The People vs. OJ Simpson

The series, The People vs. O.J. Simpson, became an addicting show I could not help to stop watching. It seemed as if I watched it at the best time because I am also in this race and ethnicity class. At the beginning, it seemed as if OJ was doomed; it was obvious he killed Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. During a time of racial conflict in California, OJ Simpson was lucky. The "race card" was used in order to salvage OJ's life. Lawyers, supporters, and family irreverently put up the race card each time OJ's name was brought up.

I do not want to spoil the rest so I recommend you all watch it. Racial discrimination is real and America was blind to it at the time. The show can be seen on FX.

Cam Newton Success Drives Negativity

“Cam Newton Dances Around End Zones, Not Around Matters of Racism” speaks about the way Cam Newton was portrayed by the media and in the sports world for his outlandish acts and constant celebration after touchdown dances. As football becomes more diverse, American views become less close minded. Some Americans see the threat of a “young, successful black man celebrating through culturally relevant means” as Jonathan Jones describes it. In this generation, no matter how successful and how well someone does in the athletic and academic world, they are viewed and judged based on their race. It is very unsettling to see that just because a black man is seeing success, he must judged by the color of his skin and not the content of his character.

As we continue to approach a generation full of judgement, we have to understand the effects that athletes can make in the society. Athletes have the opportunity to change the world because they are seen as role models. Cam Newton, someone who does great things for the community and the field, will continue to be judged but handles it like a professional. Newton ignores the racist remarks and chooses to use them as fuel in order to see successes on the field. He is a great role model in the sense that he shows people the right way to handle racist remarks and judgement. The sports world will continue to be racist unless a new generation helps to change views past down by the elder.

Rhoden, W. C. (2016, January 29). Cam Newton Dances Around End Zones, Not Around Matters of Racism. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/30/sports/football/cam-newton-doesnt-dance-around-racism-issues.html?rref=collection/timestopic/Race and Ethnicity

The Intersection of I

In the interesting article, “What white people have to say about being white,” filmmaker Whitney Dow highlights a project he is working on about interviewing 15 to 27 year olds about being white while identifying their social interactions, racism, race, and privilege. Dow is a filmmaker who focuses on the betterment of the society through catching the attention of his viewers. Dow is working on a video project called The Intersection of I, where he believes that “white people have to recognize that they are a part of this conversation whether they like it or not” when speaking about white privilege.

Dow high points the issue that the US was built and founded on white supremacy. Some whites know this and they rather ignore the fact because they are scared to address the issue. Some white people are just exhausted about the race topic and choose to let it brush by with annoyance. Additionally, the article speaks about how the film will show that whites tend to hang out with other whites and are afraid to diversify. Finally, privilege is something that is seen by whites as an advantage to break the law and basically do whatever they think they can get away with. In all, Dow’s film can hopefully change the views of the white Americans and open the eyes of one-track minded of many races. 

Vega, T. (2016, April 13). What white people have to say about being white. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/13/media/whiteness-project/index.html

Hollywood's Problem: Itself.

The article, “How to fix Hollywood’s race problem,” highlights the inefficient way that the film industry recognizes people of color and harshly stereotypes certain groups of people. The article shines light on the Oscars, and how nomination were strictly and visibly favoring the whites. But, it is more than just the Oscars, it is a problem we face in the world today. See, the way people are portrayed in film is how people begin to judge and discriminate. Film is the center stage for racial and ethnical discrimination because it reaches so many viewers. The article refers to “the film industry’s failure to represent people of color runs far deeper than #OscarsSoWhite.”

The article gives a list of 10 stereotypes for people of color on screen. The magical Negro who has some connections to magical forces. The thug who is an aggressive black man or woman with no future as well as the superhuman athlete whose talent is seen by white folks. Also, there is the super-rich evil Arab sheikh who’s too rich and uncertain of the real value of money. Then, there’s the awkward desexualized Asian who can never get a girlfriend. A mammy, or an overweight black women, who serves for the white families. Next, there is a jaded older police officer who “acts as a counterpoint to a younger, more energetic white police officer.” Additionally, there is the eternal sidekick and the sassy confidante. But, finally, there is the terrorist who dangerous and speaking in Arab dialogue.

The list is spot-on and it is something that has helped stereotypes fit into their desired category. It starts with film and we must know the power of the media.

Latif, N. (2016, January 18). How to fix Hollywood's race problem. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/18/hollywoods-race-problem-film-industry-actors-of-colour

Sport Exposure

Issues on race and ethnicity have been exposed by sports for many years now. African-Americans are seen as the great boxers, track and field athletes, and outstanding basketball players. Whites are seen to be dominant in sports such as golf, NASCAR, and ice hockey. However, people start to question when whites dominate in black dominated sports and vice versa. For example, when Tiger Woods began to blow up it caused speculation on what his race and ethnicity was. Society did not want to accept that an African-American was dominating a white sport. Woods was questioned not on his abilities but his skin color. 

Sport is useful in seeing the differences in race and ethnicity through the societal lens. Stereotypical ideas have been established in sports based on color and culture. If something indifferent in sport happens and it was not by the majority, outrage sparks. Society starts to question the persons race and ethnicity and not their character. For example, if an American-American ice hockey player fights a lot in the rink, he can be the target for black judgement. He can be seen as aggressive and unfit for a white dominated sport. As a result, the importance of sports have become vital in the exposure of race and ethnicity.

Fulwood, S., III. (2013, March 5). The Media's Stereotypical Portrayals of Race. Retrieved April 13, 2016, from https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/news/2013/03/05/55599/the-medias-stereotypical-portrayals-of-race/

Film and Media: When Will it Stop?

Film and media have become a huge stage for the exposure of ethnic and racial injustice in the world we live in today. The whole world is watching and people are becoming blind to the acceptance of horrid stereotypes that have flooded the minds of unchanging perceptions. As film and media continue to advance, we continue to decline. It seems as race and ethnicity have been gaining more attention then ever. Police brutalities, stereotypical threat, and unfair perceptions have become to ambition of film making, today. 

Fruitvale Station is a true story film where a young African-American is killed "unarmed and lying face down on a subway platform in Oakland, California (Scott 1)." The film depicts a man who sells drugs, goes to prison, and unemployed. A powerful film, Fruitvale Station helps to depict an on-going issue where perceptions of white police officers have been misconstrued and led to unlawful activity. This film shows society the dangers of judgment where an African-American man in his early 20s was killed for an undefined cause. It ends up causing protests. And it should. This film illustrates the evolving police brutality cases that were a cause of racial discrimination. 

Similar cases have been recorded. There has been many links to police brutality and race in the world we live in today. In all, the power of film and media is beginning to characterize the need for change in societal judgement on race and ethnicity. 

Scott, A. O. (2013, July 11). A New Year, and a Last Day Alive. Retrieved April 13, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/12/movies/fruitvale-station-is-based-on-the-story-of-oscar-grant-iii.html