District 9

The film District 9 is centered around a containment area in Africa for aliens in Johannesburg. There were many times when I didn’t know whether I should laugh or take the film seriously, like when the older black woman is being interviewed about the “prawns” while there is an alien behind her viciously dumpster diving… a bit ironic since she is talking about wanting them to leave earth. I thought it was interesting how the people named the aliens “prawns” like bottom feeders. This term is derogatory and demeaning to the alien race. Regarding the movie being racist towards the black people in the film—I think that they film definitely plays on the negative stereotypes of black people and the ghetto. For instance, one scene shows a bunch of black men and aliens gambling on an “alien fight” that resembles cock fighting which is obviously illegal. It also showed kids talking about guns which reminded me of films about ghettos in the US. I also think that the film mocks traditional African culture with the with doctor woman. She tells others that eating the alien body parts makes you gain their power- reminiscent of ancient tribal rituals with animals. The weapons salesman even tries to cut off the “changed” arm of the reporter to become like an alien showing that this idea is prevalent among the African people and making them seem absurd and superstitious.