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My Country 'Tis of Thee

Name: My Country 'Tis of Thee
Director: Gordon Hollingshead
Released: 1950
Duration: 19 min

Representation Score

0.3/10

Minimal

1950

Approved

Director

Gordon Hollingshead

Runtime

19 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary functions as a celebratory, linear survey of American history designed to bolster national identity. It prioritizes a singular, cohesive national mythos that reinforces established social and political hierarchies. The film avoids the complexities of multi-layered identity, focusing instead on the reinforcement of mid-century norms. It validates existing power dynamics rather than challenging them. Ultimately, the work serves to memorialize a traditionalist view of the American founding, emphasizing moral clarity and Western institutional power.

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Category Breakdown

Does My Country 'Tis of Thee have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives. It adheres strictly to the social norms of the mid-20th century.

How does My Country 'Tis of Thee portray gender?

Limited

The narrative reinforces traditional gender roles. Women like Betsy Ross are highlighted, but their contributions are framed through domestic labor rather than political leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is My Country 'Tis of Thee?

Minimal

The film presents a homogeneous, Eurocentric view of American history. It prioritizes white, Anglo-Saxon perspectives and lacks the inclusion of non-white individuals in the foundational narrative.

How does My Country 'Tis of Thee represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The work promotes traditional Western values and patriotism. It emphasizes respect for established authority and the sanctity of the nation-state.

Does My Country 'Tis of Thee include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed. Characters are presented through a standard lens of historical archetypes.

Present on Screen

Provides a panoramic and cohesive view of American historical milestones.
Offers a clear, linear progression of the nation's foundational narrative.

Limited or Absent

Lacks multi-layered depth and the inclusion of non-white individuals.
Reinforces restrictive gender hierarchies by limiting female roles to domesticity.
Excludes LGBTQ+ identities and disability representation entirely.

Official Synopsis

My Country 'Tis of Thee is a 1950 short documentary supervised by Gordon Hollingshead. It is a panoramic view of American history from the coming of the pilgrims all the way through to 1950. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Subject, Two-Reel.

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