Stereotypes based in Appalachia were the topic of a presentation given Friday during the 20th annual Buster Keaton Celebration at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Lisa Stein Haven, an assistant professor of English at Ohio University Zanesville, gave the presentation titled “Keaton, Kith and Kin: A Revision of the Appalachian Feud Stereotype in Buster Keaton’s ‘Our Hospitality.’” Topics of discussion were based on the “hillbilly” stereotype of Appalachia and how these stereotypes were portrayed in early cinema.
Haven said while growing up in Kentucky, she became interested in the family feuds of the mountains. During her presentation, Haven said many films in early cinema built up stereotypes regarding mountain families, those of which Keaton showed interest during his career. Haven showed clips from Keaton’s “Moonshine,” a 1918 comedy about a police hunt for moonshiners. Haven also presented a short, animated film titled “The Martins and the Coys” produced by Disney. After the films, Haven pointed out many stereotypes regarding Appalachians, some of which included laziness, alcoholism, anger and violence.
Haven said Keaton’s film, “Our Hospitality,” helped to break some of the stereotypes of its current day. She explained the film promoted education, upper-class citizens, industrialization and resolution without violence.
“The film showed that feuds can be settled without violence,” Haven said. “Romance actually succeeded in resolving the feud.”
The presentation concluded with a Q-and-A session with the audience.
Haven said she has become involved with the Buster Keaton celebration due to her academic work with silent film comedy. However, she explained she has become attached to the celebration and the people of Iola. This year’s celebration is Haven’s fifth year to present.
Keaton films often debunk stereotypes
