Revisiting the Controversial Film, “Blazing Saddles”

Blazing Saddles: A Sophisticated Satire For Tolerance How a Wild West Comedy Took Aim at Racism and Intolerance. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the comedy classic.
Released in 1974, Blazing Saddles is a comedy film that has become a cult classic. The film is set in the Old West and tells the story of Bart, (portrayed by the brilliant Cleavon Little) a black sheriff who is appointed to a town that is about to be demolished by a railroad company. Bart teams up with the gunslinger named Jim (portrayed by Gene Wilder) to save the town and fight against racism and bigotry. Little and Wilder are one of the funnies comedy teams of all time. It is sad they only appear in one film together.
Blazing Saddles is often considered to be a controversial film, due to its use of offensive language and humor. However, the film’s use of satire is actually quite sophisticated. By using humor to lampoon racism and bigotry, Blazing Saddles forces the audience to confront these issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The more arrogant and racist the character, the worse that character’s fate. Meanwhile, the protagonists — Bart and Jim — are incredibly clever and end up on top at the end. All the while they are winning their own wars against racism and injustice.
How Blazing Saddles Encourages Tolerance
There are several ways in which Blazing Saddles encourages tolerance.
-
First, the film exposes the absurdity of racism and bigotry. By showing how ridiculous and harmful these prejudices are, the film encourages viewers to reject them.
-
Second, the film celebrates diversity. The film’s cast of characters includes people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. This diversity sends a message that all people are equal and deserve to be treated with respect.
-
Third, the film promotes the importance of standing up to injustice. Bart and Jim are both heroes because they are willing to fight for what is right, even when it is difficult. This sends a message that we all have a responsibility to speak out against intolerance.
Blazing Saddles is not a perfect film. It is sometimes crude and offensive, but it is important to remember that is by design and not by accident. However, the film’s message of tolerance is clear and important. In a world that is still struggling with racism and bigotry, Blazing Saddles remains a relevant and important film.
Here are some specific examples of how Blazing Saddles uses satire to encourage tolerance:
-
The film’s opening scene features a group of cowboys singing a song about how they hate Indians. This song is so over-the-top and ridiculous that it is impossible to take it seriously. The song’s absurdity exposes the irrationality of racism.
-
The film’s villain, Hedley Lamar, is a white supremacist who is constantly plotting to harm black people. Lamar is so cartoonishly evil that he is impossible to believe as a real person. This makes it clear that the film is not endorsing his views. Furthermore, everything that can go wrong for Lamar ultimately does.
-
The film’s climactic scene features a fight between Bart and Lamar. This fight is so over-the-top and ridiculous that it is clear that the film is not taking itself seriously. The fight’s absurdity undercuts the seriousness of Lamar’s racism.
Blazing Saddles is a complex and funny film that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a fan of westerns, comedies, or satires, Blazing Saddles is a film that you should see. And if you are looking for a film that encourages tolerance, Blazing Saddles is a great and humorous place to start.