Scope Note:

Fictional work typically made for viewing by ethnic audiences most prominently African American, Yiddish, and Latino. Similar work has also been made in much smaller quantities for such groups as Ukrainian, Armenian, Italian, Greek, Polish, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Native Americans. Although many of these films have inherent crossover appeal, some ethnic work has strived to go beyond its own members and reach a wide audience. Fictional narratives typically present situations unique to the specific group, and are often based on classical ethnic plays and stories, or feature performers who are stars within their community, but may not be as well known to a broader public. Ethnic work is often made and distributed outside the commercial mainstream. The designation of this genre term does not necessarily connote the veracity of the portrayals, but rather, indicates the main focus of the subject matter. Note: To trace images of different races and ethnic groups, use the appropriate subject headings. Feature examples: ARSHIN MAL ALAN; THE BALLAD OF GREGORIO CORTEZ (with Biographical); THE BIRTH OF A RACE; CARMEN JONES (with Musical; Adaptation); CHICANA; THE COLOR PURPLE (with Melodrama; Adaptation); COSSACKS IN EXILE; DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST (with Family); DER DIBUK / DER DIBEK / THE DYBBUK (with Adaptation); EAT A BOWL OF TEA (with Romance; Melodrama); HALLELUJAH; IN THE LAND OF THE WAR CANOES: KWAKIUTL INDIAN LIFE ON THE NORTHWEST COAT / IN THE LAND OF THE HEADHUNTERS; LADY SINGS THE BLUES (with Biographical; Musical); THE LEARNING TREE; LJUBAV I STRAST / LOVE AND PASSION; NAVAJO; EL NORTE; SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT; SUPERFLY (with Crime); SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSSS SONG; WINDWALKER; WITHIN OUR GATES (with Social problem); YIDDISH KING LEAR (with Adaptation). TV examples: A DIFFERENT WORLD (with College; Situation comedy); GOOD TIMES (with Situation comedy); MI HERMANO (with Soap opera); THE MYSTIC WARRIOR; SANFORD AND SON (with Domestic comedy); SHAFT (with Mystery); THE WOMEN OF BREWSTER PLACE.

Subject Categories: