Comments on: “If the US media were a person, he’d be an old white guy.” https://contemporaryracism.org/2650/if-the-us-media-were-a-person-hed-be-an-old-white-guy/ An academic blog about whiteness, implicit bias, and systemic racism Sat, 24 May 2014 00:48:47 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: cmr3991 https://contemporaryracism.org/2650/if-the-us-media-were-a-person-hed-be-an-old-white-guy/comment-page-1/#comment-428 Tue, 06 May 2014 20:47:59 +0000 http://contemporaryracism.org/?p=2650#comment-428 This makes me think about how movies and T.V. shows that have predominantly black casts are usually labeled “black comedies” or “African American” comedies. There are websites titled Blackflix.com and blackclassicmovies.com that discuss news about black actors/actresses and movies that they are in, obviously highlighting the fact that they normally don’t get the credit that white actors/actresses receive.

In regards to the reaction in the white community, I definitely agree with Chris that there would be a wide range of reactions. Those who actively voice their disapprovals of other races will certainly have a negative reactions and may refuse to go see certain movies. It would be believable if some white people started giving excuses to not see these movies, besides the fact that the cast is predominantly black even though that’s probably why they don’t have an interest whether that be implicit or intentional.

]]> By: Chris Chaky https://contemporaryracism.org/2650/if-the-us-media-were-a-person-hed-be-an-old-white-guy/comment-page-1/#comment-323 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:43:46 +0000 http://contemporaryracism.org/?p=2650#comment-323 In terms of what kind of reaction there would be to more media featuring people of color, I think you would see a mixed reaction. You would probably see a lot of people rolling their eyes about political correctness. I see this all the time in the way some white people respond to commercials that feature, for example, two white children, one hispanic child, and one black child. Not that this somewhat tokenist form of inclusion and diversity is perfect, but I think the white response is telling. White people often view the inclusion of people of color as an intentional way to seem progressive or politically correct. This is another example of the way people view whiteness as normal.

On the other hand, I wonder if the future will see an increased amount of people of color represented due to the changing demographics of our country. Over the next century, the proportion of people of color in the U.S. is set to rise dramatically; in fact, this trend has already begun. Obviously, this trend will be present first in the youth, who are one of the main targets of TV and movies. Perhaps producers and writers will be forced to include more people of color to attract the increasingly diverse audience. While this would be a good step, it could also inhibit further progress. If the white male media decides to cast more people of color, then it may help them maintain their dominance in executive positions in media over people of color and women. Maybe it will be better if the white male media refuses to adapt and forces people to look towards other producers and writers – women and people of color – for TV shows and movies.

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