Roxane Gay, in her book "Bad Feminist: Essays," discusses the tendency for critical recognition of black films to be dependent on themes of black suffering and oppression. This pattern suggests that many films about black experiences gain acclaim primarily when they focus on stories of pain, struggle, or injustice, which can overshadow the diverse narratives that represent the black community.

Gay's observation encourages a conversation about the importance of diverse storytelling in black cinema. Rather than solely depicting trauma, there should be a broader exploration of black lives, including joy, triumph, and everyday experiences, to create a more nuanced understanding of the culture and its achievements.