Let’s Focus on the Present

I think today as a society the media still takes part in and will continue to play a crucial role in the way white Americans perceive African-Americans. I think this result directly ties in because of the overwhelming media focus on crime, drug use, gang violence, and other forms of behavior among African-Americans.  The media have distorted public perception of African-Americans as being lazy, dirty, poor, un-educated, drug hungry and, ignorant.

I believe the media have divided the working class and stereotyped young African-American males as gangsters or drug dealers.  I think the media is crushing youths’ goals and degrading them for future employment and advancement. The media focuses on the negative aspects of the black community and do not acknowledge the positives.

 On another note, I do believe blacks play a role in the way there perceived.  I think by shooting music videos that promote violence, promiscuity, drug use and domestic abuse stirs up some controversy. Like most successful hip hop artists 2Pac, was criticized for alleged glorification of violence, and drug abuse, as well as homophobia and albums laced with constant profanity.  I think that “Gangster Rap” does not give blacks a good outlook on the way life is, or what young African Americans think they have to be.

I do not think rap music is bad, but I think artists should focus on things that will motivate there fans to prosper and be the best they can be. I believe rap music invoked Black racism and nationalism in a superficial way. Politics among these rap music videos was often reduced to showing Malcolm X or Martin Luther King in a video instead of incorporating their precepts or motivational words. Many rappers didn’t even bother to make their lyrics, much less their actions, consistent with the philosophies of these leaders and teachers.

Many groups, races, and, religions have been faced with prejudice and discrimination throughout history. Every race, religion, and nationality has felt the wrath of another group’s ignorance.  The media will continue to portray a stereotype of the African-American community.  I think there a many intelligent, athletic, and talented African Americans and they should continue to strive, blocking out the many stereotypes the media gives them. I think that everyone has the equal opportunity in life to become successful.