In 1968, United Artists removed eleven Looney Tunes cartoons from syndicated distribution due to their racist portrayals of Africans and African Americans. Nearly fifty years later, cartoon historians are calling for the end of the ban, arguing that their artistic value overrides the negative effects of the outdated stereotypes depicted in the cartoons. Can art transcend a nasty past? Is it ever okay to overlook some aspects of a work of art? Can we understand contemporary racism without understanding its roots in popular culture, like these cartoons?
Join us on January 18th in West Duke 101 from 6 to 8 pm for a screening of two of the most critically lauded cartoons followed by a discussion with Duke History Professor Adriane Lentz-Smith. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.