Gonzo Style: is Tarantino really a supervillian?

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]urrent news often contains headlines that refer to black people being or feeling oppressed by white people. This is largely understandable considering the history of racism and slavery, particularly within the US. As a result it caused quite a controversy when the famous director and noted white American Quentin Tarantino claimed that he felt oppressed by black critics.

In a recent interview with Bret Easton Ellis for T magazine, Tarantino complains about what he perceives as excessive focus on his own race among critics, particularly black critics, in response to Django Unchained’s racially insensitive content. Tarantino goes as far as claiming that such critics reach false conclusions about his motivations because he is white and thus present him as a “supervillain”.

Although Tarantino says they leave a “bad taste” in his mouth, that hasn’t prevented him from creating further films related to and representing issues of race.

However it’s important to consider that the very discussion of Tarantino’s race in relation to his work are an equally valid part of the conversation around issues of race and racism in which his films often participate.

Nonetheless, I have a lot of respect for Tarantino’s confidence in addressing ideas of race and racism. As a white person, I can appreciate that we can often (and perhaps rightfully) feel like our voices aren’t be included in conversations regarding these topics.

Often lack of knowledge or fear of using politically incorrect terms can prevent us from joining the discussion, which doesn’t seem to be a problem for Tarantino and his supposed “obsession with the n-word”. While his approach to issues of race and slavery in Django might be part of what makes him so open to criticism, it is also part of what makes his work so critically acclaimed.

Perhaps what should be taken from both Tarantino’s critics and his response to them is that the conversation is still ongoing and is definitely worth having.

All opinions are worth considering, whether they offered in an article or a creative art form. Whether they’re a white person or a black person is unimportant.

Discussing issues of race and racism are as important as discussing how the conversation should take shape, who should be involved and the racial standpoint of different individuals. At the end of the day, Tarantino is no a more villain than a hero. He’s simply a man whose work depicts issues of race and racism and who’s voice and own identity are as worthy of consideration as anyone else’s.