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Stereotypes In The African-American Community

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Michael Ray Charles is an American artist and a prominent influence in the African and African Diaspora studies at The University of Texas. He is well known for his art that combats stereotypes in the African-American community. The bluntness of the imagery he uses in his art engages the audience by forcing them to reflect and challenge the stereotypes they may conform to or accept as the truth. At the Michael Ray Charles Exhibit in the Gordon-White Building, a collection of prints, sculptures, chalk-sketches and paintings voice Charles’ protest against the ideology placed on the Black community over a century ago. Observing this artistic rebellion in one of the many ways the audience can understand the concept of stereotypes, particularly in the African-American community and the consequences those labels carry. …show more content…

The “mammy,” “coon” and “sambo” are just a few examples of stereotypes that categorized both men and women of color into certain societal roles, physical appearances, and behaviors. As described by Ethnic Notions, artwork portraying exaggerated appearances or conventionalized activities of Black people was “taken for granted” and “worked… into the mainstream of American life.” These depictions decorated homes and places for amusement, and as they were seen more commonly, the impressions of Black people and culture were normalized through these false or exaggerated images. The repetition of seeing images such as these has a powerful influence of the subconscious. Ethnic Notions stated that “the cumulative effect of these images produced over and over again, seen over and over again... become really destructive stereotypes.” History and present-day stereotypes serve as evidence of this statement, and Charles uses it to protest earlier impressions and revolutionize African-American culture’s awareness of their

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The racial stereotypes of the early American history had a substantial role in shaping attitudes toward African-Americans during that time. In the past, black men had characteristics that accompany thieves, rapist, murders, etc. and because of that, when looking into the black race, all black men are seen as threats despite being the same as any other race. When analyzing racial stereotypes, one will begin to see that they are “constructed beliefs that all members of the same race share given characteristics” and these associated characteristics are generally negative (Jewell, 1993). Brent Staples is an African American man who has been mistaken as a criminal numerous times just because of his race.

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These devices ensure the audience’s attention and understanding, rather than a lack of sympathy or interest. His devices also connect the audience to the issue and makes them understand the depth of misrepresentation. Staples in his own way is able to show how preconceived notions are cruel generalizations of large groups of people, and a constant plague to the african american

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Stereotypes have the power to label someone and rob them of all their hard work or strike fear into others. One such stereotype is that of black men being more dangerous;yet, one black writer voices his opinion on such a stereotype. In the essay “Just Walk On By” by Brent Staples, Staples describes his experience of being a large black man and how it affects the people around him. From people locking their doors to pedestrians crossing the street to avoid a confrontation, people seem to be afraid of Staples just from a glance. Yet Staples does nothing to cause this fear, rather his stereotype is to blame.

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Where do we draw the lines between adoration and mockery, influence and appropriation, and individuality and stereotyping? Accordingly, the racial subject has always been a touchy topic to discuss, but with the lasting effects that the black minstrelsy has left in the society, we most definitely need to deal with the racial subject. Only this way can the American society move forward both as a nation and as a species, and through such efforts, only then can we ensure that such history can never repeat

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In Chapter 1 and 2 of “Creating Black Americans,” author Nell Irvin Painter addresses an imperative issue in which African history and the lives of Africans are often dismissed (2) and continue to be perceived in a negative light (1). This book gives the author the chance to revive the history of Africa, being this a sacred place to provide readers with a “history of their own.” (Painter 4) The issue that Africans were depicted in a negative light impacted various artworks and educational settings in the 19th and early 20th century. For instance, in educational settings, many students were exposed to the Eurocentric Western learning which its depiction of Africa were not only biased, but racist as well.

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In America, at the intersection of race and gender lies a deadly dance for Black men. The media frequently demonizes them. Examples include Michael Brown being described as a ‘demon’ by the officer who shot him. Other attempts at defiling Black men paint them as criminals, and innately violent. Walter’s mistake was his relationship with a white woman.

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As a society, we have both positive and negative perceptions of people with the same or different racial and gender identities. As we strive to improve America’s tolerance, it is still common for black men to be mistakenly seen as criminals. When discussing his ability to “alter public places in ugly ways”, Brent Staples considers the impact he has on others around him. Brent Staples’ goal is to draw attention to the continuous stereotypes toward black men, who are usually represented to be stereotyped as being a threat. By explaining how these unfair ideas make black men feel, the author seeks to influence others’ perceptions of them.

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The ongoing problem of discrimination due to appearance has affected many, specifically black people. One of the most unusual things with no point or definition. This prejudice against black people has caused much unification within the United States. The lives of these black people have been severely affected, as it has affected their acts, appearances, and ways of life. As Brent Staples explains in his essay “Black Men and Public Space,” black people deal with many problems, from discrimination, and he explains these points in an orderly manner and each very thoroughly.

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" Journal of Black Studies 39.1 (2007): 5-21. Web. 2 Mar. 2015. The studies of this article examine the images of men and women that advertisements perpetuate. Mass media is a widely accessible resource that presents positive and negative portrayals.

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In his essay entitled Black Men and Public Space (1987), Brent Staples talks about how people will have a common misconception on the black community by thinking that they are all mugger ,rapist or thugs. Staples supports his claim by telling the reader events/ stories that occured to him and talks about how people will assume that he is a danger to society when in reality he isnt. The authors purpose is to inform the reader that his experiences of being stereotyped is to show the reader his point of view when it comes to these types of situations. Staples writes in a formal tone for an intelligent or free minded person.

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In the reading Just Walk on By by Brent Staples, the topic of racial stereotypes surfaces from the man who gets racially profiled quite often as he explains his personal experiences. The author bluntly tries to pass the message that racially judging people is wrong and explaining how it makes the other party ,african americans, feel. When analyzing Staples’ message his rhetorical strategies play a huge role into how his message is perceived. He uses influential diction allowing each word to give an impact unmatched by any white man who tried to convey a black man’s thought process. Staples also appeals to his credibility with the obvious observation that he is a black man talking about his real life experiences.

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Wright’s critique of racism in America includes a critique of the black community itself—specifically the black folk community that is unable or unwilling to educate him properly or accept his individual personality and

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