The Barbeque Satire

The Barbeque (1993), directed by Winston Washington Moxam, is a black and white drama film that focuses on a young black woman’s encounter with her ex-boyfriend’s white family. It is a compelling film about racism and it delivers a poignant critique of the everyday racism that pervades Canadian society, as well as depicting the challenges that people of color go through every day. “The Barbeque is an intricate deconstruction of the passive-aggressive forms of racism that a young black woman has to face at her white boyfriend's family gathering” (Araneda, 101). How does Moxam, through a clever and incisive satire, exposes the different forms that racism takes as well as different ways in which people of color are subjected to everyday racism?

She is forced to watch a bizarre stage performance. Moxam clearly shows that she is unhappy and confused through her facial expressions. She then wakes up from this nightmare to find herself on her way to a family barbeque with her ex-boyfriend. The film is set around the preparations for a backyard barbeque at the protagonist’s, Luis’, home. Moxam has also set the scene at an ordinary Winnipeg backyard where all kinds of different people are placed. This is where Moxam illustrates to the viewers the different forms that racism takes, as well as revealing the ways that an ordinary Winnipeg backyard can be the scene for all kinds of awkward comments, misguided gestures and racist

Ron stands up to shake Gracie’s hand and introduces his wife Jan to her. He appears to not know what to say to Gracie after this and he talks about how he and Jan will be going to Africa soon to be missionaries. They proceed to ask her if she can help them, and make comments suggesting that she should go to Africa too. Maxom shows racism in this scene through the awkward comments that they are making. This shows to the viewers that because she is black, they think the only relevant topic to discuss with are those pertaining Africa. Arnold then invites Gracie to have a seat next to him and he gets up for her. Meanwhile, Michael is busy with what appears to be a stick, as he is listening to music. Arnold starts to look at Gracie and he also appears to have a grin on his face. He then starts to touch and rub Gracie’s shoulders and she starts to show discomfort. Maggie, who appears to be his wife, also shows discomfort and this is where he leaves to check on Mr. Fiddle. Ron and Jan then continue to talk about Africa with Gracie they assume Gracie may have knowledge of customs because she is black. Through this scene, Maxom further suggests to the viewers how Gracie is treated differently and also suggests that Arnold may also be interested in Gracie romantically. Maxom solidifies this when Arnold talks about how hot she is with Mr. Fiddle, as he says, “The darker the meat, the sweeter the treat.” Maxom shows the