Chains of Reaction: Racism and Resistance in the Movie Django Unchained

Abstract

This study delves into the complexities of racism and resistance in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, exploring how the film portrays the intricate relationships between individual, institutional, and systemic forms of racism. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, this research analyzes key scenes in the film, examining how characters' reactions to racism contribute to the broader theme of resistance. The study reveals that racism in the film manifests predominantly in institutional, interpersonal, and structural forms, with resistance taking various forms, including psychological defiance, rational resistance, and sociological resistance. The analysis highlights the interconnected nature of racism and resistance, demonstrating how individual acts of defiance can disrupt and challenge systemic oppression. This research contributes to ongoing conversations about the portrayal of race in media and the role of film in addressing systemic racism, offering insights into how cinematic representations of racism and resistance can shape public discourse on these issues.