Resistance or the Perpetuation of Racial Visual Coding: Black Space

 In his book "Black Space: Imagining Race in Science Fiction Film," Adilifu Nama discusses the representation of blackness in science fiction films, particularly in relation to the depiction of aliens. Nama argues that the portrayal of the black alien as hermaphroditic perpetuates a visual coding of racial difference that suggests the black body is utterly alien in relation to its white counterpart.

Image of the 'Jungle Stalker' from the movie, Predator (1987)

This is a trope that has been used in science fiction films for many years. This depiction typically involves the black alien being presented as a genderless, androgynous being, often with exaggerated physical features such as elongated limbs, enlarged craniums, and black or dark-colored skin. Nama argues that this portrayal perpetuates a visual coding of racial difference that suggests the black body is fundamentally different and "other" in relation to the white body.

Image of a 'Prawn' from the movie, District 9 (2009)

This visual coding of racial difference is particularly troubling because it reinforces the idea that blackness is not only different but also alien and outside of the realm of normal human experience. The hermaphroditic construction of the black alien, therefore, perpetuates a form of racial othering that dehumanizes black bodies and reinforces the notion that they are fundamentally different from white bodies.

The 'Creature' from the movie, Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954).

However, it is also important to note that the hermaphroditic construction of the black alien can also be seen as a form of resistance. By presenting blackness as fundamentally different and outside of normative human experience, science fiction films challenge dominant narratives about race and identity. In this way, the hermaphroditic construction of the black alien can be seen as a way of subverting dominant power structures and creating new possibilities for imagining race and identity.

The 'Black Panther' (2018) starring Chadwick Boseman.

While the hermaphroditic construction of the black alien perpetuates a strident visual coding of racial difference, it can also be seen as a form of resistance against dominant power structures. As we continue to explore the representation of race in science fiction films, it is important to consider both the ways in which these depictions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and the ways in which they can challenge dominant narratives and create new possibilities for imagining race and identity.