Representations of groups and individuals.

In class we saw how many groups we could come up with.
Ethnic groups
Disabled people
Age
Class/ status
Religion
Gender.


Racial stereotypes in the media.

We watched a documentary about racial stereotypes in the media and took notes on this.

Representations of media has changed racial stereotypes. The bulk of racial stereotypes came from America.
Post WW2 white people were targeted by the media because they were seen to be wealthy and upper class.
Ethnic groups were seen as peripheral, not powerful.

When people with dark skin were seen, it was said that poverty and ignorance was thought of.
Whereas, with white people, it was wealth and class.
Black people were portrayed as powerless, they had no voice.

African Americans were portrayed as violent, sexual ?
Ethnic groups are more financially empowered.
Media Enhanced Isolationism ?

In journalism, they are reduced to using stereotypes.
The ratio of airtime dedicated to black and white victims is 3:1
Mug shots are 4x more likely to be of blacks. Blacks are more likely to be shown in custody.
Whites 18% of the time whilst Blacks 36% of the time.
Black exploitation.
Stereotypes are exploited.

There are 4 negative Asian stereotypes
1. Cultural predators/ Parasites or mainstream cultures.
2. Taking American resources and giving nothing back.
3. Comic or sinister.
4. Offensive gags or jokes.





Every ethnicity has different stereotypes. Here are a few of them.

Asians are used as background characters in their own history.
The Asian is always portrayed as non-sexual.
Asian women are 'Dragon ladies'.

Native American
Good vs bad Indian.

Latin American.
Highly emotional temper.
Fiery, sexual schemes.
'Background noise'.
Illegal aliens/drug dealers.

Arabs.
Bombers.
Bellydancers.
Arab women, exotic/repressed.

The media suggests that it is okay to be racist towards Muslims.
There is a stereotype threat that all Muslims are terrorists.
The fear that one's behaviour will confirm an existing stereotype of a group with one identifies.

The Hypodermic Syringe theory - This suggests when we watch or listen to things we're just like a sponge, absorbing things and accepting them. Passively accepting and absorbing things through the media.

The Cultivation Theory - The repetition of stereotyping. Ideas we receive over a long period of time change our view of people.

 Are the media the cause of our views on race or merely the reflection ? 

I think the media do influence our views on race and religion. I think certain things are overdone by the media. The media sensationalize certain stories, make them seem much more dramatic than they actually are. Sure terrorism is a threat, but does that make every Muslim a terrorist or suicide bomber? No it does not. So, no i don't think the media are the cause of our views, but they do have some influence.