The Media: Good, Bad or Both ?

Abstract

The media has numerous ways to exploit minorities to satisfy the stereotypes that are constructed within society. My focus at the beginning of the research paper is to give examples of some reality television shows that are specifically constructed to give minorities a bad look. Ultimately, these shows shape the views of their non-People of Color audience to add to their personal biases against People of Color. News outlets throughout history also do the same to an extent with clear intentions to inflict fear on others to keep the nation divided. While there are pros to the media, there are still just as many cons also. My research will focus the majority on how minorities or People of Color (POC) are portrayed in the media, whether through reality TV shows, news media outlets, or even theatre or movies. As I reflect on my childhood, I've realized that the representation of Black performers on television and in theatre was always scarce and whenever they were on screen, it was usually playing a slave or a "Gangster," Prostitute, or struggling single mother and so forth. While this may be the reality for some Black individuals, the storyline or reoccurring theme may be an easy profit for filmmakers or writers because once there is an ounce of the spotlight to portray the Black struggle it makes a profit.