because of their history, and because a story necessarily follows an arc with some sort of beginning, middle and end, it is difficult to place
African Americans in traditional stories

history is too complex and shouldn't necessarily be the subject of every narrative; however you can't erase it from their identity.

film and books are historically "white mediums"

usually American Hero refers to a white male

to be black you have to be gendered in certain ways; to be a black leader you have to be a male and straight.

Femininity, homosexuality, and interracial ambiguity pose a risk to black nationalism and black family

conk scene
prison shower scene (not a stereotype here)
Rudy: possibly homosexual, light-skinned
Bedroom scene with Sophia - asserting authority

Sophia is a symbol for temptation, greed, and lack of consciousness

Laura is the good girl who sees Malcolm: satisfaction, settled life, knowledge of self

Betty symbolizes the family life; domesticity

maybe that's why there's no room for Ella (pg 299)

Rodney King and LA Race Riots (1992)

Nelson Mandela and Apartheid (ended in 1994)