Racial and Ethnic Stereotypes in the Media
The media is hailed for its ability to inform and connect people with diverse ideas. However, the media also has historically been criticized for portraying racial and ethnic stereotypes (Mora, 2018). While significant changes in regards to the representation of minorities in the media are notable, racial, and ethnic stereotypes persist. Stereotypes about groups of people can often contribute to the way they are negatively or inappropriately viewed in the public sphere. Stereotypes may seem harmless but in the long run, they have a significant impact on individuals. The paper discusses how racial and ethnic stereotypes continue to be perpetuated in the media. Most common media stereotypes portray black women being loud or strong-willed, Asian Americans as smart, black men often become sidekicks or “magic” saviors of white characters, and Latino women are hypersexualized.
One of the most common ethnic stereotypes in the media relates to black women being loud. Click and Smith-Frigerio (2019) notes that the media portrays black women as loud, sassy, and often, with an attitude problem. In the successful television series “Empire” (2015), Taraji P, Henson, cast as Cookie Lyon, brings out the way the media views black women. The show features Cookie being the typical hot-tempered woman even though she is valued and respected by everyone inside and outside the family (Click & Smith-Frigerio, 2019). For example, in season one episode one, she beats her son Hakeem with a broom and loudly castigates any mistakes her sons make. The typical negative depiction of black women includes loud, vindictive, trivial, and always ready to deal with anyone who messes with her (Click & Smith-Frigerio, 2019). Cookie representation in the show reveals how black women are often viewed by the media without showing their ‘vulnerability’ or ‘soft’ side.
Racial and ethnic stereotypes also become evident in the representation of Asians and Asian-Americans as smart but also nerdy.” Most movies and TV shows cast Asians as scientists, doctors, or in some technical field that required intellectual abilities (Zhang, 2010). In the 2014 television show “How to Get Away with Murder,” the Asian character Oliver Hampton is played by Conrad Ricamora. He is smart with computers such as hacking, and coding. For example, despite being lovers, Connor always uses Oliver when he wants to hack into someone’s computer or system. Zhang (2010) argues that sometimes, Asian characters are also depicted as smart but nerdy. For example, in the 2009 movie “Up,” the Asian boy, Russell, is smart but nerdy. However, it is through his efforts that the goals of the main characters are achieved. For example, Russell’s discovery and befriending of a giant colorful bird that he names ‘Kelvin’ helps Carl accomplish his mission. While traditional media often featured Asians being smart and intelligent, modern television tries to portray them as nerdy, but still capable.
Black men are also stereotyped in the media as sidekicks or the savior of the white protagonist. While modern media does try to feature black men in leading roles, the difficulty in acceptance of blackness as leaders often sees them taking secondary roles (Hughey, 2009). Most of the time, directors, the majority being white males, feature black men as the ‘magical negro’ where a supporting character aids a white protagonist. The black male is often given a hypermasculine role or possesses mystical powers to ensure that he can save whiteness (Hughey, 2009). “The Martian” (2015) depicts Donald Glover in the role of Rich Purnell, who acts as the savior of the white protagonist and the world when everything seemed impossible. In fact, Purnell only appears on the screen for about seven minutes in a movie that runs for over two hours. In that time, he computes a mathematical problem that manages to save the entire NASA organization and the white man stranded in space. Just like many other films before and after, “The Martian” makes it seems that only a special type of black man exists with the intelligence to earn the respect of the white man.
Another common stereotype in the media is the hypersexuality of women in the Latino community. In television and films, it is common to see sexy Latina maids, co-workers, neighbors, married women, prostitutes, and even homewreckers (Mora, 2018). The television show “Modern Family” (2009) depicts Sofia Vergara, cast as Gloria Delgado, in a sexualized role. For example, Gloria dresses provocatively in the show and this seems to appeal to her husband. When any other female character needs to learn how to dress and act for sexual attention, Gloria provides help. Her character is made to appease the male and show women they can find strength in their sexuality (Mora, 2018). This long-running show creates significant sexualization of female characters from the Latina community.
Conclusion
While the media creates a platform for informing, it also creates harmful content. For example, many racial and ethnic stereotypes still exist in the media despite years of trying to improve the content displayed. For example, black women are often portrayed as loud, feisty, and ‘no-nonsense’ individuals. Asian Americans are still stereotyped as smart compared to other ethnic groups. However, most modern media depict them being nerdy but still smart. While many stereotypes characterize black men, the sidekick and savior of a white protagonist is a common occurrence. Finally, Latino women are often depicted in a sexualized manner.
References
Click, M. A., & Smith-Frigerio, S. (2019). One Tough Cookie: Exploring Black Women’s Responses to Empire’s Cookie Lyon. Communication Culture & Critique, 12(2), 287-304.
Hughey, M. W. (2009). Cinethetic racism: White redemption and black stereotypes in” magical Negro” films. Social Problems, 56(3), 543-577.
Mora, A. R. (2018). What is likable about Gloria Pritchett in Modern Family? A viewer-character analysis through social identity and intersectionality. The Communication Review, 21(1), 1-23.
Zhang, Q. (2010). Asian Americans beyond the model minority stereotype: The nerdy and the left out. Journal of international and intercultural communication, 3(1), 20-37.