Final answer:
Films can convey or undermine knowledge by how they represent social issues and groups, with diverse representation offering enlightenment and exclusion, perpetuating ignorance. The success of films like "Black Panther" illustrates the positive impact of authentic representation. In contrast, the underrepresentation in movies like "Number 37" demonstrates how such narratives can be damaging to societal understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Movies play a significant role in shaping and reflecting societal values, beliefs, and the dissemination of knowledge. One way movies can represent the undermining of knowledge is by depicting a narrow perspective that excludes certain groups or ideas, or by highlighting how authority figures or institutions may suppress or dismiss valid information or narratives to maintain the status quo.
For instance, films such as "Number 37" and "Black Panther" provide contrasting examples of representation in cinema. "Number 37" serves as an example to illustrate the harmful effects of underrepresentation of Black people in film, while "Black Panther" reflects a successful depiction of authentic representation. The inclusion or exclusion of diverse perspectives can either challenge traditional narratives or perpetuate them, influencing audience's perceptions and acceptance of different groups.
Furthermore, the portrayal of historical and social issues, such as the African American experience with slavery, civil rights, and systemic poverty, in a realistic or whitewashed manner, can either enlighten or mislead audiences. The use of film can also reflect or critique the impact of counterculture and its supposed erosion of traditional values, as argued by thinkers like Os Guinness, showcasing a cultural shift. Therefore, the representation in movies can have profound effects on viewers' knowledge and cultural understanding.