A Canadian academic has sparked controversy by labeling the cherished film Its a Wonderful Life as rife with "racism," challenging its long-standing status as a holiday favorite.
According to Breitbart, James Deaville, a music professor at Carleton University, argues that the predominantly white setting of Bedford Falls and its musical score reflect racial biases. "Listen and pay attention to the sounds of the movie and thats where the racism lies, in the music," Deaville remarked to the New York Post, critiquing the film's soundtrack as emblematic of racial stereotypes.
He further contends that the film's musical choices, such as the use of "Buffalo Gals" in Bedford Falls versus jazz and boogie-woogie in Pottersville, underscore a racial divide.
Deaville also criticized the film's lack of diversity, noting the presence of only a single black character, a housekeeper, and accused director Frank Capra of racism. His assertions have not resonated with many fans of the film. Conservative commentator Matt Margolis expressed his outrage, stating, "When I learned that some unhinged leftist professor claimed this classic contains secret racial and bigoted ideas I was beyond furious."
Released in 1946, Its a Wonderful Life, directed and produced by Frank Capra, is an enduring American Christmas fantasy drama. The film draws inspiration from Philip Van Doren Stern's 1943 short story, The Greatest Gift, which itself takes cues from Charles Dickens' 1843 novella A Christmas Carol.
Despite the professor's claims, the film continues to be celebrated for its timeless themes of redemption and community spirit.
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