Black Media Breakdown #3 Black Masculinity in the Movies

In this episode, Fiq takes a moment to react to how black men are being presented on screen in movies like Creed, Black Panther, Moonlight, and many other movies and shows where black men take center stage. Excuse the slight downgrade in audio, I'm still working out the kinks to my recording process. This is the first of a two-part series with part two hopefully coming out in two weeks!
No copyright intended.
Please like, share, and subscribe! Follow me on twitter @fiqsignifying.

[@anime4reek]

I'm a black woman and I've been craving nuanced perspective from back men on media and society. Thanks for the work you do. You are appreciated!

[@traceeford2914]

Ditto

[@soyveritas8262]

I couldn't agree more. I greatly appreciate your well-reasoned approach.

[@daoyang223]

me too, you have no idea how frustrating it is to hear about Black men through the lens of White men. I always wanted to hear a much more articulate take on Black men from Black men.

[@babbisp1]

"back men"

[@archivesofarda986]

White male protagonists where always allowed to be flawed but likeable unlike black protagonists who somehow are either the bad guys or are held to an insane standard and have to be pretty much flawlessly perfect. Such as Uncle Phil in "Fresh Prince"

[@TrvisXXIII]

There’s a term as well that was coined called “The Tyler Perry Negroe” the so called good guys, who was exceptionally handsome and comes in to save the broke down and destitute black woman, which society would deem as undesirable with a bunch of kids

[@FDSignifire]

I got so many bars for Tyler Perry but I'm saving them for when I need them lol.

[@TrvisXXIII]

@@FDSignifire 😂😂 looking forward to it lol also, you subverted my expectations in the end when you talked about black versions of the dude and Louis Bloom. As soon as you started listing off those characters, I said out loud that they don’t exist and then immediately after, you challenged me and said you might not know many black people in real life haha! That made me go on a time travel journey in my mind remembering all the weird and quirky black folks I went to highschool with, which today would make them viral stars on social for their personality, opposed to the bullying they received back then

[@everafter2611]

Lol what?

[@TrvisXXIII]

@@everafter2611 what’s so confusing about what I said

[@reimourrpower9357]

What's funny & interesting is that the "Tyler Perry Villian/Bad Guys" are of course dark skinned but none of them would be considered 'unattractive' i.e. Blair Underwood, Steve Harris, Richard T. Jones, etc. That the "Tyler Perry Good Guys/Heroes" are all lightskinned but automatically considered 'attractive' is interesting i.e.: Boris Kodjoe, Shemar Moore, etc. This blatant colorism is probably the most problematic imagery sold to Black folks on TV & film in the past 2 decades. Way more of a problem than what Friday's Craig, Donald Glover, Ryan Coogler, Singleton (RIP), Spike etc. have brought. We need to stop trying to be white in life or Hollywood like Lebowski or Gyllemhal's Bloom, their characters are as 2-dimensional as TP heroes & villians. Stop using their 'measuring white tape' as WEB DuBois said.

[@richiesworld1]

I'm also so sick of watching black focused movies where every one in it is a president, CEO and/or famous elite.

[@byronjohnsontales82]

Exactly, I said the samething a ridiculous standard is being placed upon black folks thru television and movies.

[@shubhod9569]

I think mother's milk from the boys is a really well written and unique black character, especially his relationship with his wife and kids

[@susanrichardson631]

He's actually my favorite character on the Boys

[@limon914]

This channel hits sooooo hard. Thank you for breaking black media in a way that is fun and intelligible. Your narration is prosy and on point. Also big props for shouting out asian millennials (me) in the Issa Rae writing black characters episodes. I really dig this content, it's as inspirational as it is satisfying to watch and listen to.

[@kageryu311]

Nice Analysis. Some tropes and character types I would like delved into more with black characters and actors would be: Black Nerds(classical education nerds/culture nerds): Your black weeaboos/otakus and/or guys who are just good at school. These types of characters have a lot of challenges from trying to find out where they fit in black society to images of sexuality even if they are heterosexual. Black men in other counter culture (black skaters/rockers): These types of characters are never even ventured into yet these represent things I have been into and both are getting more and more popular in the black community. Their stories are specifically unique and can give other elements of masculinity that aren't seen in black movies. Black characters with mental illness that isn't PTSD (includes down syndrome): I would say a good example of a character I would like to see is a black version of someone like Kevin Wendell Crumb from Split or Jim Carrey's character from the eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. Those would make some good interesting twists in my opinion.

[@Pugetwitch]

I agree with all that night I still like to hear him break down a different black artists. There's so many artists that are amazing, I just love this channel. I'm thankful to be here and I can't wait to see what he has next.

[@susanrichardson631]

THIS

[@Chromagens]

I heard about this channel through the shout out from one of Khadija Mbowe’s videos. I’m really enjoying what you’re putting forward with your stuff so far!

[@ayinstrumentals7731]

Same

[@TheDabest93]

Yes!!! I’ve been looking for a black channel like this ! Keep it up 👍🏿

[@FDSignifire]

Thanks so much. This is exactly why I wanted to start making videos, I felt like there weren't enough of our voices in the game!

[@s_mazey]

@@FDSignifire like a couple others have said in your comments, I learned about this channel from Kadija Mbowe. Or I might have seen your Bo Burnham video before that, I forget. Either way, you’re doing some amazing work, both in content and quality (editing, sound, etc..I don’t know what to the right term for all that is). Edit: Your Tyson video is incredible btw. I watched it 2 times in a row.

[@fernandacita]

I love this video but how can you just call Aladdin a fuckboy and then just keep going?!? hahaha

[@FDSignifire]

You know damn well before Jasmine Alladin was definitely for the streets!

[@fernandacita]

@@FDSignifire lmao okay okay! but he didn't have parents! wasn't he an orphan? it wasn't like he chose the streets. hahha

[@LanerGuy]

@@fernandacita Not gonna lie: this! This is the second time I've watched this video (which I love, by the way), and both times I was caught off-guard by Disney's Aladdin getting this label as a counterpart to Frozen's Kristoff (who is indeed an excellent example of his given dichotomy). It just, well, doesn't feel like a fair fit. Contrast Tony Stark, especially his MCU version, who does fit the sense of having the agency to be better in this regard but not caring and choosing not to be (through much of his tenure). Aladdin was a hustler and at times a thief, yes, but his lack of a real sense of agency about himself because of his specific circumstance really makes it feel like he doesn't fit the ascribed dichotomy as an example of it. Like Feran Sheree said, Aladdin didn't choose the streets. I feel that sense of agency in choice is important in this end of the extreme.

[@fernandacita]

@@LanerGuy Yes! Well said. Also, despite being a "street rat" and absolutely broke, he managed to have his own place. That's hustle! That shows that was capable of bettering himself. He was better off with Jasmine by perfectly capable of taking care of himself without living off of the women who found him attractive. Even though, he was a full on thief. Haha I love this conversation btw

[@southpaw2k1]

@@LanerGuy tbh, the original Aladdin was Chinese, not Arab, and Jafar was a Black African according to the Arabian Nights. Disney made Aladdin Middle Eastern. And they casted an Asian guy to play an Indian guy in their first live version of The Jungle Book. But that's a whole other story for another time.

[@vintageincolor]

Your critique is always so refreshing, thoughtful and dynamic. Damn. Incredible to see

[@Nicholas-Prince-Milverton]

Bro I'm so impressed with this! I did a 50min film about black masculinity set in australia and this has been super helpful for future projects

[@bizbaby]

It’s honestly astounding how many times I’ve sent this out to my brothers and rewatched this video and the video on love. Your truly doing super important and lasting work man. Thank you so much. Putting words to things all us black folk feel but can’t always rationalize

[@emberducati9237]

This was one of the best video essays I’ve heard and watched in a very long time. Thank you.

[@Drennababy]

Binging on all your videos and I still can’t believe these older ones are so under viewed. You’re amazing at what you do, PLEASE keep the amazing perspective content coming!!

[@foxfx8340]

At first I was wondering what the problem was here- black men are being taken seriously and being given roles that aren't just for white audiences to laugh at, but I think I'm starting to get your point- there isn't really nuance for characters outside of the archetypes of that "strong/powerful independent", mould and that impacts guys that don't live up to or fit that, how people perceive them and their expectations on themselves. I'm going to give moonlight a watch BC it sounds interesting.

[@lkriticos7619]

I really love your videos about masculinity, breaking down the pressures, stereotypes and unrealistic expectations in such a thought provoking and compassionate way.

[@alexanderwales7870]

I've been watching through your whole backlog, and just wanted to leave a comment to say that I'm really appreciating the perspective and the academic grounding. Keep doing what you're doing, it's great.

[@bb-3653]

As a young dude, surprisingly I've never really cared about being perceived as masculine , tbh im pretty much gentle most of the time tbh. but your video represents something I've thought about before. It is very interesting how much detail you've gone Into.

[@MinaKittenGaming]

These are def viewpoints I've been missing in my consumption of media analysis content, and I'm def gonna watch every video on the channel. Please keep doing what you do. :)

[@devontaewilson6290]

Thanks for this video! Citing you in one of the papers for my masters portfolio. Great content!

[@RominaJones]

You nailed it. Why I have found the writing of Black men in American films (I do think it is different in other countries) so often to be disappointing even in quality projects. American writer's imaginations seem to just shut down more when writing Black male characters. Everything just flattens. To me the recent Luke Cage series sums it all up in one Exhibit A and why I gave up halfway through.

[@BrittanyG1]

I watched this video after watching the insecure follow up…I think both videos come together to explore a part of black manhood that isn’t discussed enough. Great concept and well executed!!

[@parris.m]

Very educational, and informative content adding a deeper context to the sort of unconscious plethora of black entertainment in my brain. You're incredibly talented at creating a window that I feel anyone can stop by regardless of race or gender and enjoy themselves, have a laugh, question what they believe and not feel belittled but instead inquisitive. Very happy for you hitting a 100k recently and looking forward to seeing what you have next. Peace.

[@mr.roboto8911]

I appreciate you for creating this enlightening analysis. You've broadened our views of problematic media portrayals and shown us to think more critically of the representations we're shown on screen. Thanks and love the content

[@sosocasualty]

This was such an awesome breakdown on masculinity in the media. As a trans-masc person, I'm always looking for content like this: thoughtful, curious, and intersectional.

[@pearcemerritt]

love the well thought-out and deep critical analysis. Thank you!

[@RobotPlaysGames]

I know you probably won’t see this as you have tons of subs and comments, but I just wanted to tell you that I’ve been bingeing your videos the last couple days and learning SO MUCH. So, thank you!

[@Roshuwah]

It's rare you find a KZbin video that confronts you with so many parts of your pathology when it comes to your identity and aspirations as a black man. I'm not sure where I'll lead after processing all this, but I'm glad I watched it. Good work and it's good to see you keeping it up!

[@cui8789]

I wouldn't list Black Lightning as lacking in complexity.

[@reimourrpower9357]

Seriously! I love this brother's channel and can agree with often 70% of the ideas expressed. But what I've seen of BLACK LIGHTNING shows a mutlilayered, compex, powerful, imperfect lead & cast of mostly Black character especially Black men. And even shows a Black woman character who is lgbtq to my understanding so it appears to have levels of diversity. FDS has great insights but I sense he often assumes the worst of newer celebrated programs with Black leads because how bad some roles have been in the past. Yes WOKE is dope but it isn't less problematic or more unique than BLACK LIGHTNING. BL deserves more props than that.

[@reimourrpower9357]

To add: he needs stop using white Hollywood tropes like Lebowski or Bloom of Nightcrawler who are amoral 'f---kboys' on steriods. That is not the aspiration in Hollywood and in the world Black audiences & creators should aim for. Those ideals are more problematic in their ease of slackdom (never afforded to Black men or those of color), narcissism, amorality, sociopathy and privilege that is far from congruent to the Black male experience. ''Sorry To Bother You" fleshed that out with Stansfield lead trying to emulate whiteness and finding clearly that the white structure only wanted to use him for profit and never leadership. Yes "Woke" showed more nuance and I hope the show returns to broadcast on Hulu or elsewhere. But white iconography should never be the standard we yearn for.

[@thaddsreal]

We are missing so many archetypes of Black men, its rather sad. Most black men are trapped in a society that does not allow them to express themselves for fear they will find themselves on the outside of their community. We black men self maintain the limitations to our individual expression. If we don't manifest different ideas of ourselves, we won't develop the mentality to do the different kinds of things and create the innovations we will need to thrive. Unless we open the archetype flood gates, we risk extinction. We continue to preserve old ideas, rather than evolve into varieties of thinking that can respond creatively to our challenges. Our communities need to open its thinking.

[@sandequation2653]

These are great videos, I feel like I'm learning a lot. Hopefully the fact that the algorithm sent me here means your channel is getting the exposure it deserves, I'm looking forward to whatever you make next.

[@McMoldys]

No one ever becomes perfect like the black men in the movies and maybe we should stop idealizing them. I think we should romanticize the journey, not goal, of breaking down toxic masculinity.

[@Mimi-xv6jm]

I think we should stop idolizing imperfect people, simply because no one is perfect. The problem is toxic masculinity is romanticized, which has choked out balanced masculinity. A strong protector and leader who has compassion and integrity is the journey.

[@Imjustbored2023]

@@Mimi-xv6jm but you still subscribe to masculinity especially toxics part all dem things being a protector n a leader is all rooting in toxics masculinity we should be trying to get rid of all dem things a bm should have to fit in that role either

[@Mimi-xv6jm]

@@Imjustbored2023 it sounds like ur saying being a leader and protector is toxic masculinity? So are you saying men shouldn’t be masculine?

[@Condeycon]

Just found your channel through your Mike Tyson video and began absolutely binging your channel. Great analysis my friend, you have a really fresh and interesting perspective! Subscribed.

[@Sinnum]

first vid of yours i watched and yeah, i'm in man. i'm in 100% with this kind of analysis of our depiction in media

[@kianaayala3022]

I would love to see a video from you breaking down Love & Basketball. You've mentioned it a few times in a couple of videos so I feel like it's only a matter of time!

[@actionscott8033]

This channel is so underrated

[@bc2art600]

You’re videos are thoughtful and invigorating!! Keep going brother! Also: I’d love to know where Paul Robeson fits into your timeline of media portrayals of black masculinity ( I write this as I paused the vid when you discussed Sidney Poitier)

[@jojo_supreme8663]

wow the detail in your analysis was amazing.......

[@TheLeah2344]

I really don’t like men who pretend to be nice to women because they expect to get sex in return. I feel like they are the worst type of men. I like men who are honest about what they want and are ambitious, loyal, and has goals in his life.

[@seanmatthewking]

So you don’t like dishonest manipulative men, but you do like honest, ambitious, loyal men with goals. Breaking news.

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

Most men aren’t pretending to be nice, they are nice, because they want sex, until you give them a reason to want something else

[@neo1053]

@@seanmatthewking that is why women should not waste they time on men

[@wildsidetv313]

@@iunderstanphotography2780 that's not being nice. You're proving the op point

[@deforestshell3037]

The thing is most men don't act nice they are usually genuinely like that but it's almost as if girls don't expect me to get upset or angry when they do some type of wrongdoing especially when it's gendered

[@KidAstronaut]

You’re lit bruv! Thanks for your work!!!

[@Boahemaa]

It came across great. Loved the video!

[@chilldude30]

I gotta say over the past day I've totally binged loads of your vids (since that music channel shouted you out yesterday (polyphonic i think?) I'm British and I really gotta say I've never learnt more about black American experience, culture and everything like that. Its really eye opening for me

[@chilldude30]

But I gotta say I don't get this fuck boy thing lol 😂

[@ameerah4344]

This video made me feel a certain type of way and I openly repent and take off my one size fits all lens. I want to hug, congratulate, and shake you because I think you changed my viewpoints for the better this Sunday afternoon. Thank you

[@Loveispainj]

Representation of healthy black men is important

[@storytimeisallthetime2120]

Keep up the good work!

[@FDSignifire]

Thanks so much!

[@aristocraticsomali5522]

#Brilliant - man..watching this makes me regret not doing film studies in my A-Levels. Please keep it up. Bloody wonderful!

[@jugglingeek]

I’m so glad that you bought a pop shield for your more recent videos

[@FDSignifire]

Right after I made this one lol. I was so mad when I hear my audio

[@MissJaynet]

new subscriber. loving the content and your genuine perspective.

[@gaillewis5472]

Morgan Freeman was a pimp in the 70s on The Electric Company. His Easy Reader character looked like Hendrix and explained phonics as if he were Superfly. I was a child, so it was entertaining but I am so glad his options in roles has advanced.

[@elihyland4781]

Your stuff is incredible

[@misszombiesue]

"Tyler Perry has two kinds of characters, good and really fucking evil" thinks about the time I watched Madea's Family Reunion thinking it was a comedy and instead it was all about domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse...........

[@mretaughtus2152]

Dope video, nice analysis. Would have been nice to get more insight on those last few white characters that you suggested we don’t get as black actors. Only because i’m not a movie buff, so it didn’t resonate immediately. But through context I can assume you mean more average guys.

[@FDSignifire]

Not really avg just more challenging and complex. Their story was about more than getting the girl or getting money etc. Their presentation of masculinity wasn't overly typical, nor their morality. Just more to see and be cause they have less requirements... idk I might revisit this

[@fp8901]

@@FDSignifire I like the comment from MrE taughtus, and your reply - "less requirements". The deeply delved descriptions of historically filmed Blackness was dope but I did struggle to understand what was wrong with BM aspiring to be the aspirational Black man. Then I got to the 16 minute part of the video when THE DUDE appeared, and I got it. I get it. The Issae Rae video added extra clarity.

[@traceeford2914]

Great choice for the TP clip. Very clever.

[@therambler3713]

I get what you're saying my friend. But Hollywood rarely ever gives a realistic portrayal of anything. Even true stories are exaggerated and dramatized for entertainment.

[@SoLTheArtist]

Thank you for this video!

[@shadwellsong]

i love your work!

[@samsprague3158]

This is the type of video I think makes you pretty unique as a creator, Fiq. All your stuff on the black American experience is great, but your ability to critically engage with even the self-defined, ostensibly self-empowering ideals of black culture really help me (as a white person) go from simply listening to black voices on a surface level to considering the texture and diversity of black people's lives that is only rarely presented even in black centered media. It's especially helpful how you subtly acknowledge and incorporate connections between black male and white male experiences, because I think a lot of people are too quick to write off white people's ability to empathize or related to POC's experiences, despite the consensus in progressive culture that we are all people and have more in common than not. I know you don't make your videos specifically for white men's benefit (even those with good intentions), but I appreciate you.

[@KatieNicolexx]

Just found this channel and you need alot more subs. I love hearing the male prospective in a non toxic way!!! 👏👏👏

[@supakingkupa1523]

Came here after watching Hijack on Apple TV and went down a rabbit hole of why black men never get to be alpha. Seeing Moonlight being referenced even furthers my thoughts. We only get rewarded for stripping away our masculinity ( not saying gay excludes you from being masculine)

[@madjames2392]

You're 100 percent right! In the show hijack Idris character was so ridiculous. Him still wanting his ex wife who is opening sleeping with a white cop. Infact we seen more action and alpha male energy out of the white cop who took down the terrorist and saved Idris son. While Idris only could talk his self out of trouble. We never get to play the badass and get the girl

[@trollingontheriver8868]

What about Gus Fring from, "Breaking Bad"? They made a extremely evil character likeable.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

Was he gay as well?

[@trollingontheriver8868]

@@dumfriesspearhead7398 🤪😜

[@zab416]

Gus is such a good character. He's not originally from the US (probably.. I like how mysterious his background is) so he's different from most of the characters mentioned in the video in that way, but a really original villain/character in a lot of ways.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

He's also portrayed as a very good employer who cares about the employees in the chicken shop.

[@trollingontheriver8868]

@@zab416 He is from America, he has a Italian father/ black mother. You can see some of his earlier movie with Spike Lee. "School days", "Do the right thing", he played a different persona when he was younger.

[@CardanoWEEDStakePool]

Glad I found your channel!

[@butta73]

Great video and explanation of The Great Dilemma of the Black Man! I like how you simplified the imagery of the Leading Man vs Fxxboi Comic Relief. Your video poses another question for me: are black men comfortable being portrayed in one of two buckets? Is there anything we can do to change that impression? Do we want to change it?

[@AlisonNoelonline]

Really like the video that are in between 15-30 minutes, Would love to sit down with the longer videos but I just don't have the time, and I don't watch because I can't commit.

[@darlalathan6143]

We don't get Black men like Harry Potter or James Bond, either. I wonder why?

[@cheetahluv210]

I found the protagonist from tenet to be more relatable and vulnerable than James Bond and we know even less about him

[@Ray03595]

i feel like Denzel has played a decent amount of roles similar to James Bond tho, but I see your point. Also, yes not a lot of fantasy/sci-fi based around black characters. Dont know whether that is because companies are unwilling to publish, or we are not reading them. Because there has always been plenty of black interest in these types of stories.

[@biecie]

@@Ray03595 I'm leaning more to the unwilling side. Black people have an interest in all corners of media. We're just the population minority. The more serious reasons as to why black people aren't more prominent is the long history of racism and gatekeeping. We've come a long way since then but it ain't exactly perfect.

[@ahuman1082]

Asians don't even get to be the token Asian.

[@moksound19]

@@cheetahluv210 Exactly EXACLTY! I love that I had no idea who he was, and it wasn't a big actor. But he exuded a quiet, reserved, focused potency. Felt like the Bond-esque ideal, to me.

[@DarlaReborn]

Love your videos!! I would challenge the ideas presented about Moonlight. Chiron reflected the version of masculinity of the only father he had, Juan. However, even Juan, though stereotypical in his vocation, embodied a beautiful balance of fire and gentleness. He was depicted as repentant when he broke Chiron’s heart. He was a father. That’s a rare depiction of a drug dealer. Chiron was essentially at a crossroads, and while he mimicked the appearance of the extreme masculine trope, he was in a place in which he was seeking clarity. And, his love interest, Kevin, was an example of a very common man in the black community who rarely gets depicted. Kevin was cool, relatable, and making a simple living. He seemed clear about who he was and balanced. I believe Moonlight portrayed the stereotypical masculine trope as a dime a dozen on purpose, as Chiron was obviously not that, but was reflecting what he witnessed. [It also depicted this version of masculinity as abusive, as boys who aspired to it had to deny themselves and harm others to maintain the image.] It was obviously not working for him. He seemed so innocent in his confusion about who he was. My thoughts. If you can’t tell, I fell in love with that movie. It was a refreshing angle of black masculinity too rarely shown on screen.

[@london8615]

beautifully said

[@jaaaaaked]

What's your intro song? It's badass. Keep up the excellent work, man.

[@jannetteberends8730]

When you mentioned the dude I suddenly understood your point. It’s not only Lebowski himself, but also his friends.

[@atlearbuds]

I’d love to hear you talk about The Last Black Man in San Francisco.

[@chrisj8662]

Outstanding video

[@messey12]

I've learned a good bit from this video so far. But I did not know there was a movie where they tried to portray Craig T. Nelson as someone who could do a spin back kick.

[@TarmakWorm]

I’m marathoning your videos at the moment. I’m really loving what you have to say and the way that you say it. I was wondering if you would have anything to say, in a video or otherwise, about the depiction of police on the screen. What I’ve been noticing recently is that the cop character in the television show or the movie is very often Black. This lends itself, to me anyway, to this “copaganda” being enforced everywhere you look. Thanks

[@JrChery]

Hey btw, The Cosby’s was all time. Keep up the thought provoking work sir

[@legoguru3000]

Great video

[@marinakesawa7470]

I'm so glad you brought up Woke! I adore that show. My only complaint is that I could do without all the short jokes aimed at Clovis. I hope they address that at some point instead of continuing to get easy laughs from heightism.

[@MrHBAILEY1]

Can you do the movie Soul? If that’s not too childish?

[@Thisismyusername227]

@FD Please cause I'd love to engage with this piece on it!

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

That is such a wonderful film!!!

[@marshonrobinson6470]

Well done sir

[@FDSignifire]

Thanks fam

[@anthonywheeler2082]

You're videos give me stuff to think about. :)

[@finlaykusik4839]

Omar from The Wire always stood out to me as both deeply layered and as an unorthodox representation of black masculinity. He aspires not to be a patriarchal figure or successful worker but instead to be a beacon of justice and objectivity in the unfair, lawless world of Baltimore. Just my take.

[@manestreambeauty]

@F.D Signifier I would love to hear your thoughts about the character Randall Pearson and how his masculinity is received on screen based on the premise of This Is Us. I have seen Sterling K. Brown in a few roles and wonder how (if at all) his career trajectory has changed since taking on this specific role.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

That'd be a good one.

[@santhraxxc]

Going back in time and damn u was up on that mic fr

[@FDSignifire]

🤣 I'm still learning today lol but I'm close to hiring a full production team

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

had to come back and find this

[@michaelkugler7836]

FIQ! great analysis as always! what show were those clips from right at the end, before you put up Lawrence?

[@jackawatkins87]

Fantastic....just fantastic

[@FDSignifire]

Preciate the support man!

[@cocobread2569]

Random thought: my favorite scene in "the Buttler" is when the character of Forest Whitaker loses it on his kid for disrespecting Sidney Poitier. That man was and still is inspiring imo

[@brendandrislane4560]

Great vid. I didn't get it until you did the Dude comparison. Yeah every black guy is either an aspiring angel or demon. What about the chaotic roadie that likes to go bowling? Hahaha love that movie. I hope you guys get to tell some real stories instead of all that propaganda stuff. Edit: I guess Dave Chappelle in Half Baked was the closest to the Dude. He was great in that. But I still get your point.

[@philipa.stephenson1549]

Can't wait for "Action Jackson!"

[@Kel_Vasu]

Don’t badmouth Sidney Potier, he was a gift to film.

[@soaribb32]

The worst of it all is how most people in real life act and interact with people based on these morals.

[@epichibi23]

Not necessarily a deep character study but I believe Donald Glover’s Clapping For The Wrong Reasons (Directors Cut) showcases Donald’s character as someone who is complex. More of a fragmented artistic dreamscape than a true deep dive but worth a watch nonetheless.

[@novelenterprise]

A good example of nuanced masculinity is Darius from LOVE JONES

[@FDSignifire]

Check my latest video about black men and love

[@LostBoysBasketball]

I been tellin my girl this for years, I always looked up to Darius Lovehall

[@kingsalomi7480]

I think Paul Robeson was the first image of strong black masculinity in Hollywood or in theaters and Jack Johnson in just a sense of imagery.

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

I may have to watch the video a few times to get it, but I don’t see the problem with striving for greatness and achieving goals. What wrong with aspirational characters, as long as they aren’t hurting others or betraying who they are to get there.

[@DjTIMEJD]

He’s a make feminist that hates patriarchy.

[@yoongitrash2699]

creating a singular idea of success can be pretty harmful. there are many different ways to be fulfilled/successful in life

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

@@yoongitrash2699 This is true. Many times, I've had to do things differently than the advice given to me in order to achieve the same results

[@happylindsay4475]

So,so,so,SO good.

[@lowlowseesee]

ahhh when f.d had plosives lol. love the come up!

[@catatafish6251]

Great video. You need a popfilter for your mic .

[@dyva9]

@ 10:40. I'd argue that the fact that we still get these same black-man images, even with black writers and directors, might be because this is how they want to be seen.

[@Imjustbored2023]

I agree

[@london8615]

I feel like when we discuss depth within black characters, nothing is better than moonlight

[@london8615]

Atlanta & Boondocks aswell

[@Khiarika1]

If we jumped from Sidney Poitier to Denzel we skipped TF out of Eddie Murphy. He is a comedienne but he was still the first shit-talking, swaggy, masculine black pop icon EVER. (Pop Icon meaning global and mainstream and bigger than the blaxploitation guys)

[@Madbandit77]

You forget Richard Pryor, who influenced Eddie Murphy.

[@lowlowseesee]

this vid is the closest FD reminds me of Pop Culture Detectice. my two favs lol

[@ericcoyle3520]

I'm not sure what you are searching for is possible due to the finite nature of film and television. That's why most films have a definite ending, unlike real life that just goes on and on. In movies we expect our protagonist to achieve some sort of goal which usually defines who they are which in turn leads to cliche and trope which in turn limits the characters themselves. Thanks for these essays though, they really give much to think about.