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- Title
Black Man/White Machine:Will Smith Crosses Over.
- Authors
PALMER, LORRIE
- Abstract
The article examines the concept of "crossing over," wherein African-Americans in various professions appeal to all segments of the population, as it relates to the career of actor Will Smith. Smith's career as a successful and popular rapper and his success in television and films are reviewed. The author analyzes two images of Smith and African-American artist, athlete, and political activist Paul Robeson in similar nude poses, and discusses the sexual symbolism of the African-American male body in photographs and film. Reactions from black and white males and females to the scene in the film "I Robot" in which Smith appears nude are presented. The article discusses the author's thoughts on Smith's appeal as it relates to his ability to transcend race.
- Subjects
SMITH, Will, 1968-; POPULARITY; AFRICAN American actors; SYMBOLISM in art; I Robot (Film); RACE -- Study &; teaching; NUDITY in motion pictures; NUDITY; ROBESON, Paul, 1898-1976; PSYCHOLOGY
- Publication
Velvet Light Trap: A Critical Journal of Film & Television, 2011, Issue 67, p28
- ISSN
0149-1830
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1353/vlt.2011.0002