Essay On African American Stereotypes

Media “When people rely on surface appearances and false racial stereotypes, rather than in-depth knowledge of others at the level of the heart, mind and spirit, their ability to assess and understand people accurately is compromised” (Forbes). James A. Forbes explains that not only do stereotypes impair how people see themselves, but also how people treat others. He explains that people should be treated by their heart, mind and spirit instead of their outside appearance. Throughout history, media has encouraged stereotypes of people with all shapes, sizes and colors but, specifically black people. A stereotype is “ to give a fixed form to.” In the media very few African Americans are seen in a positive, non-stereotypical way, while most are seen in stereotypical roles, specifically athletes. Although people think that negative portrayals of African Americans in media have no effect on African American youth it causes them to mimic the destructive behaviors seen on television and social media therefore, the media should display more positive African American figures. To begin with, American youth spend most of their time watching tv, and the negative images of African Americans
There are examples that prove that African Americans are stereotyped in media. Nadra Kareem Nittle, a race relation expert, explain there's no shortage of black drug dealers, pimps, con-artists, and other forms of criminals in television shows and films such As the wire and training day. The disproportionate amount of African Americans playing criminals in Hollywood fuels the racial stereotype that black men are dangerous and have zero respect for the law.” African American actors and actresses can be objectified only to roles that add to their negative stereotypes which is Mammies, drug dealers and baby mamas. These roads have significantly added to the negative viewing of African