Racial and ethnic minorities are often portrayed in visual representations as animalistic or subhuman, often as monkeys or chimpanzees. Why might racist imagery so often use animals?
A) Representing someone as a primate is the worst possible insult for Europeans.
B) Many minority cultures have cultural associations with monkeys.
C) Racists are not really very imaginative, so they simply recycle the same stereotypes.
D) Animal imagery supports the assumption that differences between groups are innate or biologically based.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Racists often use animal imagery to support the assumption that differences between racial and ethnic groups are innate or biologically based. By portraying minorities as subhuman, they can dehumanize them and justify discriminatory practices. This also reinforces the idea of white superiority and justifies the mistreatment of minorities.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Are Often Portrayed in Visual Representations