The White Savior Narrative in Film

[Jason76]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_savior_narrative_in_film

It can be a bit self-righteous, so many people of all backgrounds are annoyed by it. Nonetheless, some are really good films like Cry Freedom or 12 Years a Slave.

Why do people hate it besides it being self-righteous? Well, is sort assumes the victims are defenseless.

 

[MrHorror]

I think a lot of people view it through two prisms:

1.) White people in real life are viewed in a negative or somewhat negative way by most people of color or certain non-white groups. Er go, a film where a white person is their 'savior' or 'protector' doesn't jive with their world view.

2.) In some films that carry this theme, the problems the victims or good guys face were caused by white people in the first place. Er go, the attitude is... "we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place if it weren't for you guys." So the attempt to 'save' is then viewed as shallow and a chess move to avoid future legal action or retribution, as opposed to being a genuine decision.

 

[Jason76]

I think a lot of people view it through two prisms:

1.) White people in real life are viewed in a negative or somewhat negative way by most people of color or certain non-white groups. Er go, a film where a white person is their 'savior' or 'protector' doesn't jive with their world view.

2.) In some films that carry this theme, the problems the victims or good guys face were caused by white people in the first place. Er go, the attitude is... "we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place if it weren't for you guys." So the attempt to 'save' is then viewed as shallow and a chess move to avoid future legal action or retribution, as opposed to being a genuine decision.

I think this stuff is true - and I know cause I've lived in other cultures. Nonetheless, it's a mild exaggeration, of course.

 

[teamGlide]

Poeple still live based on the past and its very easy to blame them