African

Americans in
the Media
a presentation by: Ìzzy Lott,
Nicholas Fechner Mills, Georgina
Burros, Arielle Gottlieb and
Christian Mussenden
GeneraI Opinion
Common Myths and Stereotypes
» The media (mainly fiction) emphasizes puts African
Americans into categories:
· Dangerous
· Black BFF -Token black character, or side kick to
white protagonist
· Athletes
· Absent fathers or sassy women
· Violent, mainly for African American men
· Lazy
Recent Events InvoIving
African Americans
» Riots in Ferguson, Missouri and the death of Michael Brown,
and trial of Darren Wilson
» Riots over the murder of Eric Garner by the NYPD
» Allegations of sexual harassment by actor Bill Cosby towards
female employees

» Actor Bill Cosby facing sexual harassment allegations from over 20
different women
» Cosby did not fit any negative stereotypes of a black man as he was
portrayed as a loving, comedic, and fatherly figure in the media; now
he is shown as dangerous
BiII Cosby AIIegations
» Allegations have been around for about a decade
» Recently gained new life after Cosby's twitter
encouraged his fans to make photos of him into
memes
The Situation in Ferguson, Missouri
» An unarmed black teenager was killed by a white police officer
» According to witnesses, Brown was standing a considerable
distance away from Wilson, was unarmed, and had his hands
up
» Grand jury found that Darren Wilson was innocent
» After ruling, riots in and around Ferguson have led to severe
property damage and civil unrest
Reaction to the Situation in Ferguson
» News coverage focuses on the protests and how the protesters
are causing damage and chaos
» African-Americans are portrayed poorly in news coverage of
this event as looters and troublemakers
The Death of Eric Garner
» Eric Garner was choked to death on the street by NYPD for
peddling cigarettes
» Video came out showing Garner being put in a chokehold by
the NYPD
» As a police officer is shown wrapping his arm around Garner,
he yells "Ì can't breathe!¨
» Grand jury decided to not indict the NYPD for the death of Eric
Garner

» Response from African-Americans has generally peaceful and
organized
» Media has mostly covered peaceful protests organized around
major cities
» Protests have helped curb stereotype of African-American
violence
» Report came out that a man killed two NYPD officers execution
style, allegedly out of anger over the deaths of Michael Brown
and Eric Garner
Response to Eric Garner's Death
From 12/13/14 to 12/18/14 the Washington Post:
-featured 47 people in total on the front page
-11 of them were African American
-3 of the 11 African Americans were Obama
» Survey by Media Ìnsight Report states ¾ of African American news
consumers felt doubts about mainstream media reports about their
communities
» Search 'Ferguson' in the New York times, only 2 authors out of 9
were African American
» Some articles describing police confrontations say police officer
"who is white¨ and the arrested teen
"who is black¨
» When asked whether they thought news about community was
accurate, 75 percent of blacks said only "moderately" or "slightly/not
at all."
"There is inevitably going to be some negative reaction,
and it will make for good TV. But what we want to do is to
make sure that we're also focusing on those who can offer
the kind of real progress that we know is possible...¨
» Shows media's focus on negative and violent parts
rather than how people can prevent biases
President Obama Regarding Ferguson
Preventing Bias and Stereotypes
» Many think it's impossible
» Reporters and show hosts must become accountable
· Teach readers/viewers to want info not a cool story
» Keep away from long-winded descriptions
» Readers need to take it into their own hands
· Check multiple perspectives on important topics
An icon for hope regarding race reIations
» Devonte Hart was
photographed at a
Ferguson-related rally
spotted with a sign that
said "free hugs¨
» A white police officer saw
the boy crying and gave
him a meaningful hug
» Considered an icon for
change regarding race
relations and police
officers
» African Americans are underrepresented in the media
» When they are represented it is often through insulting
stereotypes
» Mostly negative stories shown in media
» Representation slowly increasing
» Can prevent bias by:
· Researching both sides of stories
· Reporters becoming accountable
· Reporters taking out derogatory descriptions
Recap
BtumIield, Ben, and Elliot C. McLaughlin. 'Bill Cosby Facing Litany oI Allegations.¨ CNN.com. CNN, Web. 21 Dec. 2014. ·http:
//www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/showbiz/bill-cosby-allegations-repercussions/~.
'Eric Garner.¨ Ebonv.com. Web. 21 Dec. 2014. ·http://www.ebony.com/news-views/eric-garner-tall-dark-and-threatening-
405#axzz3MZv9X9Ko~.
Millman, JenniIer, Andrew SiII, and Jonathan Dienst. 'Grand Jury Declines to Indict NYPD OIIicer in Eric Garner Chokehold Death.¨
nbcnewvork.com. NBC, 4 Dec. 2014. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. ·http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Grand-Jury-Decision-Eric-
Garner-Staten-Island-Chokehold-Death-NYPD-284595921.html~.
RAW FOOTAGE Eric Garner KILLED After NYPD Cop Puts Him In CHOKEHOLD. voutube.com. Web. 21 Dec. 2014. ·https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v÷t5S2qRcO8Qw#t÷67~.
Williams, Diana. 'Up Close: Grand Jury Decision in the Eric Garner Case.¨ 7online.com. ABC, 8 Dec. 2014. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. ·http:
//7online.com/news/up-close-grand-jury-decision-in-the-eric-garner-case/425819/~.
Works Cited