1. a genre of action or crime films made in the 1970s that featured Black protagonists and were marketed primarily to Black audiences, often criticized for relying on stereotypes
Usage: informal; often used critically; primarily historical reference to 1970s cinema

Examples

• Shaft and Foxy Brown are classic examples of blaxploitation films from the 1970s.
• The blaxploitation genre emerged as a response to the lack of Black representation in mainstream Hollywood.
• Critics argue that blaxploitation films, while providing opportunities for Black actors, often perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
• The soundtrack to many blaxploitation movies became iconic in funk and soul music history.
• Scholars have debated whether blaxploitation films should be celebrated for their cultural significance or condemned for their stereotypical portrayals.