...Media Influence on African American Males Keana Noyd California State University, Northridge PAS 325- The Black Male in Contemporary Times May 12, 2014 Abstract If a black man is mentioned in the news, newspaper, magazine ads, television shows, or internet blogs, it is usually related to a negative, stereotypical thought of black men as a whole. The media constantly produces images of black men as sexually-instable, violent, and unintelligent. Such portrayals ultimately influence the nation when it comes to what black men are thought to be like. If the media gave honest and positive portrayals of black men, less racism would exist because people would be able to see the black men of this world for who they really are. In this paper, I give examples of how black men are negatively portrayed in the media and suggest how such misrepresentation can be stopped; by positive portrayals of black men in the media. Over the decades, the media has become an extremely influential power tool when it comes to making assertions about certain groups of people. African-Americans are one of the media’s many victims of false generalizations that influence the world beyond the television screens. Black men are constantly depicted as sexually-instable, angry, uneducated criminals throughout the media, in which, has an ultimate effect on how these men are represented throughout this society. Such depictions are one of the reasons why racism and stereotypical beliefs continue to exist throughout...
Words: 1709 - Pages: 7
...The media influences viral crime by perpetuating police brutality. It’s all over the news, newspaper, social media, and anything anyone can think of. The media mostly talks about police officers beating or shooting a man. It’s one story after the next and the media is always on top of it. One thing they aren’t on top of is telling the people what led to the incident or why it happened. There are many police shootings that have happen all over the United States these past few years. I believe that police officers do stereotype people, such as black men to be a threat. Incidents like police shootings happen because of stereotype threats. For example, if a police officer came across a black male in a stop they would be more aware of him and ask...
Words: 883 - Pages: 4
...“Media portrayals have the potential to both shape and reflect societal attitudes and their examination therefore has broader implications.” (Sommers et al. 2006). What we consume on television, internet, and entertainment influences our perception of society. Such imagery develops a cultural lens that can reinforce the perception of an idea or group. Be that as it may, this can cause problems that skew and distort the information presented. The gatekeepers of the media are among the small, but dominant group who control it, and presents a narrative that rakes in profits. Given these points, one should take note of the media portrayals between different races on the news. Mass media has used sensationalism that depicts people of color in a negative light compared to whites, and due to these discrepancies, these harmful portrayals contribute to widespread racism. Such portrayals blur the cultural image of certain groups of people. For instance, in the article, Racial Bias and Media Coverage of Violent Crime, reported a study that found out that 51% of blacks are arrested for violent crime in New York City, however, “75% of...
Words: 970 - Pages: 4
...Addison Kogami Professor Frederick Lau Music 407 23 June 2014 Hip-Hop Music This research paper will be discussing the origins and development of hip-hop music, some of the characteristics that define hip-hop as a musical genre, and the social significance of hip-hop from its creation up until current day. The purpose of this paper is to inform and enhance the understanding of hip-hop music, drawing connections between musical stylistic origins and social influence throughout history on hip-hop music to create an unbiased, accurate account of how hip-hop music came to be what it is today. The genre of hip-hop music formed in the 1970s amongst African American Groups in urban New York City, during a time when “block parties” and it’s associated music started to become extremely popular. Credited with founding hip-hop music, DJ Kool Herc, an immigrant from Jamaica, started to extend the percussive breaks in popular funk and soul music (Dyson). This new sound became so popular that DJs needed to start using two turntables to lengthen percussive breaks, effectively creating an entire new sound and new genre of music (Bekman). Hip-hop music is characterized by four main elements: rapping, scratching (DJing), break dancing, and graffiti (Chang). Because music is dynamic and constantly changing, hip-hop started to develop sub-genres within hip-hop, such as southern trap music or west coast gangsta rap. Hip-hop music in different regions started to develop their own unique...
Words: 2815 - Pages: 12
...Mass Media Revision Notes The mass media are forms of communication which reach large audiences. They can be split into two groups: Traditional media * TV * Radio * Cinema * Music * Newspapers * Books New media * Internet * Dvd * Digital television * E mail In society today it is very difficult to avoid the mass media. There is a division between the press (newspapers) and broadcasting (TV and radio) The press in the UK Newspapers and magazine which are privately owned and are commercially run for profit They are financed through advertising and sales which means they are in competition with each other Some newspapers reach a national market such as the Guardian and others a local market such as the Yorkshire Evening Post Newspapers can be divided to broad sheets which is considered to be the quality press and the tabloids such as the Sun and the Mirror Broadcasting in Britain This refers to the TV and the radio. In the UK we have public television which is the BBC – this is funded by the TV licence fee. We also have commercial television which aims to make money through advertising. In recent years there has been a move towards the sponsorship of programmes – Cadbury’s and Coronation Street – and now companies can pay to see their products feature in TV programmes, this is called product placement. Technological developments In 1980 there were only three channels – BBC1, BBC2 and ITV – we now have additional terrestrial channels...
Words: 1811 - Pages: 8
...police making people criminal. Official Statisitics. · Black people make up 3.5% of the population but make up 11% of the prison population. Unfair Treatmeant and Racism Reiner 2000- Canteen culture amongst the police, including: suspicion, macho valuse and racism. victimology - victim bias Insitituational racism - Describes any kind of system of inequality based on race. Phil Scraton and Kathryn Chadwick, apply this idea to the way that black people are treated as 'muggers' is conirmation of the assumption that immigrants belong to a culture of criminality. They argue that this view is prevalent in media coverage and political commentaries. They also argue that and ideological construction of black criminality have influence differential policing and discriminatory punishment in specific neighbourhoods. They argue that criminalisation goes hand in hand with marginalisation. That policing and the targeting of particular communities have marginalised black people. Legitimate Opportunity- American Dream+ Illigitimate Opportunity- Merton MacPherson Report (1999) Police institutionally racist Waddinton 2004 - published in the british journal of criminology argues that the police do stop s proportionately higher number of blacks compared to whites. However, he argues that there are more ethnic minority youths out at night in inner cities and that the policcce simply target those in high risk areas. If the areas is disproportionatly represented by young black males they...
Words: 814 - Pages: 4
...Black Lives Matter is an organization founded by Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi, and Alicia Garza. The group was started in 2012 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of the murder of Trayvon Martin. The goal of the group is to not just focus on the police brutality aspect on black lives, but also to spread awareness of black love. “Black Lives Matter affirms the lives of Black queer and trans folks, disabled folks, Black-undocumented folks, folks with records, women and all black folks along the gender spectrum” (blacklivesmatter.com). Black Lives Matter believe in not only the equality of “normal” black people, but those of all sexual orientations, lifestyles, and etc. Some individuals, such as Elisabeth Hasselback claim that the group should...
Words: 1590 - Pages: 7
...“Negative perceptions of black men are seen through the eyes of anyone. It could be teachers, police officers, lawmakers, or people in the media. The problem of racism is far broader than just police violence. Stereotypes of black male criminality are universal and has serious consequences. The perception of black men and boys is a structural barrier, it can be a matter of life and death. Perceptions are complicated, and based on a variety of learned behaviors and stereotypes. Trying to understand these perceptions and what influences them is decisive to our ability to connect our involvement to the messaging and relationship-building that will substitute increased understanding, and change behaviors at the individual and institutional levels....
Words: 256 - Pages: 2
...The media as a whole has many hidden messages or ideas that the entertainment world wants to get across. The media uses subliminal messages through radio, television, and advertisement. “A subliminal message is a signal in the form of a picture or sound that is designed to pass the normal limits of perception,” which means when people receive images or ideas consciously they also receive it subconsciously in their mind (Subliminal Messages in Movies and Media). There have been many controversial issues concerning the usage of this technique (Subliminal Messages in Movies and Media). There were rumors stating that Bush has used subliminal messages in some of his campaign speeches in order to deliver hidden messages to the world (Subliminal Messages in Movies and Media). One example of this would have been when; “A similar accusation was made against a promotional film of the Liberal party of Canada, where after dissecting their ad, one could clearly see a gun being fired at the viewer” (Subliminal Messages in Movies and Media). The Bush promo is rumored to be filled to the brim with subliminal images of a disturbing nature: fire, explosions, terrified children, mutilation, ghost-like figures and several acts of violence” (Subliminal Messages in Movies and Media). In the manipulation of many viewers, it was first to be just a tested experiment that could determine the facts of subliminal messages (Subliminal Messages in Movies and Media). A movie theatre in New Jersey did an experiment...
Words: 2948 - Pages: 12
...Head: SOCIOLOGY IN CRIMINAL SYSTEM Abstract Sociology in the criminal justice system s both interest but very complicating. There are some many different aspects on what can be touched upon. The criminal justice system is known to be very biased. In specific terms the system is racial bias and unfair. The America uses a formal social control, to deal with crimes. Statistics show a fair difference and connection between race and the percentage of people convicted of crimes. Other components influence these percentages but always seem to come back to race. The racial unfairness has taken a toll on the American people and contrasts the idea that America was originally built on Incredible as it is America is one of the most tolerant nations in the world. America is a country that was built on freedom, pride, happiness, and equality. Though this is common knowledge and an allusion of the American people, the country has some faults. Equality is a major moral in America that was fought for in history and even in today's society. Throughout our history minority groups have fought hard for there rights and we have accepted the fact that its wrong to discriminate. It is agreed that racial discrimination is wrong as well (Banks, 2009, p 79). Racism has been a problem in America seen the country was founded. Slavery was a form of racism in the early centuries of America. Our judicial system has been a pride...
Words: 3066 - Pages: 13
...Black Lives Matter Movement and Black Panther Party By Date Name Black Lives Matter Movement and Black Panther Party Black Lives Matter movement and the Black Panther Party, initiated nearly fifty years apart, were formed primarily to fight against police cruelty against the African-American people in the United States. The Black Lives Matter was established primarily to terminate the prevalent murdering cases of the Black adults and children by the police officers. On the other hand, the Black Panther Party for Self -Defense was a revolutionary movement founded to terminate the state-sanctioned victimization, curb racial discrimination and aid some communities in several social programs in the USA. This article explains the strategies and plans used by the two organizations, their political influences, and ideologies of each movement. Zero Campaign plan and ten-point program of the Black Lives Matter movement and Black Panther party accordingly, are broadly discussed. Further, the paper elaborates on the means of communication particularly social media and newsletters employed by each organization such as cell phones and press in disseminating their information to the general public. In addition, the community impact and the services provided by the two movements are explicated in depth. The Black Lives Matter and Black Panther groups have effected a substantial political influence in the United States using various dogmas. The organizations’ mission of fighting for...
Words: 1513 - Pages: 7
...literature and speech, like all forms of media. Music is a powerful tool that has been used to inspire and incite social movements as it has a massive influence on the ideas and viewpoints of others. Music has been used to foster success and expand the influence of social movements, one of these movements, the Black Panther Party utilized media, especially music to promote and propagate for their cause. The Black Panther Party surfaced in the 1960’s in response to a variety of issues threatening and affecting the African-American community such as police brutality, poverty, and lack of education. The Black Panther Party recognized the need and want for a militant party to press for change. The Black Panther...
Words: 1096 - Pages: 5
...cultures and its values. Music has been around hundreds of years and has been an important cultural form for the people to maintain and preserve history. Music has always played an important role in learning and the communication of culture. Before the written word people and tribes used music to tell the stories and teach lessons and tell stories of the battles, victory, and ritual. American culture music has reflected of how people struggled with economic and social conditions. For instance like the revolutionary movements, labor movement and the civil Rights movement. Blues and country music came about by World War 2 in which cause change in the economic and social affect. Also slave songs reflect American history and culture in toil on the pain, hardship, and having strong faith in God. One of my favorite band is Black Eyes Peas, members are Will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo, apl.de.ap,. This group is combined with several individual with different backgrounds and origins. A Black Eyed Peas is an American alternative group with music that influences all walks of life. The group provided a variety of music like hip hop, R&B, soul, electronica, pop, and club, they try to make music for everybody to enjoy. All they music is up tempo and positive. The group does not condone violence, racism, or terrorism, in which they release a song call “Where is the love?” In the song Black Eyed Peas talked about a various worldwide problems including pollution, war, intolerance, and greed, but the...
Words: 357 - Pages: 2
...Psychology-01 10 October 2013 Media Has Affected African-American Children Self-image Modern advertisements have devastatingly affected African-American children through teenagers; pushing realized their own faults, marketers bombarded them with magazine covers and ads of “perfect” beauty. Media images have great influence on societal ideals–particularly when it comes to African-American children. African-Americans are often portrayed in movies as low income citizens, criminals, or drug addicts. Mass media portrays white females as being the primarily beauty, it's no wonder African-American children focus on looking more Americanize. Children are bombarded with gender and racial stereotypes. The media misrepresented and manipulated purposely to make children believe they should look a certain way. Today’s media has affected African-American children self-image. In the 1940s an experiment was conducted by Kenneth and Mamie Clark. They asked African-American children about two dolls, one white and one black. The research test African-American and white children abilities to distinguish their difference in race. “According to Ahuja the majority -- 63 percent of them -- said they'd rather play with the white doll. Most said the white doll was nicer than the black doll and in the most poignant answer of all, 44 percent of the black children said the white doll looked most like them”(Ahuja). These results were devastating...
Words: 878 - Pages: 4
...disappeared. Moments later Wilson drove past two young black males and ordered them to move off the street. After a second look, Wilson realized one of the young men matched the description of the stealing progress. Wilson radioed for backup and in little over minute and young man lay dead at the scene. He was unarmed. That young man was Michael Brown; the 18-year-old black boy who’s shooting this past summer sparked a major controversy and raised a lot of questions about Police Shootings in the U.S. and their undeniably pattern of racial issues. Currently young black males risk of being shot by police officers is 21 times more likely greater than young white males (Staples). Due to police tactics motivated by racial profiling, racially bias news and media that enhance minority stereotypes, United States law enforcement is targeting minorities that results in Police Shootings caused by racism. After Michael Brown’s tragic death, many realized that our country had seen similar circumstances like this before. A young, unarmed, black male shot dead, taking with him, the alternative perceptive of the incident in question. We are only left with shooters’ recollection of incident and possibly a few witnesses. It’s a story that we know all too well. Police shootings happen every day, but recent events begin to raise many questions; Of all these police shootings how many are black men? Who kills these young black men? Are all of the officers white? What is the cause...
Words: 2996 - Pages: 12
