Brief Analysis: Understanding the Black Man’s Dilemma
Written By: Tosin Ajogbeje/Date: 2021-02-27
In grad school, I contributed to a research paper about agenda-setting and the impact of how stories are framed to provoke some sort of reaction from the public. Not once did I think I would be writing about how people of color are presented in the news at the expense of accuracy, and the complexities that Black men face in the media and society. Representation of Black males in the media is often distorted to fit certain stereotypes, from their “macho” qualities, hypersexual form, and their “looks”. The stereotyping of Black people, particularly males has continued to have a negative impact on black communities, including African-American communities. These distorted understandings and attitudes towards black people result in negative real-world consequences for them.
Exaggerated associations made about Black males are commonly connected to violence, illiteracy, and sports. For example, Black men in the U.S. have long been unfavorably affected by negative public perceptions. Concerns over getting favorable jobs or being the “right fit” for a job are prevalent themes experienced by Black men. Research says that being a male, disadvantaged and either African-American is to confront on a daily basis, an entrenched form of racism that exists in every social institution. The question here is why media often gives relevance to certain stories depicting black males?Of course, the media focuses on how people should think about certain issues. The media sticks to the sensationalization of news reports to further spur the interest of the public and grab the attention of readers or a target audience. It is fair to say that editors are the major gatekeepers and are in control of the selection of the content that goes out in public. But why don't they consider how stories about Black men are contextualized to certain news?
Research claims that African Americans are generally underrepresented in various facets of the media’s portrayal of the world. For example, in video games or televised movies, black men tend to be featured as gangsters and street people. On the other hand, black males are not often considered for commentary and analysis segments in the news. When it comes to giving opinions about a prominent topic or a topical issue, black males are rarely selected as a better choice to make comments. Recognizing the intellectuality of black men has been a pervasive issue in the media, from depictions as criminals to representations as laborers and entertainers or hip hop/rappers. It is evident that mass media and advocacy discourses and coverage around black males is mostly placed on violent crime. Media portrayals can be one-sided, with a heavy focus on “real problems” of black males relating to education, family life, and the criminal justice system.
The implications of associating black males to “categories” or discounting their extraordinary work, could reinforce biased stereotypes. Maybe, this is the key reason why national dialogue about racial injustice or harsh police treatment of people of color is often blamed on how violent black people are. Most times people are quick to jump to a conclusion and assert that no matter the evidence shown or publicized, the black person must have committed the crime. When negative portrayals of black men are reinforced in the media, it creates barriers to advancement within our society.
The intractable overrepresentation of black men in the media should not be overlooked or normalized to fit societal beliefs. Rather than degrade and associate black men as the face of “unemployed” “poverty” or “drug-related crime”, a big focus should be given to how black men are intellectual pundits in real life. In popular music, rap music has been commonly used as a means to stereotype black men as materialistic or either “thuggish”. This is where I say mainstream media has the power to amplify the incredible achievements of black men in the African diaspora.
Whether the media intentionally puts more spotlight on black men or not, there is room to extend news coverage on individual black male achievement. For example, black men don’t only excel in sports, they also excel in education, science, engineering, and business administration. Research claims that when media content producers or editors have faulty assumptions about demand for a particular story, they find it more marketable to publish such story for promotional purposes. It is fair to say that using racial undertones in messages or having the need to sell stories like wildfire can trigger putting out stereotyped images and spreading misinformation.
Choosing accurate stories and images that give a fuller, and more transparent narrative of Black men, black history, and life should be considered by the media. Media can play an active role in combatting adverse stereotypes attributed to Black men. In this ever-changing world, every story matters, and a conscious effort should be made to uplift all voices. Black voices matter, and Black men should be held in high esteem and given the praise and platform that they deserve. Attention should be placed on police aggression and the continuous antagonism toward black men. The history of economic disadvantage and the prevalent anti-black bias in society should make it to the press and in films.
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