268 pages, 6 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 24 cm
Type:
Texts
Place:
United States
Date:
2017
World War, 1939-1945
Notes:
NMAFMAI copy Purchased with Adopt-a-Book funds.
Contents:
The dilemma of racial identity -- Military service and citizenship -- Mass media in the twentieth century -- The Negro Soldier as conversion narrative -- Conflicting narratives and images -- Military conditions during World War II -- Attitudinal barriers to change -- Social conditions for change -- The influence of the black press -- The negotiation of racial identity -- The challenge of change in the aftermath of World War II
Summary:
Since the earliest days of the nation, U.S. citizenship has been linked to military service. Even though blacks fought and died in all American wars, their own freedom was usually restricted or denied. In many ways, World War II exposed this contradiction. As demand for manpower grew during the war, government officials and military leaders realized that the war could not be won without black support. To generate African American enthusiasm, the federal government turned to mass media. Several government films were produced and distributed, movies that have remained largely unexamined by scholars. The author delves into the dilemma of race and the federal government's attempts to appeal to black patriotism and pride even while postponing demands for equality and integration until victory was achieved.--Publisher's description
Topic:
African American soldiers in motion pictures Search this
