Orbe and Hopson’s review of MTV’s The Real World exposes a repeated portrayal of the African American male. Season after season, the show fosters the notions that black males as inherently angry, emotionally unpredictable/unstable, a violent threat, and sexually aggressive. This is achieved through clips that highlight African American casts members in suggestive situations and comments (fears) expressed by their fellow housemates.
Having read the article I now wish I had a little more personal experience with the show; I’ve never seen an episode of the Real World. I find it shocking and disturbing that MTV would purposely perpetuate such negative stereotypes. Why has MTV chosen to do this? What do they stand to gain from doing so? Clearly not all (or even many) African American men fit the mold that MTV is creating for black males. By consciously reiterating stereotypes of the black male such the ones displayed on The Real World, MTV is only hinder society. How can we ever hope to overcome (move past) stereotypes, if prominent entities such as MTV are actively working against us.
Whether MTV is purposely casting African Americans who will uphold aspects of these negative stereotypes or creatively editing the footage (or a combination), their actions are appalling and inappropriate. In the future I’ll be sure to pay more attention to the images that MTV is creating in their shows.
1. 1. Are there any other stereotypes that are continually portrayed on The Real World? Or on other MTV series?
2. 2. What has lead to such stereotypes of the African American male?
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