Soul Man

Soul Man (1986) follows Mark Watson, a privileged white student who takes tanning pills to disguise himself as Black in order to win a minority scholarship to Harvard Law School. As he experiences racism and discrimination firsthand, he begins to understand the deep inequalities faced by Black Americans daily. The film attempts a comedic yet pointed commentary on race and privilege, though its controversial premise drew widespread criticism.

• C. Thomas Howell darkened his skin using tanning pills for the role.
• The film sparked significant controversy over its racial themes upon release.
• James Earl Jones plays a Harvard law professor in the film.
• Rae Dawn Chong plays the love interest who is also Black.
• The movie grossed over $27 million at the US box office.

• I know what it feels like to be Black.
• You don't know anything about being Black in America.
• I didn't choose to be white, you didn't choose to be Black.
• For one semester, I walked in your shoes.
• You had a choice. We never had a choice.