Gangsters and Busters: Black Bodies in Grand Theft Auto
Thursday, January 9, 2025
6:00 PM–7:00 PM
Michael Conforti Pavilion
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Join us for an interactive talk with cultural critic and journalist Jamal Michel as he delves into the provocative world of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and its portrayal of Black identity. Presented in coordination with David-Jeremiah's exhibition I Drive Thee, Michel examines how the digital realm presumes, manipulates, and drives narratives of the Black experience.
In his critically acclaimed New York Times article, “My Mosque Preached Damnation, but Grand Theft Auto Offered Thrills,” Michel reflects on how games like GTA offer minority players an outlet for expression while reinforcing problematic narratives, especially those around Black masculinity. Through live gameplay of GTA III (2001) through GTA V (2013), Michel dissects how the game's flashy sports cars, gritty urban landscapes, and dynamic characters both reflect and distort perceptions of race, class, and culture, offering valuable insights into the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (2025).
Free. For accessibility questions, call 413 458 0524.
In his critically acclaimed New York Times article, “My Mosque Preached Damnation, but Grand Theft Auto Offered Thrills,” Michel reflects on how games like GTA offer minority players an outlet for expression while reinforcing problematic narratives, especially those around Black masculinity. Through live gameplay of GTA III (2001) through GTA V (2013), Michel dissects how the game's flashy sports cars, gritty urban landscapes, and dynamic characters both reflect and distort perceptions of race, class, and culture, offering valuable insights into the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (2025).
Free. For accessibility questions, call 413 458 0524.
