Blockbusting: meaning, definitions and examples

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blockbusting

 

[หˆblษ’kหŒbสŒstษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

real estate

Blockbusting is a practice in real estate by which individuals or companies induce homeowners to sell their properties at lower prices by instilling fear that racial or ethnic minorities will soon move into the neighborhood. This often leads to a quick turnover of properties and can result in demographic shifts in urban areas. The method exploits racial tensions and leads to segregation, often causing economic decline in the communities affected. Blockbusting was especially prevalent in the mid-20th century in the United States.

Synonyms

property manipulation, racial steering, real estate discrimination.

Examples of usage

  • The neighborhood suffered from blockbusting as agents targeted fear of new families moving in.
  • Blockbusting tactics were used to lower property values and then resell to a new demographic.
  • Many communities were impacted by blockbusting during the 1960s and 1970s.
Context #2 | Noun

entertainment

In the context of entertainment, blockbusting refers to a film that is highly successful and generates a significant amount of revenue. These films often have massive budgets and extensive marketing campaigns to attract large audiences. Blockbusters can create cultural phenomena and may impact future film production strategies. The term generally applies to movies that achieve significant box office success and often feature high-stakes drama, action, or adventure.

Synonyms

box office success, hit, smash.

Examples of usage

  • The summer is always filled with blockbusters at the cinema.
  • Directors aim to create a new blockbuster that will capture audiences worldwide.
  • Her movie just became a summer blockbuster, breaking previous box office records.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'blockbuster' originated during World War II, referring to bombs that could destroy entire city blocks.
  • In the 1950s, it was adopted by the film industry to describe films that were massively successful at the box office.
  • The 1975 film 'Jaws' is often credited with popularizing the term by drawing massive audiences and changing how movies were marketed.

Pop Culture

  • Blockbusters often set records for ticket sales, with films like 'Avatar' and 'Avengers: Endgame' topping the charts.
  • These films are typically characterized by high budgets, extensive marketing, and impressive special effects.
  • Franchise films, such as 'Star Wars' and 'Harry Potter', have continued the trend, creating dedicated fandoms and long-lasting cultural impacts.

Marketing Strategies

  • Blockbusters typically launch with massive advertising campaigns across multiple platforms to generate buzz.
  • Merchandising becomes a key strategy, with toys, clothing, and memorabilia tied to the filmโ€™s success.
  • Release timing is crucial; films are often strategically released during holiday seasons or summer to maximize viewership.

Psychology & Audience Engagement

  • The excitement surrounding blockbuster films creates a sense of community as viewers flock to theaters during opening weekends.
  • Anticipation builds through trailers and teasers, enhancing emotional investment before the film even releases.
  • Studies suggest that blockbuster films often address universal themes like heroism and adventure, making them resonate widely with audiences.

Technological Advances

  • Advancements in CGI and 3D technology have transformed blockbusters, allowing filmmakers to create more visually stunning experiences.
  • The rise of streaming services has begun to redefine what constitutes a blockbuster as audiences shift their viewing habits.
  • Blockbusters often utilize innovative storytelling techniques, like nonlinear narratives or immersive experiences, pushing boundaries in film-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "blockbusting" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bloqueio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅเคฒเฅ‰เค•เคฌเคธเฅเคŸเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะปะพะบะฑะฐัั‚ะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ–ใƒญใƒƒใ‚ฏใƒใ‚นใƒ†ใ‚ฃใƒณใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ธ”๋ก๋ฒ„์ŠคํŒ…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุจู„ูˆูƒุจุณุชูŠู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŒบๅ—็ˆ†็ ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะปะพะบะฑะฐัั‚ะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒšแƒแƒ™แƒ‘แƒแƒกแƒขแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ blockbusting

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ blockbusting