Multiracial Society

1-Identify and define at least 3 ways the media perpetuates stereotypes. Give specific examples of these from current examples/cases you have seen in the media. (Hint: Remember to define the meaning of a stereotype from readings in the course) At least one of these examples you identify should focus on a non black minority groups.

Next, discuss the ways in which such stereotypes can be counteracted. Give specific examples of what you might say or do to counteract the media directly and have an impact on societal perceptions.

What does the social science evidence that you have studied in this course say about methods that work in counteracting racism (both in media and beyond)?

2-You have been hired as a one of two expert panelists for a prime time evening news program. You have been chosen as the counterpoint to another panelist named Dr. Johnson. In order for your preparation for the show, you have been briefed on facts that may arise during the show centered in Dr. Johnson’s beliefs about race and society.

Dr. Johnson believes that she is very open-minded and is not racist. However, she has been published and openly shares that the only way to build a multiracial society is to stop talking about race. Dr. Johnson often cites statistics that have not been validated or supported.

Additionally, Dr. Johnson makes it known verbally to others and repeatedly on this same evening news show that we should stop race- based policies like affirmative actions. She declares adamantly that these programs draw more negative attention to race (& take jobs/slots away from others). Again she cites and discusses legal cases and statistics that have not been vetted or supported in valid research.

Dr. Johnson provides names of friends that are of a different race than herself. She declares this to be evidence of how she is colorblind and cannot be racist. She also shares this is a problem with perception of others about society and not herself as she knows all people are equal and no one is treated different.

Consider and discuss how you can prepare to speak to these issues when it is your turn to speak as a counterpoint to Dr. Johnson. What information would you include here on colorblind racism for your viewers? How would you counter Dr. Johnson’s views or would you counter her views? At a minimum provide counterpoints using the concepts you learned this semester for at least 3 of Mr. Johson’s positions. At a minimum when preparing to address Dr. Johnson’s views (a) identify the misinformation on which each is based, and (b) offer alternative interpretations for the positions she advocates.

3-We are now in the process of completing a new census. Across time we have seen many different ethnic and racial categories of identification on census forms. In fact, these have changed dramatically across time and history.

When sharing this fact with your neighbor Jim, he shares a belief with you that if we add the rapidly growing Latino Americans and Asian Americans in with African Americans, then non-Hispanic whites will become a minority in today’s multiracial society in the United States.

How would you discuss the shift this might create and if it would make us a more multiracially balanced democracy with Jim? What history might you share with Jim about past ethnic and racial groupings in American society and ways in which some groups became “honorary whites?” How would this impact the dominant groups standing if ethnicities and racial groupings of people are recategorized? When have we seen this happen in our society?

Support your position with at least 3 points of evidence from the course. Then, discuss the evidence that the “other side” would use to counteract you, and explain why despite this evidence you stand by your point.