Wanted: Understanding
Where’s the White Voices: Open Your Eyes
This article, written by Carmen Dixon, addresses an interesting point regarding representation in media. From the website Black Voices, it responds to the question: where is the website White Voices? Isn’t it still segregation by providing a completely black perspective? As the original author points out: No, it isn’t. The truth of the matter is that the majority of all mainstream media is controlled by and created for whites. As major media outlets are in business, they purposely decide what content should and should not be shown in order to appeal to the largest possible demographic.
As a result, much of the content is not aimed at what are considered minority demographics. Black Voices is attempting to fill this void, and provides a medium for black journalism that might otherwise not make it into mainstream media. This question is an example of what is becoming known as New Racism(i), wherein it as assumed by the white majority that the civil rights movements of decades past have essentially fixed the problem of racism. This is not true, as many of the basic systems and methods which are used by our society have been designed by whites, and while may not be inherently racist, may at the same time not provide an all-encompassing view racially, rather one that is slightly skewed or at the very least incomplete.
(i) Littlefield, Marci. (2008) The Media as a System of Racialization: Exploring Images of African American Women and the New Racism. American Behavioral Scientist. 51-5: 675 – 685.
Natalie said,
July 28, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Understanding would be nice, but what I would like to see someone comment about (other than myself) is that I, for one, go to places like AOL Black Voices b/c I know I am welcomed there.
I remember when I was looking for a home and my sister was sending me articles about the mortgage mess. She sent one to me from a very popular news site and since I am always interested in what others have to say I will scroll down and read the comments and the first comment I see is “we are in a mortgage crisis b/c black people don’t pay their bills.” Time and time again on the internet I see posts like this in common and popular newspapers. I would like to ask whites how they would feel if they had to be beaten over the head with this type of nonsense on a daily basis. I love to read and I am thankful for places like AOL BV. I know I am welcomed there.
Having grown up in a poorer black neighborhood I was constantly told I will not amount to anything and that I should just settle for votech school eventhough I wanted to go to college (class of 1993 University of Pittsburgh), I had a very poor self esteem. I hated being black. Enter Ebony, Essence, Jet where I got to see successful people who looked like me. People do not understand the social impact of these magazines for black kids who most likely will grow up with self esteem issues. I thank God for the wonderful work they do to give a fair and balanced portrayal of black life. Thank you AOL BV, Essence, Ebony, and Jet.