Urban Studies - Urban Film Review - 8 Mile

A Multifaceted Look at 8 Mile

Racial profiling and stereotyping takes many forms . For most , the concept of racial profiling involves targeting one group over another for closer scrutiny . However , profiling also centers on the notion of a preordained opinion of someone . For example , if a record producer feels that a white teenager could never sell urban , hip hop CDs , this would be a form of racial profiling . Such is the case in the film 8 MILE which depicts the trials and tribulations of a teenager who is unable to break free

from stereotypical conventions that inhibit the growth of his talent

The world that the film takes place is set below the 8 Mile Road divide in 1990 's Detroit . On the surface , the subject matter seems more akin to a teenage feel good film than a serious drama . The plot centers on the tribulations of a poor white rapper nicknamed Rabbit who is competing with African-American colleagues . His goals are fairly obvious : he competitively raps ' in to stand out from the crowd . The intended goal here is to gain a fan following that will translate into a record deal . However , due to economic and cultural barriers , he appears held down and unable to draw attention to his talent . This is his plight and this plight also defines his goal . It is through the narrative of the film , the journey of achieving this goal is presented . And , within this journey , a unique perspective into urban renewal , economic divides...