You're probably going to hear the "N" word in this movie more than in any other cinema this side of Quentin Tarantino. That's because, when Mel Brooks made Blazing Saddles, he wanted to make sure that no subject was taboo or off-limits.
Even today, you'll find lots of people arguing over whether this movie helped race relations in America or if it made them worse. But one thing that's certain is that Mel Brooks doesn't really care about hurting anyone's feelings: he wants to make you laugh, and he wants to make you think about uncomfortable subject matter.
Questions about Race
- What are the main racist stereotypes that this movie makes fun of?
- Does this movie accomplish anything productive in the way it deals with race? Why or why not?
- How does Bart get the people of Rock Ridge to accept him? Try using direct examples from the movie to support your answer.
Chew on This
In Blazing Saddles, we find that racism is total nonsense when you look at it from a humorous angle.
Blazing Saddles is a funny movie, but its attitude towards race is callous and outdated.