Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films

This book is an excellent history lesson about African-Americans in feature films. Mr. Bogle explores the images that were put out in the past, and explains the social thoughts and attitudes that brought them about. The title refers mainly to the type of roles African-Americans had in films, esp. those that were produced in the 1920's, 1930's, 1940's and 1950's.

this book is a must for all.never mind that folks try to say that tv or entertainment doesn't matter.that's b s. cuz the images of african-americans from the film world,sports world & music world have left a lasting impact.and lets be honest what other race of people have been emulated,influential & scorned all at once from a visual image? this book speaks volumes of african-american history from the silent film era to now.and though there has been progress we still have a long ways to go.cuz the title of the book is still very much alive in hollywood & america.preception that is hasn't gone away.it is still reflected in some folks mind of rap music.the use of put down terms among rappers & folk out on the streets is reflected heavily in this book.which is a sad commentary.but this book is survial and the costs that were made to pave the way for future generations.

This book gives a good interpretation of African- Americans in film, as well as what it is and was like to not only be black in the filmworld, but black in America as well. It doesn't go heavily into the political, for those that are squrmish about such this, but it does examin both the onscreen performances and the offscreen realities. Overall, it is an intelligent book that is interesting to read.

I use this book as a supplemental text for my classes in psychology. It is accessible reading, and carefully focussed. My students are able to use the stereotypes presented in the book to dissect how African Americans are portrayed in American film, historically and in the present.