Race and Ethnicity in TV Shows

Race and ethnicity can be represented in very positive ways in TV shows. African Americans are cast in a particularly positive light because of the behavior of the characters in the show " The Fresh of Bel-Air". African Americans are shown to have the wit, humor and decency that many of them do without ridiculing them as a race or making them seem supernatural.

The representation of the race of African Americans has changed significantly over time and I am unsure as to whether the representation of them in the modern day comedy shows is accurate. I say so because I do not presume to know the state of the entire race of African Americans, nor do I know each one individually to be able to attempt to capture their collective essence into a few characters on a television show. To attempt to do so is folly.

I believe that this true for ALL races. Therefore, I believe the key is to have variety of shows, that display through the characters that there is no ONE way in which a particular race behaves. I believe this is especially important and essential if we wish to avoid stereotyping because the restriction of time on TV shows makes is so that a person cannot be truly portrayed or represented in all their true complexity.

Television images influence the perception of anyone who sees them. Therefore it is hard to argue that there isn't an agenda when images that would negatively influence perception are used instead of those that would positively influence.

The media does reflect society, but it doesn’t do so in the wholesome entirety of the actual nature of society and this ends up encouraging stereotyping and misrepresentation.