I am writing a paper on the cultural and psychological influences of media on our perceptions of race and gender. I know that African Americans have relatively poor representation on television and in the movies. (Not every movie but many that I have seen) They play "coonish" stereotypical comedic characters and etc.
African American "gangsta rap music" has further added to the problem by poorly representing the African American community sluts, rapist, urban psycho-killers, jail birds, misfits and deviants. The random acts of violence on the news continues dig an even bigger hole.
The ave African American I know; 30+ are as clueless about rap music as an opera singer in Italy. The reality of African American culture does not seem to quiet live up to or rather "down to" what I see on t.v.
MY QUESTION FOR YOU!!!!
1. Do African Americans have an "image problem" in your country. (Are they viewed negatively?)
2. If so, how are they viewed? What are those stereotypes?
2006-12-14 15:31:56 · 4 answers · asked by Andre L 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
well im in America and from what my father has told me about Guyana there is the same problem there as here just between Indians and Blacks.
in America obviously there are many discriminatory actions against blacks within sports, music, careers, mainly black males, with the whole notion of controlling black bodies more or less for enjoyment. this new video i saw not too long ago clearly demonstrated this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwhxrH2KBsY) the whole idea of the sambo comes to mind. that this is the idea that white America has about blacks or if they see a bit then they ascribe it as universal.
this is the same thing that goes on in Guyana, from what my father has told me. that the crime and drug rate has gotten so bad because of blacks. i can see where my father is coming from because he grew up very poor but made an honest living for himself and to live within the village and watch blacks come and fight murder rob and steal from family negative thought cannot help but arise. however, from what i got from my father was that blacks are seen as more violent and lazy within Guyana (the phrase n-itis is used often), little of the comedic side is expressed maybe because there has been so much tension between them (i can't remember who was introduced ther first--that might be something to look at).
when my parents came here they had the same fears when up north but i think they have subsided a bit since they have moved south. however, one moment that was strange and reminded me of who the Irish became minstrel or hated blacks so the whites would stop hating on them was when my uncle told some white friends of his that "[he] mixed the kool aid" (in reference to the Jim Jones murders that killed many blacks) this shocked me that he would say that and that the whites found it funny. maybe they have that morbid sense of humor, i don't know.
2006-12-14 15:57:51 · answer #1 · answered by Flabbergasted 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1st Q. No they do not have an 'Image problem' you do... along with every other person who thinks like you do. I have lived a couple of decades in two countries. I am a very enlightened open minded person, but boy I need strength when I read, view or hear some of the crap that emanates from America. Your country's businesses collectively are one of the most amazing marketing machines ever created, well done if you like that sort of thing. How it will ever slow down and take a look at the rubbish it produces is beyond me. If you want to do a paper, do it on 'how did we create this mess for those who are not well off"
2. Q No answer because I don't think they have the problem.
2006-12-14 16:07:52 · answer #2 · answered by peter piper 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love to consider my husband and myself are triumphant black men and women. For me, I almost always get that I am seeking to be white. My husband is the reverse. Although he makes wwwaaaayyyy more cash than I do and maintain a first-class function, he's revered as a triumphant black guy. I consider for me, it's considering that I am mild skinned. We difference it by way of establishing with our youngsters. We have to allow them to recognise that the force within the black group comes with schooling and good fortune in order that we would possibly support the following new release. Once our youngsters are raised with that mind-set, the following new release will see matters otherwise.
2016-09-03 14:34:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
IN MY COUNTRY THEY ARE USUALLY VIEWED AS PEOPLE WHO PLAYED AND GET PAID GOOD MONEY FOR BASKETBALL AND OTHER SPORTS.
2006-12-14 15:34:37 · answer #4 · answered by livinhapi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋