In this weeks class, we discussed many of the stereotypes in the media.  One stereotype i found to be interesting was the asian-american characterization of them as being sneaky and underhanded.  Sometimes i feel like stereotypes are based off of quirks and specific traits that a ethnicity might have, but at other times, stereotypes just feel so forced.  It feels as if the stereotype isn't a way to help us identify with other cultures and races, but is more of a direct insult that can be applied to any individual.  This makes the stereotype even more deadly, because it is one for personal assessment that is applied to a whole group of people.  It then becomes something that cannot be shed.  I understand that there is a need of stereotyping to some extent, but can we at least let the stereotypes be tailored to the culture and ideology of a ethnicity, and not some shallow feeling of insecurity that one may get from another race.

The stereotypes that are presented in today's media have been developed over a long period of time, in which stereotypes have been crafted and adopted by the masses, in order to make characters more identifiable. The problem with stereotypes in mass media, is that most often, the stereotypes are not of admirable qualities, but of lacking ability and consciousness. This especially so for minority groups, and represents them in a negative light, often ratifying the common misleading judgement of them. For example, in early tv, the stereotype of the "mammie" was projected up black mothers. This characterized them as fat, subservient, and respectful to a point of shameful flattery. This can be seen implicitly in movies today, such as big mama's house, and the character Madea, in many of the Tyler Perry films. These roles in media today project less of the explicit parts of stereotyping from the 50's and 60's, but still imply the connotations that have risen from the past perceptions of minorities. This process can bring about misread cues on how to assess other cultures and races, and leaves room for racism and prejudice to creep into society unnoticed to the untrained mind.

     When watching All in the Family, i am reminded of the type of racism that used to exist.  The blatent, explicit, outrageous types of words and actions that carried the weight of generations of hatred.  It makes me really take a look at how far we have come in todays society.  This is not a positive, we have a black president statement...it's more of a we still have yet to realize the dreams of a man and a people.  The field has changed considerably, but the rules are still the same in this country.  Yes, we have escaped the lynchings and racial slurs (for the most part), but there is still an entitlement that being born white receives over being a minority.  There are definite opportunities such as, better schooling, a lesser chance of criminal activity, better education, certain laws (such as the crack cocaine laws) that are made with the interest of white people, better representation in government, and just an overall sense of security.  I am not saying all white people want to "lynch a nigga" but the implicit racism that goes on in the minds of white people consciously or sub-consciously is just as bad as the explicit racism of the past, and still hinders the empowerment of minorities, especially blacks.  #deepthought

     Watched Crash again, and i must say that i love the movie.  A lot of times people think that racism exist, but don't think the extreme cases are the norm, or happen on a regular basis.  The truth of the matter is they do.  I've experienced it multiple times, from being stopped for coming in and out of an house too fast, to walking with a flashlight outside because it was dark.   Everyone in my family and group of friends has experienced implicit and explicit racism, and it is not a thing of myth.  What Crash serves as is a window into the lives of those who are affected by racism, and those who purport it's viciousness.  #thatisall

Educated minorities having a brief conversation about the troubles plaguing the education system. Support your local libraries!