We all claim racism is becoming less and less prevalent in America, but are we wrong? It seems as though it is increasing. Our problems from the past have yet to be resolved. So whose fault is it? Many times the media is blamed for the extreme amount of influence it has over its viewers. The way the media decides to portray different races is what many use to shape their views, negative or positive.
This research essay was written by Stephen Balkaran while he was studying psychology at Yale. It is reliable because it was not opinion based and he only used sourced information. Similarly, the author’s knowledge on psychology provides a reliable analysis of people’s minds and emotions.
1. “The media has devoted too much time and space to ‘enumerating the wounded’ and too little time to describing the background problems of African-Americans.”
I find this important because I think it is true. It is extremely rare to see a news segment or article on the success of African-Americans. Similarly, media discussing the difficulties blacks have to overcome racially is rare as well. Other articles have mentioned how the media only shows blacks in ways so they are portrayed as “gangsters” or the ones who caused a riot. There even have been times where Hispanics, whites, and blacks were all arrested, but only the amount of blacks arrested was broadcasted. I think it is almost like the media is forcing people who rely on it to understand other cultures and races to view a race in a specific way. In this case, blacks in a negative way.
2. “Media has divided the working class and stereotyped young African-American males as gangsters or drug dealers. As a result of such treatment, the media has crushed youths' prospects for future employment and advancement.”
I think this is interesting because in this case, racism of blacks is not being encouraged to other races, but instead to blacks themselves. I think this is the worst case scenario. Having racial barriers already makes it difficult enough to be successful, but losing hope in oneself just because of one's race makes it almost impossible. If the media actually portrayed all races in the way it portrays white, as heroes and successful people, the media could become a helpful tool in advancing society instead of encouraging the racist mistakes of our past. It similarly would provide role models for all youth, no matter what race, to aspire and look up to.
I found this passage important because racism in the media is not being blamed on the minority of blacks in the industry. It does not come down to how people really feel, but what people want to see. Unfortunately, it seems like this passage is saying people want to see the African-American community suffering. I find this really scary and disappointing. Also, the problem won’t become better because the media wants the money it can make off of continuing to portray African-Americans badly. People may want to see this racism in the media because it is what they are used to the media showing and therefore they have been encouraged to think like that.
Discussion Question: Think of the stereotypes shows, magazines, or commercials have made out of different races. Do you think the news continually portrays races when they act similar to their stereotypes?
Future Research: I plan on researching how race is depicted in advertising.
Future Research: I plan on researching how race is depicted in advertising.
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