For this short position paper, you may address either of the following writing prompts (NOT BOTH). The important thing about this assignment is that you need to develop an argumentative thesis statement and support your argument.
The mini-essay should be a minimum of 500 words (no more than 800).
Writing Prompt #1: Take a side on the debate of whether or not only non-white filmmakers should make films that focus on race issues or that focus on non-white biographies or historical events that had more bearing on people of color. (EXAMPLE: Spike Lee’s vehement assertion that the story of Malcom X should only be told by a black filmmaker). Be sure to support your statement.
OR
Writing Prompt #2: Take a side on the debate about a minority filmmaker’s responsibility to be a voice for their race/ethnicity. Should a minority filmmaker be held to a different standard with regards to how they depict race/ethnicity in the films they make? Be sure to support your answer.
This assignment will be graded on the validity of the support you provide, your demonstration of being able to synthesize concepts and arguments that we discussed in class, and the eloquence with which you complete your argument (this includes things like good grammer, sentence construction, spelling, and giving structure to your argument.)
