The Verso Podcast
Spectators and Witnesses | Legacy Russell & Fred Moten
May 2, 2024
Legacy Russell and Fred Moten discuss the relationship between blackness and modern visual culture. They explore the impact of historical representation of blackness in film on contemporary media and the significance of Black culture, music, and historical archives. The conversation delves into critical fabulation, self-authorship, and the complexities of portraying Blackness in digital culture. They also touch on the dichotomy of witness and spectator, the intersection of digital and real-life experiences, and the role of resistance and refusal in cultural creation.
01:11:30
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Quick takeaways
- The struggle over black representation in early mass media influences future cultural depictions.
- Critical fabulation challenges imposed norms on black communities, reshaping notions of representation and autonomy.
Deep dives
Implications of Early Film Representations
Early films like Lime Kiln Field Day and Birth of a Nation reflect contrasting portrayals of blackness. While Lime Kiln Field Day featured a historic kiss between black leads, it was overshadowed by Birth of a Nation, a highly influential but racially biased film. The discussion highlights the struggle over black representation at the cusp of mass media, shaping future cultural depictions.
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