Definition of "blaxploitation" [blaxploitation]

• A genre of American film of the 1970s featuring African-American actors in lead roles and often having antiestablishment plots, frequently criticized for stereotypical characterization and glorification of violence. While African-American filmmakers were substantially involved in making early movies in this genre, their participation in subsequent productions was minimal. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• ""Shaft" started a mini industry in what became known as blaxploitation movies, and Isaac Hayes began expanding his creativity in new arenas."
• "Unlike Brown, Simpson would refuse to act in so-called blaxploitation movies."
• "These films are now referred to as blaxploitation movies."