Project 3 Outline

In this post, I will share the foundations and supports that will come together to create my public argument.

Ingrid0804, "Golden Outline." 11/7/15 via flickr. All Rights Reserved.

Intro

"Connecting the issue to my audience's world" is the best fit for my argument because its such a visible part of society. Everyone watches movies, knows some stars/starlets, and is affected by race relations. I think it is the most effective manner with which to connect to my audience and convince them of the importance of my video.

Developing Strong Supporting Paragraphs

1. Major Supporting Arguments

 - We need to tell the truth where it matters (ie not forgetting history, getting a clear picture, building on the impact of the film)

-  There have been calls for accuracy in casting (the other way around) consistently for a while

- Roles where race is negligible can still be cast blindly

- Maybe an indicator that more stories from different perspectives need to be told

- Percentages of different ethnicities in film and census data is fairly close, so Hollywood is decently representing reality

2.  Major Criticism

- Enforcing negative stereotypes

- Not allowing actors of color to advance

- Excuse to allow writers/directors to tell stories that exclude certain ethnic groups

- Its harder for people of color to get work than white actors

3. Key Support and Rebuttal Points (Highlighted)

I chose these points because I felt that they were the most compelling and important to the debate. Also, I feel as though they have not been touched on as much. I will include some of the other points in my conclusion.

4.  Tentative Topic Sentences

While white actors are the majority in film, the diversity represented in film is surprisingly close to American reality.

When Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings premiered, the public had a field day with the fact that a nearly all white cast was chosen to play Egyptians.

 The simple fact is that some semblance of historical accuracy is required when constructing a film. Belief can only be suspended so far.

 Some have said that historically accurate casting gives directors the liberty to discriminate all in the name of the film.

 Another argument I have heard is that directors just don't want people of color to advance in the film industry.

5. Evidence

February 4, 1794: Slavery abolished in French Colonies

Les Mis takes place from 1789-1832

 Kyle Jean Baptiste in Les Miserables and my own personal experience 

Just over a quarter (25.9%) of the 3,932 speaking characters evaluated were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. A full 74.1% were White, 14.1% Black, 4.9% Hispanic, 4.4% Asian, 1.1% Middle Eastern, <1% American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 1.2% were from "other" races/ethnicities. (Annenberg doc pg. 1)

US Census Data 2010 

 Movies such as: Lone Ranger, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Memoirs of a Geisha, Prince of Persia

6. Map of My Argument

Concluding Strategies

I am going to attempt a "common ground" conclusion, because I think it will nicely wrap up my topic. There are a lot of people that will not agree with me, so I think it would be diplomatic and rhetorically effective way to end things. My proposed actions going forward would benefit both sides of the debate.