Black Mirror

This book explores the commodification of blackness in American pop culture, revealing its impact on racial identity and cultural dynamics.

In Black Mirror, Eric Lott delves into the intricate dynamics of race in American pop culture, revealing how blackness has become a coveted commodity. This phenomenon is primarily marketed to white audiences, allowing them to engage with racial difference while maintaining their own identity as 'wholly' white. Through a comprehensive analysis of various cultural forms—ranging from literature and film to music and journalism—Lott uncovers the underlying mechanisms of self-and-other racial mirroring that shape perceptions of blackness in society.

The book provides a critical examination of how black culture serves as a reflection for white consumers, reinforcing white cultural dominance while simultaneously exposing the contradictions inherent in this relationship. Lott explores notable examples from American history, such as Mark Twain’s controversial portrayals, cross-racial reporting by John Howard Griffin, and the appropriation of black music by artists like Bob Dylan. These instances illustrate how racial fantasy and the mirroring of identities remain prevalent in contemporary culture, despite significant strides in civil rights and multiculturalism.

Black Mirror serves as a thought-provoking analysis of how representations of racial difference not only sustain white hegemony but also challenge it. By engaging with these complex themes, Lott encourages readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of racial identity and power dynamics in America, ultimately prompting a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape in which both white and black Americans navigate their identities.