Films as Rhetorical Texts: Cultivating Discussion about Race, Racism, and Race Relations

Films as Rhetorical Texts: Cultivating Discussion about Race, Racism, and Race Relations presents critical essays focusing on select commercial films and what they can teach us about race, racism, and race relations in America. The films in this volume are critically assessed as rhetorical texts using various aspects and components of critical race theory, recognizing that race and racism are intricately ingrained in American society. Contributors argue that by viewing and evaluating culture-centered films―often centered around race―and critically analyzing them, faculty and students can promote the opportunity for genuine open discussions about race, racism, and race relations in the United States, specifically in the higher education classroom. Scholars of film studies, media studies, race studies, and education will find this book particularly useful.

Janice D. Hamlet is associate professor in the Department of Communication and director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Northern Illinois University.