Racism

When we hear that something is free we are all attracted to whatever it may be, but what if itпїЅs racism and racial stereotypes? Well theyпїЅre being advertised and sold to the viewing audience free of cost everyday and they take note of these stereotypes without even knowing that theyпїЅre doing so. These stereotypes of African Americans being used by the media today and years ago are injuring the realistic image of black people and the way that both colored and Caucasians view those of African heritage. These stereotypes that are being advertised and sold to the viewing audience can be found on television, in music, and in magazine ads.

Even as early as the 1930s African Americans in television were presented as working in the following three professions: entertainers, athletes, and servants (Hill 136), either they have great wealth or nothing at all. This can be seen on television shows such as The Jeffersons and the Cosby Show, both rich African American television families. Then there is the animated show The PJs, where a slew of poor black families live in a run down apartment complex. Where are all the modest black television families, you know, with teaching professions or working nine to five behind an office desk? No where

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However, children may gain idols from the more successful depictions of blacks too, the entertainers and athletes, but once again to achieve such success in sports or entertainment is almost impossible. Either itпїЅs rich or poor or there is no show at all. пїЅ Rappers usually speak of a rough, kill or be killed life which can sometimes be seen on some television programs. Most rappers counteract that line from пїЅMoneyпїЅ by speaking of material goods as their one and only love in their songs like in пїЅHate it or Love itпїЅ by The Game when he says пїЅI told Pooh in 95 IпїЅll kill you if you try [to murder] me for my [Nike] Air-Max 95пїЅs.

When African Americas appear in magazine advertisements the people used are usually famous black athletes, or entertainers. This is something adolescents