Question 1

Current depictions of non-Whites in film, television, and other media show no trace of the stereotypes that existed in the early twentieth century.

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, while progress has been made, there are still depictions of non-White individuals that perpetuate harmful stereotypes in media today.

Question 2

Although nuanced stereotypical depictions of non-Whites still exist in modern media, they are not harmful.

Accepted Answer

Nuanced stereotypical depictions of non-Whites can still perpetuate harmful biases and reinforce harmful narratives, even if they are not as overt or blatant as more explicit forms of bigotry. Studies have shown that even subtle forms of stereotyping can have negative impacts on marginalized groups, and it is important to critically examine and challenge such representations in media.

Question 3

Whites are over-represented on television shows.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that white people are over-represented on television shows, particularly in leading roles and as the main characters. This lack of diversity can contribute to harmful stereotypes and a limited understanding of different cultures and experiences. Efforts are being made towards greater inclusion and representation on TV, but there is still a long way to go.

Question 4

Blacks and Latinxs are more likely to be incarcerated than Whites because they commit more crimes.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Research has shown that systemic racial bias in the criminal justice system, such as racial profiling, discriminatory policing, and sentencing disparities, contribute to higher rates of incarceration for Blacks and Latinxs. It is also important to consider socio-economic factors, such as poverty and lack of access to education and job opportunities, that may contribute to higher rates of criminal activity in certain communities.

Question 5

African Americans, on average, are paid less than Whites.

Accepted Answer

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, African Americans have consistently lower median weekly earnings than Whites. This wage gap has persisted over time and across different education levels and occupations.

Question 6

Athletics represent one arena where Blacks and Whites are represented relatively equally in the media.

Accepted Answer

In media representation, there is a significant disparity in how Black and White athletes are portrayed, with Black athletes often being underrepresented in certain sports and overrepresented in others, and also facing stereotypical portrayals that differ from their White counterparts.

Question 7

Media portrayals of non-Whites may partly explain why so little is being done about racial disparities in a nation that values equality and democracy.

Accepted Answer

The media has a powerful influence on public perception and can shape attitudes towards racial disparities. Negative or biased portrayals of non-Whites can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder progress towards more equal treatment and opportunities for all.

Question 8

Prime-time television shows starring Latinxs, such as Jane the Virgin, have become common.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Prime-time television shows starring Latinxs, such as...

Question 9

Most Arabs on television are portrayed as foreign, instead of Arab American.

Accepted Answer

This is true as many Arab characters on television are often portrayed as exotic, foreign, or backward, rather than as Arab Americans who are a part of the fabric of American society. This reinforces stereotypes and perpetuates ignorance about Arab American culture and identity.

Question 10

When people of color are the creators of popular media, non-Whites are always depicted in less stereotypical ways.

Accepted Answer

While creators of color often aim to provide more nuanced and diverse representations, this is not always the case. The depiction can vary widely depending on the creator's intentions, the genre of the media, and the target audience, among other factors.

Question 11

Television shows starring successful African Americans, such as the Cosby Show,
helped to reduce stereotypes about other African Americans.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Television shows starring successful African Americans, such...

Question 12

In recent years, television portrayals of African Americans have improved considerably thanks to shows like Insecure and black-ish.

Accepted Answer

Shows like Insecure and black-ish have received critical acclaim for their positive portrayal of African Americans on television.

Question 13

Asian men tend to be presented in U.S. media as asexual or effeminate while Asian women are often portrayed as hypersexual.

Accepted Answer

This is a stereotype and a form of racism called "yellow peril" which has been perpetuated in U.S. media for decades. Asian men are often portrayed as lacking in masculinity while Asian women are hypersexualized and objectified. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to the fetishization and exoticization of Asian people.

Question 14

Americans spend more time, on average, watching TV than they do using forms of "new media."

Accepted Answer

Americans now spend more time on average using forms of "new media" (like smartphones and the internet) than they do watching TV.

Question 15

There is evidence that social media has the potential to counter stereotypes in positive ways.

Accepted Answer

Social media allows for diverse voices and perspectives to be shared, which can challenge and change stereotypes. It also provides a platform for individuals and communities to share their own experiences and identities, breaking down stereotypes and promoting empathy and understanding.

Question 16

The stereotypical portrayals of racial groups on television are harmful in that they:

Accepted Answer

The stereotypical portrayals of racial groups on television normalize racial segregation by perpetuating the idea that different races should stay within their own groups. These portrayals maintain racial disparities by reinforcing negative stereotypes and limiting opportunities for certain groups. They also justify racial inequalities by portraying certain races as inferior or disadvantaged. Overall, all of these effects are harmful and contribute to systemic racism.

Question 17

The idea that the United States is a land of opportunity and that African Americans could do better if they only tried harder is known as:

Accepted Answer

Enlightened racism refers to the belief that African Americans could succeed if they worked harder, ignoring systemic barriers and inequalities.

Question 18

The depiction of successful Blacks in television shows, such as the Cosby Show, helped to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The depiction of successful Blacks in television...

Question 19

When Christian Peter, a White football player and Lawrence Phillips, a Black football player, both were accused of assault, only Phillips' case received national media coverage. This example demonstrates how:

Accepted Answer

This example demonstrates how the media portrays Black and White athletes differently. While both players were accused of assault, only Phillips' case received national media coverage, highlighting a disparity in the representation of Black and White athletes in the media.

Question 20

__________ is a name with Biblical origins that has come to signify an oversexed or hypersexual Black woman.

Accepted Answer

The name Jezebel comes from a Biblical figure known for her promiscuity and manipulation, and over time has become associated with negative stereotypes of Black women as hypersexual.

Quiz 4: Racism in the Media: the Spread of Ideology