In two films, Antwone Fisher and Malcolm X, we see two different portrayals of black masculinity that evoke the progress in race relations in the United States. This is progress that has caused change in black masculinity in African American males. In Malcolm X, black masculinity is presented as one that is abusive toward women and views them as sex objects. Black masculinity is equated to anger, violence, and radicalism. In Antwone Fisher, modern black masculinity is tempered by racial progress and demands a more sensitive, educated reaction to self and others.
The early life of Malcolm X did much to promote his expression of black masculinity, including that of being a criminal, a womanizer, and violent. However, prejudice and racism fostered these expressions of black masculinity in Malcolm, a masculinity expression that will change as Malcolm develops. By showing both the multiple influences on and the multiple dimensions of his identity and beliefs, we see how Malcolm truly wished for unity for all peace loving peoples. Throughout the film there are many examples of cultural and social groups who are portrayed in one-dimensional shading. For example, there are white vixens that tempt black men, demeaning white teachers who misguide their educational development, abusive and brutal white cops who unjustly beat blacks, and treacherous white CIA agents who apply enormous pressure on MalcolmÆs life. Yet, despite such charges that these groups may be unfairly portrayed, they are not. This is because the ideology of America during that era produced attitudes in whites that mirror those in the film, attitudes that are a brutally honest reflection of American society of that time and produce MalcolmÆs brand of black masculinity that resents and hates whites. Yet, director Spike Lee does not glorify all blacks at the expense of whites. In one scene Malcolm is asked by a white girl who belie
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