black commentators criticized the portrayal of african americans in the movie. some said the movie created african-american stereotypes. the movie was compared with "the birth of a nation". commentators said "the birth of a nation" was more of a direct attack on black people and obvious lies. "gone with the wind", however, was a more subtle attack and lie. in the african-american community, there were different views. some believed the movie to be insulting. others thought that the performances of the african-american actors showed progress and achievements of african-americans.