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Media Bias

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Introduction One problem that plagues us everyday without us even realizing it is media bias. We see it in the news. We see it on our favorite sitcoms. We read it everyday in the paper. Yet, we really don't recognize it when we hear it or see it. Media bias is evident in every aspect of the media, yet the problem is that we don't even recognize it when it is right in front of our faces. Are the impressions that we form about individuals a product of the media? Do we form certain opinions about particular types of people based solely on the things we see and hear in the media everyday without even realizing it? The problem is not only that there is media bias present, but also that we can't recognize it when we see it. What is …show more content…

Reporters misconstrue facts, yet they supposedly only report what we want to hear. If this is true then does it mean that this is how we really feel about African Americans, or is it what investors in the media feel about them and it only aids in society forming these negative stereotypes about them. The media bias here is in the fact that they only report certain situations. They are more likely to report negative situations than positive ones, yet the media is supposed to be unbiased and fair. Another example of media bias against African Americans is shown in the types of television shows and movies that they are aired in. When African Americans first stepped on the media scene, it was in shows where they were portrayed as maids, and in other subservient roles. Many times African Americans were aired giving very negative racial marks against white people leading to the belief that African Americans were ignorant, less skilled, and held as many racist views as the white world that was supposed to be changing for the better. The media not only created biases among blacks and whites, but between black and blacks. Most black women in media were those of lighter complexion and white features. They were shown as objects of beauty, while darker skinned women were still the maids, and bitter women. The media either forced a stereotype on an unknowing public on its' definition of black beauty or they advocated

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