Paula S. defines racial stereotyping as the act of forming exaggerated beliefs about a particular race due to their physical characteristics.
According to Rothenberg (1998), racial stereotyping is a worldwide occurrence that continues to exist in everyday actions and language. Language serves the purpose of both communication and allowing the articulation of culture, ideas, emotions, and viewpoints. The act of stereotyping entails categorizing individuals based on their skin color, hair color, hair texture, and facial features (Moore, 1996).
The paper aims to analyze the use of The English language in expressing beliefs and emotions related to race, including the classification of individuals based on various factors such as power, hierarchy, social class, wealth, cleanliness, speed, and skin color. Additionally, it examines words and phrases that perpetuate racist stereotypes and prejudice while considering white people's perspective. Furthermore, it highlight
...s situations that demonstrate the distorted reality experienced by both white and minority groups in America due to racist stereotyping. It emphasizes how The English language contributes to projecting racism through vocabulary, symbols, phrases, context, and enthusiasm.
The English language (Moore, 1976) employs words like black and white to highlight racial stereotyping. For example, the term blackening is used to express disapproval, while white signifies approval. The phrase "black lie" implies intentional harm, whereas a "white lie" is harmless. These expressions celebrate the English language, which has long used words like black brow, blackmail, blacklist, blackguard, black cat, whitewash, and niggardly. It is important to note that these English terms shed light on how white individuals perceive "black."
According to Hurwitz (1997), derogatory terms such as nigger, spook, spic, chink, fat jap, little jap, gook, and slant eyes are commonly used by
white Americans. Additionally, the terms coloreds and Blacks are often used to distinguish between good and bad black individuals. The blacks are perceived as radicals, communists, and a threat to white Americans, while the term coloreds refers to black individuals who have a true understanding of themselves. The language used in American society reveals the generalizations and viewpoints of both blacks and whites (Moore, 1976). Black people are associated with crimes and gangs, thereby seen as a threat, while white people are perceived as inherently good.
The black population has faced many injustices because they are unfairly targeted and arrested more often than white individuals. Although there are a few exceptions (Moore, 1976), white individuals tend to view black people as dangerous. Black individuals are frequently stereotyped as being more prone to criminal behavior and not respecting the law. Consequently, a considerable proportion of America's incarcerated population consists of young black people.
It is a common occurrence for white individuals in America to use derogatory language, including referring to African-American men as "boy," in order to portray them as inherently inferior. This lack of respect towards African-Americans is a prevalent and unfortunate trend (Moore, 1976). White individuals frequently employ racial stereotypes and phrases like "call a spade a spade," which not only cause psychological harm to African-Americans but also transmit negative messages. The widespread prejudice against black people undermines every aspect of their identity.
The relationship between master and slave in America highlights the supremacy of the white person (Hurwitz, 1997). The white individuals hold the position of masters, whereas the slaves, who are predominantly black, are owned by them. The white society looks down upon outsiders, particularly
blacks who are considered to have come from Africa. Consequently, the master treats the slave as mere property, subjecting them to abuse. These actions undermine the dignity and humanity of African-Americans (Moore, 1976).
The mistreatment of African-American rights results in the widespread sexual assault of African women, a practice that is sanctioned by white slave owners. In America, inequality persists and necessitates affirmative action and equal opportunity measures to address its underlying causes. Throughout history, the color white has been linked to positive qualities, while black carries negative connotations. Black is associated with evil, sinfulness, wickedness, and disgrace; conversely, white represents purity, lightness, innocence, and morality. These concepts shape perceptions of both black and white individuals as depicted in movies where protagonists often don white attire while antagonists are clad in black.
Green (1999) stated that in stage performances, white men would utilize black coal and dark weaves on their faces to depict the character Jim Crow. This action perpetuated stereotypes concerning African-Americans, linking them with laziness, indiscipline, violence, irresponsibility, and aggression. These stereotypes have not only fueled division between white Americans and African-Americans but also provided a foundation for criminal convictions. Despite the presence of a considerable number of white Americans involved in drug use, a greater proportion of those convicted are African-Americans.
The text examines how biases contribute to higher unemployment rates among black individuals compared to white individuals. It suggests that these biases cause society to view African-Americans as primitive and backward, similar to the portrayal of Indian Americans. The white population frequently labels black individuals as natives from underdeveloped regions like Africa, often derogatorily referred to as a dark continent. Moreover, the way African-Americans
and other groups use English - with poorly constructed words and sentences - has been utilized as proof for branding them as less intelligent (Hurwitz, 1997). In contrast, white individuals are seen as more intellectually capable in fields such as arts and science, while African-Americans excel in athletics and the entertainment industry.
To summarize, racial stereotyping is a learned and expressed social construct that impacts individuals. It presents itself in various forms like vocabulary, phrases, color symbolism, and passages, influencing our psychological makeup and how we perceive others. Educating people about the harmful effects of stereotypes and attitudes is vital for promoting peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, instilling respect for others irrespective of their race in children from an early age will foster appreciation for diversity as they mature. Ultimately, change begins with treating individuals as unique entities instead of labeling them negatively based on their race (Green, 1999).
It is crucial to acknowledge the role of language in perpetuating racial stereotypes. It is important for individuals to make an effort to incorporate positive phrases and expressions into their communication.
References
- Green, L. (1999). Stereotypes: Negative Racial Stereotypes and Their Effect on Attitudes Toward African-Americans. Perspectives on Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity, Vol. 4, 50-60.
- Hurwitz, J. P. (1997). Racial Stereotypes and Whites' Political Views of Blacks in the Context of Welfare and Crime. American Journal of Political Science. 40, 30-60.
- Paula S. Rothenberg, e.
(1998). Race, Class, and Gender: An Integrated Study, 4th Edition. New York: Saint Martin's Press.
Moore, R (1997). Racism in the English Language: “Language and Culture.” Broadway, New York.
