of the racial and class divide. It is in the first scene that we meet the antagonist of the movie, Thaddeus Taylor. The character of Thaddeus is the archetype of what we perceive members of the establishment to be. He's a wealthy and influential businessman with a less than flattering opinion of those that are of a different race and socioeconomic status. The director uses this character to draw attention to the prejudices and assumptions that many members of the upper class have about th

e poor and minorities, particularly those living in the inner city.

Unfortunately, many of the negative stereotypes and attitudes seen in the film are prevalent in society today. There are still those who believe that some minorities are genetically inferior, both morally and intellectually. Stereotypes about the poor and minorities being either too lazy to work, or that they prefer to collect welfare can be heard in many a campaign speech. It isn't often that Hollywood deals with these issues in a serious manner. More often than not, Hollywood perpetuates the stereotypes of minorities, the poor, and on occasion, the rich. Overall, I think that Desmond Nakano effectively gives the viewing audience an often too realistic view of American society.