In a 1987 documentary entitled, Ethnic Notions, director Marlon Riggs examines the influence white media had on the development of African-American stereotypes between the 1820s and the Civil Rights Movement. The film explores how the constant perpetuation of these stereotypes led to the belief these were true depictions of Black life. These embellished images, or caricatures, were grotesque and purposely misrepresented our experiences.