Soul Man’ (1986)
The film Soul Man, released in 1986, centered around a Caucasian high school student portrayed by C. Thomas Howell who resorts to wearing blackface to pose as an African American and secure a college scholarship designated for Black students. It is evident that such a premise is highly offensive and inappropriate, reinforcing racial stereotypes and perpetuating harmful practices. Given the significant progress made in fostering racial sensitivity and promoting inclusivity, it is clear that a movie with such content would never be produced in today’s climate. The understanding of cultural appropriation and the importance of respectful representation have evolved, rendering the concept of Soul Man utterly unacceptable by contemporary standards.