Now, we begin to examine more closely the construction of AMBIVALENCE and its place in American society. Multiple images (sometimes contradictory, sometimes similar) converge to create contemporary notions of BLACK and WHITE. And, while these images are disseminated by media outlets, there is no singular source overseeing their construction. The authors (Entman and Rojecki) consider the media as a "model of racial communication" outlined by five factors: 1) mainstream culture; 2) media personnel and their organzations; 3) market demands; 4) political pressure; and 5) the economy overall. All of these factor into the prototypical thinking involved in defining and categorizing people by skin color.
FOR NEXT WEEK...
READING: Chapters 5 and 6 -
"Violence, Stereotypes and African-Americans in the News"
and "Benign Neglect in the Poverty of the News"
PROJECT: Begin the LAP worksheet. Come to class with your idea!
MEDIA: Please view the following media clips for next class.
Jackson Five
Bill Cosby
Fat Albert
Oprah Winfrey
Eddie Murphy
OJ Simpson Trial
The Watts and Rodney King Riots
- JOURNAL 4 - Select two or three of the media samples above and explain how they define "Blackness." Do the clips present an accurate depiction of African-Americans? Do they present consistent or contradictory images? What do these examples tell us about contemporary racial categories?
31 comments:
I,m having problem in viewing the items picked. my computer shows 3 second of viewing then 1 to 2 minutes of nonmovment. With "Little Black Sambo" how do you wash somebody until the water turn black, then the powder is black. Even though it protrayed black people in a negative manner at the end Sambo still out smarted the tiger. Now I do not have sound, but I remember "Rabbit Stew" by that time Elmer Fudd was the hunter. SA
After viewing all of the above clips, I thought about several different aspects of each.
First, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Fat Albert and the Jackson 5 were nice to view and brought nothing striking to me. Eddie Murphy is a favorite of mine, even though he was, in a sense, roasting James Brown, I found nothing racist about it. He just makes me laugh. I don’t think they were depicted in a negative light. Fat Albert included.
The O.J. trial did depict O.J. as a dark-skinned man, with a very sallow look, which he is neither. He is lighter than the media portrayed him and he is also a very handsome man. I think the media was playing up the white/black, good/evil card. I do however think he was not all that innocent. He was on record as a wife batterer. That speaks volumes.
The Rodney King riots really upset me. Mr. King did not deserve the beating that he received from the cops. The cops were obviously guilty and the riots that ensued did not accomplish anything but letting off anger. I know it might have felt good to get some revenge, but vengeance belongs to God. TL
I'm unable to view the three catagories through the view tube I'm really disappointed. I'm not sure if it's because of my computer or what.
KK
"The O.J. Simpson" and "The Rodney King Riot" showed the liberation of African-Americans been through for over 400 years. The injustices, oppressed, imprisoned innocently, unsolved murders, and solved murders years later (e.g. Emmett Till, his accusors was acquitted by 12 white jurors).
It depicts how White America see blacks as "Animals," "Violent Savages," and "Psychopaths." However, it's still going on to this day.
Althea
in viewing the short videos i found that oprah was viewed as a very positive role model for the african american culture. i believe this shows her in a very positive light. i've honestly never heard any negative feed back on her. as for eddie murphy he is a very talented comedian, who some believe comes off a liffle strong at times when hes doing his stand up.the jackson five has always set a postive role in the african american culture, until micheal jackson decided to change his appearance to make himself appaer to resemble a white male instead of wanting to be proud of his african american heritage. andrea scott
In my view of the clips i really enjoyed them, the Jacson Five were wonderful preformers and amazing dancers. Bill Cosby has always been the positive image for people even today big on education. The clips that i viewed was not offensive or negative towards African American, it showed how we can be protrayed in a positive light. Eddie Murphy made comedy hilarious and you realled enjoyed the laugh. Oprah Winfrey she's an outstanding human being and a inspiration to many people, such a positive role model.
Michelle J
Oprah Winfrey and Bill Crosby were portrayed as postived Afro-American. Now the City of Angels with Rodney King hurt my feelings. Being a woman of color it's truly hurt to see my people acting in such a manner. But due to poverty which can cause stress along with lack of education, unemployment and proper housing can turn anyone into a monster.
In viewing the clips, Dr. Cosby and Oprah who I admired deeply are portrayed as positive African Americans, What we failed to realize is that there are so many other untold or unseen positive images of African-Americans. One thing for sure is that Dr. Cosby and Ms. Winfrey understands American slavery and how American wealth and power were built on it. They both have urges us to know and embrace our past so we can fulfill our future. Sonja
I watched all of the clips and I see them in a totally different light, today, from before when i viewed a few of them. The Jackson 5, and Fat Albert made me feel as thou African Americans are always looking for a good time or always entertaining themselves or others. The Oprah clip made me feel that African Americans have to have wealth in order to be accepted by those who are considered to be part of the "high society club." I do not feel the clips present an accurate depiction of African Americans. These clips represent African Americans as vulgar speaking, violent, and making fun of one another. Contemparary racial categories still have negative depictions of African Americans.
The cosby show depicts the average black person to be wealthy with no troubles in the world. We know that is not true. Eddie Murphy was ok I didnt find anything racist he is just too damn funny. Even though he is always acting silly thats just how he makes a living and he's not the only race that does so. Other than that I found nothing that depicted blacks negatively.
During the era of Bill Cosby, Fat Albert and Eddie Murhy a certain image of blackness was in the media. Black male roles were mainly comical, pimps, defiant, angry and servants. The comical aspects of the black males was a safe image for the white audience.
These clips doesn't present an accurate depicion of African-Americans because the shows didn't represent the diversity of African-Americans. The clips don't depict the real issues of the black community. These examples tell us that the contemporary racial categories are basically controlled by the media. White america have the ability to portray blacks the way they see fit, the perception, the message that they want the world o view African-Americans.
Benita
First of all I enjoyed watching the Jackson Fives, Bill Cosbey, Oprha and especially Eddie Murphy These clips defind blackness by just being the american idol that they are, but the the Rodney King, Watts and O.J. Simpson just brought back a lot a upsetting memories. As far as the Rodney King clip I understand the black peoples anger regarding the verdict but I do not agree with them hurting inicent people for no reason, and robbing from the stores. People already have a negative attitude about blacks as it is. That just made it worst and predictable by people.
As I viewed these clips, I think The Jackson Five and Oprah Winfrey clips present a postive depiction of African American. Oprah Winfrey is bright , extremely industrious, sucessful, wealthy and she is a good role model to anyone, especially black women. The Jackson Five clip, set a postive role in the African American culture as a talent group singing with pride and joy.
Linda
I saw two clips and if I was a person of another race watching them, I would agree with the stereotypes given to them. Here we have black entertainers mocking their own race.
Being of the black race, I didn't think of these clips as being racist, although they were perceived as scruffy looking ragamuffins and unintelligent. (Fat Albert & Eddie's Murphy's depiction of James Brown).
In the documentary of the Watts/Rodney King Riots, it hurts me to see how blacks were/are treated by white cops, but again looking at it from another race, I would think blacks as being savages, destroying, burning and looting their own property instead of retailiatinig on the group of people who made them angry.
Bessie
I enjoyed the clips on oprah and eddie. I am a big fan of theirs, i admire the work oprah is doing. Her contributions to the people here and abroad. She is exceptional, and a great humanitarian.
Eddie is a good comedian,who can be very raw, i found nothing racist in his acts. Maria
I was mad after I watched the cartoon clip All This and Rabbit Stew. Why would people come up with this things. What makes it right to want to hurt someone intensionally. I love cartoons still to day. The cliped showed how poeple look and act which is not true. We are not stupid or lazy. We have come a long why since slavery. People don't realize that the blacks were all behind the invention that we use today.
Melissa
Select two or three of the media samples above and explain how they define "Blackness." Do the clips present an accurate depiction of African-Americans? Do they present consistent or contradictory images? What do these examples tell us about contemporary racial categories?
I was able to watch Oprah and Fat Albert clip. This two clips really shows how black people really are. We are happy and caring people. Oprah her name alone mean beauty. She is beautful from the inside out. She helps many people. The clip was about her and her help different people. Fat Albert clip was also nice too. It showed how the group of kids are happy and help own another.
Melissa
In the clips, Save Africa from Aids and Save Africa's Children the definition of "Blackness" is all Africans have diseases and live in poverty. The images are showing diseases and poverty are killing the African population. Yes, I believe the humanitarian organizations do support racial ambivalence and animosity by the images they present in order to raise funds. These organizations are not presenting all the facts and by leaving things out or covering up things their viewers only see images they want them to. The humanitarian campaigns want the images to be embedded in your head as well as in your heart. This is so you will feel so sorry for the children and the people of Africa by seeing these images and unsanitary conditions on the television scene you will not hesitate to send in your hard working dollars to their organizations. It is all about the "Dollar Bill." I do believe thes campaigns have a responsibility to their veiwers to show coherent images, but the bigger picture is to get the money by any means necessary. I hope some of the campaigns are legit and the help, which is needed, get to those people who need it most.
J.Johnson
The one I posted before was Journal#5, I posted the wrong one. This is Journal#4
The clip shows the Jackson Five as a singing and dancing group on a television show. This defines "Blackness" as African-Americans are only good enough to entertain "White America." It doesn't show this is a family working hard together to make a better life for themselves. The Watts and Rodney King Riots clip showed only the violence. This clip had defined "Blackness" as being uneducated destructive animals. It showed African-Americans in a very negative way. It showed African-Americans breaking and entering stores illegally. It showed African-Americans looting, and starting fires. It also showed the police officers standing off from the rioting not trying to get a handle on the situation. This clip gives you the idea all African-Americans are thieves and animals. The clip never told you what really set off all of this within the African-American community of South Central, LA. The clip wants to give these images to you to keep the stereotypes of African-Americans going. It showed the viewers what would happen if African-Americans were allowed into the "White" communities. If clips like this one is showed on the air all the time, this is how it gets embedded into the minds of white people. If these images continue, the belief of stereotypes about American-Americans will never stop. The images in this clip were so strong; if I wasn't American-American, I would be afraid.
J. Johnson
Oprah Winfrey define blackness as a person who went through a lot in her life and also as an African-American. She remembers where she came from and used that as a motivation for her future. Oprah had to work harder as a black person than a white person. Her struggle to success was twice as much than a white person. But that is what "blackness" is all about the sacrifices.
The OJ Simpson trial is an accurate depiction of what African-American as to go through. OJ Simpson trial is contraditory because of his race. No one else was considered a suspect and even though he was the only suspect the prosecutor (Mark Furman) and others still try to "Taint" the evidence. Even though he was aquitted people especially the white race still believe he's guilty and they wouldn't leave him alone.
These two examples depict the way african-american living. Trying harder and harder to please everyone because of where we came from. The racial inequality still exist today. African-americans have changed "Blackness" from "powerless" to "powerful."
Carol J.
Could only get a few seconds of the clips but what I did see on the Oprah Winfrey clip was some nice pictures of her during her career and Eddie Murphy is just a really funny guy nothing racist about him. The others were very blurred I'll try again. Sharon
I did not like the Rodney King, riots. I feel that racism was definitely an issues. Racism separate us. And it should'nt. But it does. Rodney did not need a beat down like he receives from the cops. It was horrible. I have to remember that God is still in charge in sprite of what I see and feel that happening in the world today! God got it. I must remember that he know everything. Wanda G.
I did this one also. I did remember watching Little Black Sambo and Rabbit Stew, which i found to be a little racist. It is stereotypical they way blacks were portrayed. As for the Eddie Murphy clip he's always been humorous and entertaining to all. Oprah Winfrey is not a big fan of mine but i do from time to time depending on the topic watch her shows. Now to me she seems a little racist. Maybe racist is a strong word for her but she has more favortism for other races than the afroamericans. I do give her credit because of who she is and what she represents.
Cathy P.
I did this one also. I did remember watching Little Black Sambo and Rabbit Stew, which i found to be a little racist. It is stereotypical they way blacks were portrayed. As for the Eddie Murphy clip he's always been humorous and entertaining to all. Oprah Winfrey is not a big fan of mine but i do from time to time depending on the topic watch her shows. Now to me she seems a little racist. Maybe racist is a strong word for her but she has more favortism for other races than the afroamericans. I do give her credit because of who she is and what she represents.
Cathy P.
I did this one also. I did remember watching Little Black Sambo and Rabbit Stew, which i found to be a little racist. It is stereotypical they way blacks were portrayed. As for the Eddie Murphy clip he's always been humorous and entertaining to all. Oprah Winfrey is not a big fan of mine but i do from time to time depending on the topic watch her shows. Now to me she seems a little racist. Maybe racist is a strong word for her but she has more favortism for other races than the afroamericans. I do give her credit because of who she is and what she represents.
Cathy P.
I did this one also. I did remember watching Little Black Sambo and Rabbit Stew, which i found to be a little racist. It is stereotypical they way blacks were portrayed. As for the Eddie Murphy clip he's always been humorous and entertaining to all. Oprah Winfrey is not a big fan of mine but i do from time to time depending on the topic watch her shows. Now to me she seems a little racist. Maybe racist is a strong word for her but she has more favortism for other races than the afroamericans. I do give her credit because of who she is and what she represents.
Cathy P.
Don Imus said a comment about two weeks ago that had people outraged. Don refered to a few black basket ball players as "nappy headed hoes"
imus was later terminated from his radio show. I think anyone who has a job on the radio or T.V. should be more responsible about what comes out of their mouths you never no who is listening ttribble
I couldn't really viwe the clips but i do know of Fat Albert and the Jackson Five (two of my favs)
I don't think that are diplicted in any bad way as a matter of fact i think they show us as black people that we can make somthing of ourseleves, eventhough we have to work alittle harder than most, but to be honest that is no suprise compared to before, no matter how hard we work we got nowhere. The same thing goes for Eddie Murphy, even OJ Simpson, When have you known of a black getting away with murder (if he did it).
Octavia
Later Days :)
The picture I saw was of a tan person with an afro. I didn't realize that we (as blacks)had such a profound sterotypical outline even without a face. Simutaneously, I have to admit because we have been neglected for so long and in the media, it felt good for a moment to be recognized. And this is how they make us feel comfortable with some stereotypes. This is where the confusion lies and why the devil is a liar.
Shaniqua
I had a problem viewing all the clips, on my computer at work and at home. it would not play at all.
Karen T.
Rodney King did not deserve that kind of beating, regardless of what he did. That was police brutality anyway you look at it.
I like the Cosby Show, it's about time blacks were shown in a more positive and professional way,
The Jackson 5 and O.J. Simpson just feds into the stereotype that black people are only good at music and sports, Bill Cosby shows that's not true. Blacks can make a success of themselves and their lives by using their brains.
Jeannie
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