Role of Stereotypes From “Ethnic Notions” in the Popular Culture

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Stereotypes related to African Americans are dangerous because they provide society with a simplified view of the race. The Ethnic Notions documentary describes the most widespread stereotypes through a range of images that accumulated negative and disrespectful characteristics. Thus, the images of Tom as the embodiment of non-resistance and the Mammy as the symbol of limited opportunities for African Americans serve as a reminder that stereotypes still persist in popular culture.

Discussion

The Tom stereotype came from the well-known Uncle Tom’s Cabin novel. On the one hand, Tom was regarded as a slave who did not lose his humanistic beliefs and was ready to sacrifice his life. However, such a depiction acquired adverse characteristics from a new perspective. In popular culture, Tom appears as a non-resistant and compassionate character who completely accepts his status (Ethnic Notions). Moreover, he is described as loyal to white slaveholders, which makes him exceedingly subservient (Ethnic Notions). Therefore, the Tom stereotype suggests that black people should be content with their low position in society.

Although the Mammy stereotype does not look negative at first glance, it also has disrespectful implications. The Mammy is usually a kind and motherly black woman whose task is to keep the household of the white people and care for their children (Ethnic Notions). This stereotype asserts the false idea that black women should be happy to be of service and be satisfied with little.

In conclusion, one should say that stereotypes implicated in popular culture perpetuate the problem of racial inequality and biased attitudes toward African Americans. The main problem here is that the stereotypes become deeply rooted in the minds of black people, thus making them conform to common ideas regarding the traits and appearance of African Americans. In view of this, socio-historical concepts conveyed in popular culture shape the corrupt vision of race in modern society.

Ideology and Reality in The Village

The Village is a film in which people suffer the losses of their loved ones because of the creatures in the past and decide to live in an isolated community to ensure their safety. The Elders built a system of beliefs that allowed them to control the community members. Therefore, ideology often provides imaginary relations that are inconsistent with the real circumstances, which makes individuals live in a constant lie.

The main component of ideology is the establishment of opposition between two groups. While villagers need to protect themselves constantly, the creatures are to be eradicated (The Village). Noteworthy, the Elders convey their judgments in a simple way, which makes the community members believe and respect the Elders (The Village). Moreover, the Elders describe the terrors they experienced from the creatures, thus affirming the common beliefs (The Village). Here, it is possible to assume that ideology is constructed on the concepts that separate communities and ignite hostility toward each other.

On the other hand, ideology often stands on the fear-based culture. In the film, the villagers are forbidden to leave their community borders (The Village). The Elders instill fright toward the creatures with the purpose of controlling the village inhabitants (The Village). Therefore, ideology uses fear because it often prevents society from wishing to know the truth, and this behavior becomes beneficial for ideological superiors.

Conclusion

To conclude, The Village shows the society that has to live under particular ideological rules, which allows superiors to pursue their interests. The film demonstrates that the vital mainstays of ideology are a lie, illusions, and fear. In this regard, imaginary relations often substitute the existing relations in the ideological society, thus making people follow false beliefs.

Works Cited

Ethnic Notions. Directed by Marlon Riggs, California Newsreel, 1987.

The Village. Directed by M. Night Shyalaman, Buena Vista Pictures, 2004.

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Role of Stereotypes From “Ethnic Notions” in the Popular Culture

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