What are persistent values that promote the idea of black inferiority ?

Question

Discuss persistent values that promote the idea of black inferiority using the major social institutions (e.g.: media, religion, economy, education, family, technology, and government). The key is to discuss how past and current trends perpetuate the devaluation of blacks in American society. Make at least one major point and reference the article - Closer Look at Jobs and Economy.

Answer 1

Hi Jason,

I was unable to find the article you're referring to. However, if we take a closer look at media we see persistent values that are used to promote black inferiority. One example of this is how black women were portrayed as mammy's during slavery and the Jim Crow Era. Mammy's were seen as unattractive, content, docile servants. Mammys were also caretakers. They were portrayed this way so that servitude was justifiable. The more that black women were portrayed this way, the more society accepted black women as slaves and domestic workers during Jim Crow. This forced many women to stay in positions of domestic servitude work because society saw them as content with their jobs. One famous 'Mammy' that is commonly known is the character Aunt Jemima. As a result of the medias portrayal of black women, they have been struggling in the job sector. Black women face higher wage gaps than almost all other demographics even though they participate in the workforce at higher rates.

If we look at education, we can see how education has long lasting effects on Black Americans today. During times of slavery Black men and women were unable to get an education. It was extremely uncommon for Black children to go to school. This left them behind in so many ways. Without being able to read or write it was extremely hard for slaves to learn ideals that their European masters had implemented to get ahead in life. This extended far beyond the years of slavery. This impacted Black Americans in numerous ways, one of which was voting. When voting was finally legalized fro Black Americans, there were limits on their votes. Some states implemented literacy tests. Since education was forbidden for slaves, there was no way they would be able to pass these tests. A huge population of Black Americans were left out of politics. Racist laws and politicians were able to keep Black Americans out of decision making for society. Racist politicians would further these ideals by constantly being elected and implementing laws that benefited them. This still has an effect on todays society as we see discriminatory and racist laws and systems in our government.

Another example of this would be black children labeled as pickaninnies. The American version of a pickaninny is an example of media portraying young black children as impoverished, dirty, and savage. Pickaninnies were often portrayed naked, or with ragged clothing, unkempt hair, bulging eyes and huge red lips. They were most often very dark in color as well. As pickaninnies were shown all over media, it was proven very effective in instilling fear of black children in society. This still remains true to today. Black children are more likely to be painted as criminal, violent, and seen as older than they really are.

It is no coincidence as to why the Black community has many odds stacked against them. A history of systemic racism and European standards has kept many Americans from many opportunities and resources.