Hollywood is one of the most influential stereotype factories in the world. For over a century, it has mass-produced many prototypes: the ideal woman; the ideal man; the ugly duckling; the villian; the prodigal son; and on and on and on. Yet Hollywood's power lies in its ability to employ powerful visual arguments both indirectly and repetitively. These arguments are often hard to dissect; we are just too darn busy enjoying ourselves to see the ugly messages underneath many of our favorite films.Tonight, we take a look at one of my personal favorites, a gorgeous film that catapulted Josephine Baker to stardom. And while Siren of the Tropics could be adored for its fiesty, sexy starlet and witty dialogue, we must also keep our eyes peeled for the prototypes it reveals. The "sex-crazed, dark-skinned native" is a key type personified in the film and, even more so, by Baker herself. This type is a key way of identifying and justifying a powerful Black female in the 1920's and beyond.
FOR NEXT WEEK...
FIELD TRIP: COLORS OF NEW YORK CITY
READING: None
PROJECT: Work on LAP background research.
- JOURNAL 9 - Analyze the impact of Josephine Baker's performance in Siren of the Tropics by comparing and contrasting her role to that of a contemporary African or African-American female. Your contemporary example can be an actress, singer or performer currently working in Hollywood, on television or Broadway, or in the music industry.
28 comments:
I will compare Josephine Baker's performance (in Siren of the Tropics) to that of Jennifer Hudson (in Dreamgirls). Papitou, (Josephine's character in the movie) was struggling in her native country. She was well liked, entertaining, but she was longing to make it "Big Time". Papitou, ends up hitching a ride on a boat, sh's caught, but a women likes her and say's she will pay for her ticket. Papitou in turn must be her nanny.
Jennifer Hudson was a struggling actress. hudson appeared on American Idol, where she was sent home. No one heard anything about her. She resurfed and became Effie in "Dreamgirls". These girls, one in a movie role, and one who is playing a role but the character relates to her real life story. They were down and out and was given another chance to shine. I can say, I was not disappointed in any way at either of the roles. I feel that I somehow fit into this character as well. I have been struggling to complete my college education for quite some time now, I am finally going to graduate. I like Papitou, and Jennifer have accomplished my goal to be successful, and not quitting until the goal is complete.
-Sinclair
In siren of the tropics papitou was determine to pursue her dancing career, she would stop at nothing, she even hitched a ride on a boat.They searched every where to find her and when they located her she was taking a bath. The woman told them to leave her she would pay for her passage. Papitou was so determined she didn't know the two men she meet would trick her telling her she would be the wife of Andre Perval,so she agreed to dance. She didn't know he already had a fiance. Another point of the movie was the black men was sent across the bridge first to see if there was danger. They tried to get back at Andre so he had the black man push him down the hill and left him for dead but papitou saved him just as he did for her. But for a silent movie it had some funny parts.
Michelle J
Siren Of The Tropic
In Siren of the tropic by Josephine baker , Josephine plays “Papitou” a beautiful woman who lives with a free spirit and as African/native American. She falls in love with Andre a young man who was sent to the Parisan Antilles as a prospector. Andres an engineer was banished by Denise’s father who did not want to accept their loving relationship. When he was at Persian Antilles at the minor project, Papitou met him and saved his life from Alavarez’s attempt of murder. After Andres found out about Alavarez’s intentions sent by Denise’s father, he decide to go back to Paris to see Denise. Papitou, also got on the ship facing many situations, hiding she slips on mounds of coal and turned totally black then she powders herself in white. All she did because she wants to see and follows Andres Breval in Paris she became an erotic dancer, and later she knew that Andres wanted to marry Denise . Papitou became very sad and very disolutionated. Although she felt that way she became successful with her beauty and sexy body. Papitou was very innocent and adorable.
- Martha Fuentes
My comparison of Papitou's character to a contemporary person is that of Mary J. Blige.
I feel that both women went through pain and hardship to accomplish their dreams.
Papitou left her country, family and friends to go to an unknown world. Mary had to leave drugs and alchol behind.
Since both women were of different time eras, they both had to face hardship as it was presented back then and now. Papitou being a very light skinned African American and acting on stage alongside whites, the movie industry had to still reinforce that she was still indeed black.
This was seen on the steamboat where the white female passenger asked Papitou to be her "nanny." It was the norm back then for Blacks to do domestic chores.
I must also note that during this time era, black face theatricals was the in thing, so this was also thrown into the movie.
Mary's hardship came from the recording agents. She was no longer that girl on the streets, she had to change her image and conform to the ways and beliefs of what sells to the white audience.
Although Josephine Baker spent the majority of her life in Europe, she and Mary have contributed their time and efforts to fight causes which both women found to be noteworthy.
Discrimination/Sterotyping will continue to be an obstacle for those who let it be. As far as I'm concerned any individual with a strong mind and self determination can overcome these obstacles to achieve a worthy future.
Bessie
I hated this film, Ms. Baker's character portrayed as native Black girl who's running,climbing and jumping all over the place like a monkey.
Ms. Baker (Papitous) was determine get the attention of Andre Berval, who's white, because she felt she was indebted to him for saving her from a Alvarez. She was the happy and docile person that some Whites believe us to be today. Sonja
The movie Siren of the tropics with josephine Baker her character Papitou was determined to get of the island, she new their was'nt any future on the island, so when she saw the opportunity, to leave she took the chance and landed a job in paris doing cabaret. I compare her story to Fantasia Barrino who left Highpoint NC to tyrout for american idol, and became the winner in 2004. To date Fantasia has gatherd 20 award nominations including the grammy, american music award,and soul train award. she is making her broadway debut in the starring role of Celie beginning April 2007. Maria
Siren of The Tropics was a silent love story movie that i just couldn't get into. I do remember that J. Baker was harrassed by men. This I would compare to everyday life's trials and tribulations that as we as women struggle through everyday. Men are constantly pushing up on women whether it be in the workplace or just simply walking down NYC streets. J. Baker struggled with her Godfather's denial when a man was attempting to propose to her. In my opinion this happens to most women in foreign countries.
Cathy
From ever since the begining of time the media have protrayed black people as the beast. For instance "King Kong". King kong was a giant gorilla in love with a white women. In other words a black men were considered untaimed, wild and always craving the forbidden fruit. A(white women) pure and wholeome. while veiwing the movie(Siren of the Tropics) Josephine Baker reminded me of Little kim. Little Kim is a well known female rapper. Little Kim have protrayed herself as a women who is not afraid of revealing herself as a sexual being whether bein herlyrics or in her clothes. She always dress in almost nothing while peforming at her concerts, also gaining respect from her fans as the Queen Bee.I don't know where little Kim learned how to behave in this manner, however the message was clear a long time ago even in Josephine Baker's era that sex sells in show business industry.
I did not enjoy watching Josephine Baker play Papitou in Siren of the Tropics. The way she portrayed in the silent film was just how white people saw us and still to this day see us. Wild and crazy acting. My comparison to Papitou is Hally Berry in her film role which she won her oscar was Munster's Ball. I think Hally Berry is a talented actress and I think it took her getting nude is what made her win her oscar. Again this is what's expected of us.
The silent film Siren of the Tropics, I compared Diana Ross to Papitou (Josephine Baker). Papitou plays a girl from the tropics who goes to Paris to be a great dancer. Diana Ross is a singer, actress, sex symbol and living legend. Her versality with soul, disco and rhythem and blues helped make Diana Ross a sucessful female singer that helped fefined Motown.
Linda
I have Josephine Baker's film autobiography starring Lynn Whitefield. Josephine was a free spirit, sexy, and African-American woman that exploded in Paris, France during the 1920's era. She was loved and adored by the French but in American African-Americans despised her talent and courage. She stood for civil rights for all people of color.
I believe that this film "Siren of the Tropics" expressed her struggles when she was in America. The racism, discrimmination, and the disrespect was hurtful and troubling to her soul.
I compare her to Halle Barry that sexy, beautiful, and powerful actress. Most people had statements when she won her award that she got it by taking off her clothes in the movie "Monster Ball." She came a long way from independent films such as "Strictly Business" and "X-men."
She paved her way in Hollywood with her consistencies and talents over and over again. Her name is on the Hollywood star Blvd.
I have Josephine Baker's film autobiography starring Lynn Whitefield. Josephine was a free spirit, sexy, and African-American woman that exploded in Paris, France during the 1920's era. She was loved and adored by the French but in American African-Americans despised her talent and courage. She stood for civil rights for all people of color.
I believe that this film "Siren of the Tropics" expressed her struggles when she was in America. The racism, discrimmination, and the disrespect was hurtful and troubling to her soul.
I compare her to Halle Barry that sexy, beautiful, and powerful actress. Most people had statements when she won her award that she got it by taking off her clothes in the movie "Monster Ball." She came a long way from independent films such as "Strictly Business" and "X-men."
She paved her way in Hollywood with her consistencies and talents over and over again. Her name is on the Hollywood star Blvd.
Althea
Siren of the tropics was a hard movie to watch in the beginning but as it went on what I did get out of the movie was a young black woman looking for love only to be turned away from the man she loved. Yes, Josephine Baker was a very talented woman and I enjoyed watching her dance it reminded me of how they dance in the clubs today and the shows we go to see on broadway. I would like to watch it again and maybe get a better meaning to the movie, Sharon.
I will have to compare Siren of the Tropics to DreamGirls. Josephine Baker and Effie White was determined to pursue their dreams. Josephine was forced to play a silly role, sneaking on the boat, hiding and disguising herself, one who would do anything to get to this man she supposely fell in love with. The black character that was portrayed in the media in that era. Effie on the other hand was in love but after she realized it was over, she moved on. Her character was portrayed as the single black mother with the absence of the daddy in the picture. The struggling parent determine to do what's best for her child. A strong black woman determine to keep her head up, today's era.
-Benita
Josephine Baker's performance in Siren of the Tropics was on of the women who made it possible for black women to be in Hollywood. Josephine went though many struggle to get to were she was. She fought a long way to get to were she was. I would say when I think about Baker, Tina Turner comes to mind. Though Tina was not put down by the white people but by her own husband she held her head up high. Tina still pressed on to do what she had to do.
melissa
josephine baker is a phenomenal actress. josephine baker like alot of other famous actresses has paved the way for many other african american women. she had made it possible for actresses today to go after thier dreamsa as an actress. vert well respected woman, who i wouldn't mind following in her foot steps.
Josephine Baker is a phenominal women.I would compare her role in Siren of the Tropics to all the colored women that struugled to be a part of hollywood. She went through many struggles to get where she did and anybody that still pushes on no matter what gets the upmost respect from me. its already hard being a female in hollywood but it is even harder for her because of her skin color, but she didnt let that stop her. Go Josephine !
The blog about king kong is Theresa's I forgot to sign my name sorry about that
Hola Jen
In the film “Siren of the Tropics represents the struggled that Ms. Baker experienced as an African American actress. Ms. Baker has paved the way for all African American actresses such as Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett and Whoppi Goldberg. All of these actresses are very talented and have worked extremely hard in an industry that is very competitive for most African American women.
Olga A.
In the film “Siren of the Tropics represents the struggled that Ms. Baker experienced as an African American actress. Ms. Baker has paved the way for all African American actresses such as Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett and Whoppi Goldberg. All of these actresses are very talented and have worked extremely hard in an industry that is very competitive for most African American women.
Olga A.
The film Siren of The Tropics with Josephine Baker was a film I didn't enjoy. The charactor Papitou which Josephine Baker protrayed was during the 1920s when this was the only way an African-American woman actress could cross over to the "white" audience. I am not sure how to compare her with an African-American female of today's time. The one I would probably compare her with is Whitney Houston. The reason I used Whitney Houston is only because she is also an African-American woman who is a singer, performer, and actress just like Josephine Baker was. I believe both women had many obstacles in their way which they had to overcome in order to accomplish their dreams.
J. Johnson
Josephine Baker character Papitou, lived in the caribean. Papitou was a very warm and affection person. Her father was white so her mother must of been a native of the land. I was very suprise to see the nudity in this black and white film. The dancing I noticed is quite similar to what the young people are doing today. The main topic where the lust of an older man towards a younge female is also a subject that today's society is dealing with. i admire Papitou becuse she was quite brave when Alvarez the landlord tried to attck her, she was able to escape and not let him have his way with her even with the money and authority that he had over the native people. S.A.
I did not enjoy watching Josephine Baker's (In Siren of the Tropics). It was silent movie, and could not get into it. All I can remember is the man that wanted to marry her, she (Papitor) was not interested in him, because she wanted a career. I can identified with that because all I want right now is to graduate from college. And I don't want to be selfish, but it's how am feeling. However she did fall in love with Andre and that's all I can remember. Wanda G.
Josephine Baker's "Siren of the Tropics" reminds me of Fantasia Barino when she won America's Idol. Her life story which showed on lifetime is depicting the same atmosphere. Leaving home with just a few dollars, being parent and a high school drop out. She couldn't read but look what she has achieve and what she has done for herself and her daughter. When papitou finds her way her the boat, it relates to when Fantasia went to audition for America Idol. She got there late and the doors were closed and the security let her in from the back entrance because he heard her voice and he knew she was special. Don't give up on your dreams.
CAROL J.
Josephine Baker was a beautiful black woman who looked white, it was the fact that they knew she was black, was why she didn't get the parts that she really craved for, so she did her best with the ones she recived. Lynn Whynfield played the part well and let us know just how troulbed Josephine was with what was going on in America at the time.
I will compare her to Halley Berry who is also a beautiful black woman and did roles that she did not want and felt the effects of looking the white part but being black.
Both woman have over come alot of sterotyping. They what they had to do to get the notery that they both have recived.
Octavia
Later Days :)
Josephine Baker's "Siren of the Tropics" reminds me of Beyonce. In some of Beyonce's videos, she dances and prances around, switching her hips. Beynoce is a very good singr and dancer. she is an excellent performer. Just like Josephine Baker was.
Karen T.
Let's compare Josephine Baker to Whoopi Goldberg. Josephine is willing to conform to selling sex because stereotypically it is easy for an appealing woman to do so. Whoopi, I admire because her entire persona goes against the grain. When you go against the grain you are not as popular because you are different, which in this society is harder to embrace. Power through sex, Josephine Baker paved the way for the "sex sales" slogan that is responsible for what we can't get away from in the world today. Listen to me--the devil is a liar. There are other ways to achieve power Oprah, although not my favorite "white washed" role model, gained her fame, power, and fortune through addressing strong issues. Being a consistent and determined figure of the media kept her show going. She helped people with her money and constantly addressed correcting issues within so we become better people, or at least set a goal to do so by first identifying the problem.
Shaniqua
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