Media is one of the most influential and important aspects of popular culture. Specifically film media, such as movies and shows. Movies and shows tend to shape many of our perspectives and can shed light on societal problems and highlight experiences. Film is also one of the most common and used forms of media, aside from social media like TikTok or Instagram. Aside from this, it is also just entertaining in general. So, combining the media’s trait of being entertaining and being an influential source, you have a powerful tool to convey experiences, problems within popular culture, and societal commentary.
One of these influential movies is the film “Moonlight,” directed by Barry Jenkins; a drama that highlights the experience of Black masculinity and how it intersects with sexuality and identity. Jenkins does this through a three-stage set of the main character’s — Chiron’s — story. It begins with the story of his childhood or adolescence, when he has Little. “Little” is the name of the first stage of the film. This part gives us context and we meet Chiron’s mother, Paula, and Juan, who acts similar to that of an older brother or father figure to Chiron. We see a main conflict of Paula’s drug abuse, which leads to Chiron’s neglected childhood and absence of a strong parental figure.
The next stage is “Chiron” which focuses on his teenage years. This part brings up the central theme of Black sexuality, in which we see Chiron struggle with it and get bullied because of it.
The final stage of the film is “Black,” in which we see Chiron as an adult, in which he now deals drugs in Atlanta. Chiron has now become completely closed-off and has developed a persona similar to Juan. He now fits a stereotypical view of Black masculinity.
“Moonlight” highlights the struggles within the Black community of hypermasculinity and the societal expectations surrounding that. This theme becomes more complex with the intersection of sexuality and the perception of gay Black men, and sexuality in the community in general. “Moonlight” conveys the struggle of acceptance within the community that many Black queer men face. The forced stereotype of hypermasculinity within this community can be alienating and force those within it to either conform to it or face degradation, as seen with Chiron in the film.
“Moonlight” is a prime example of why media is so influential in popular culture, and why we need it. This film is available on numerous platforms and is well worth your time to watch!
