MovieChat Forums > National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) Discussion > Racist Theme?

Racist Theme?

posted 19 years ago by fenny85
105 replies | jump to latest

I just watched this movie (not exactly for the first time either) but I thought id ask whether anyone thought this movie was racist in certain parts and whether certain jokes were taken too far.

The scene in the bar/club, where the deltas and their dates are the only white people there, we get the famous 'what are you studying? Primitive cultures' gag. Also in the parade scene at the end the giant 'Togetherness' float with the giant black and white hands holding each other, they get ripped apart as the deathmobile passes by with the words 'Eat Me' conveniently appearing between the separating hands.

Anyone think that some of these jokes went a bit too far, or am i looking into this too much? I cant imagine the people behind such a great and fun movie like Animal House would have any sort of racist agenda. I love this movie but I find that one or two of these jokes bother me a bit.

On a final note, based on this post I think Ive just become yet another victim to modern society's obssession with political correctness. Damn it.

'My advice to you, is to start drinking heavily' - John Belushi

[–] Wolfbrother1983 10 years ago

There was some racial flavor to some of the humor. Not racist, cause it wasn't mean spirited or hateful.

And I don't think any of the jokes went too far.

"America isn't ready for a gay, mexican chicken sandwich" - Poultrygeist

[–] Venus-25 8 years ago

What do you want, for every scriptwriter in TV and movies to rewrite history? What is this, 1984?

There certainly were racial tensions in the early 60s and even in the late 70s when this film was made. This film shows their absurdity among bigger issues. College is the time to deal with these things and learn how absurd they are and what to do to improve the world. Making fun of it is once way to point this out to the audience.

And if Richard Pryor didn't have a problem with this film, why do you?

The Fabio Principle: Puffy shirts look best on men who look even better without them.

[–] franzkabuki 8 years ago

On its own terms, it's difficult to see the "primitive cultures" joke as not being racist. However, that doesn't mean that the filmmakers were pushing any "racist agenda"... and it also doesn't stop it from being pretty funny, mainly because of the understated, halting way it's delivered.

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan

[–] krispykremekiller 8 years ago

In the 70s and 80s comedy was more intelligent than it is now. It was OK to make fun of things, to make fun of other cultures, to also have self deprecating humor with respect to taboos in society. People were able to see the filmmakers intended no harm. Racial humor can bring people together. Look at all the white people who loved Richard Pryor. They learned from him as well as laughed. In learning and laughing we sometimes learn empathy too. Lack of empathy is what makes everything bad. We need more empathy.

[–] maxtshea 8 years ago

If you think "Animal House" is offensive, have a look-see at the American establishment in 1962. Now THERE'S some horrible racism 4ya!