Do “Madea” movie ads contribute to racism?
Posted on 22. Feb, 2009 by kchristieh in movies, sports, things that bug me
Studies show that a majority of whites in this country harbor an often-subconscious racial bias against blacks. According to Charles M. Blow in today’s NY Times op-ed piece, “A Nation of Cowards,” no matter how hard we try, our brain often has a mind of its own, and will process the input it receives to form an opinion that goes against what a person doesn’t consciously want it to.
If anyone’s wondering what these inputs might be, one should just take a look at today’s print edition of the NY Times. After reading Mr. Blow’s piece, the first image of a black person I saw was this one of Tyler Perry in the new Madea movie. It was on the front page of the Arts section, and was 7.5″ high.
On page 2 of the Arts section, I saw this article / picture of Chris Brown at the top of the page:
Then, a few pages later, I saw this ad for Madea:
That was it for the Arts section. There were no blacks pictured in the Business section, but Mets players Duaner Sanchez and Francisco Rodriguez were pictured in the Sports section. (Are they black?) There was also a black man sitting on the bench behind Utah State basketball coach Stew Morrill.
I finally took a look at the front section (I’d read the racism story online) and the lead story featured this picture of the Stanford Superstars cricket team with the club’s owner, Robert Allen Stanford. (No relation to my alma mater!!)
The front section also included a picture of Illinois Senator Roland W. Burris, who is being urged to resign.
Final tally:
- 4 pictures of blacks in trouble with the law
- 3 pictures of blacks in sports
With images like these, it’s no surprise that many whites show a bias against blacks.
Of course, I try not to have these thoughts. I truly believe that God created all races in His image, and everyone should be accorded the same respect, opportunities and rights regardless of race. The article points out, however, that often whites who try not to appear biased are perceived as more biased.
Aaargh!! It’s like Angelina Jolie, when she’s stuck in the asylum in “Changeling.” A fellow patient advises her that if you try too hard to appear “normal” they’ll think you’re crazy. But I digress…
As Blow concludes, it’s good to face the facts and start a dialogue. I think a good place to start would be the entertainment industry, which produces movies such as Madea and bad-boy artists such as Chris Brown.
And that slant against blacks is from a liberal-sympathetizing media! I wonder if blacks have a bias against Caucasians?
This is not originally mine, but it provides food for thought:
Imagine yourself walking alone in a remote ally late at night, and you suddenly discover three young men are following you.
Would be more or less concerned if those were black kids? Why? Does it mean that you are a racist?
If you feel that you are a racist, would you be equally scared if those were three black women? Why?
And, would you feel more or less scared if you knew that the three males were returning from a bible class at church?
Depends…if the bible class males were part of the Tongan Crips in Utah. The History channel had an excellent segment on their Gangland series. These Crips will attend church one day and participate in illegal gang activities the next day.
So, yes it can depend, but in general & in most cases I’d have to agree with you, Mini.
Hey! Me too! What year?
I hope to never find myself alone in a dark alley at night. The last time I feared appearing a racist my neighbor got robbed. Another time where I didn’t listen to my fear of appearing a racist I returned to catch the object of my concern getting ready to break into my car.
(No relation to my alma mater!!)
Me too!