Book Review: Race in American Film: Voices and Visions That Shaped a Nation

Abstract

Race in American Film is a three-volume encyclopedic treatment of race and racism in American cinema, from the early film era to modern times. The editors, Daniel Bernardi and Michael Green, address the question of “American cinema’s place in American and world culture with respect to the question of race” (xxx). For the purpose of this three-volume set, they define “race” broadly, using Omi and Winant’s definition of race as a “‘shifting yet reforming’ complex of meanings that works to shape our sense of selves and those we see as similar—thereby allowing us to see others as different.” (xxi) The concept of race, therefore, is subject to change over time and among different social groups.