Wednesday, July 2, 2008

More on black presidents on film and TV

A few posts ago I presented my theory about how Dennis Haysbert's portrayal of President Palmer in "24" has served to generate acceptance of the idea of a black president in a wide, diverse viewing base.

Others apparently have been thinking similar thoughts. Here is a very interesting article about the subject. I particularly enjoy John Stewart's quip that he made as host of the Oscars this year. All due respect to the great Morgan Freeman as president in "Deep Impact" (1998), but Stewart's point is well-taken. This is why the Haysbert performance was special -- it literally transcended race. Viewers simply said to themselves "shit, this guy is one kick-ass prez!"

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