#effects of negative stereotyping on marginalized communities

[blackgirlslivingwell]

Why Are The Hodge Twins Making Videos About Black Women - Pandering To YTs & Colorism?

In this video, I want to talk about the Hodge Twins and their content about Black women (and other marginalized groups).

[xoxovalerie-c]

Blog Post Week 3: Due 9/12

How does the government strategically utilize media to shape public opinion and influence decision-making processes?

Virginia Eubanks highlighted how marginalized groups, people of color, and those with lower socioeconomic class, are being impacted by automated systems that are government-funded. These groups are often easier targets because they lack the resources needed to navigate through challenges through these systems. Many public services today rely on these systems such as health insurance. When these automated programs flag individuals, marginalized individuals are less equipped to handle this problem. Eubanks discusses how programs like EBT were manipulated to reinforce negative stereotypes. For example, republican governor Paul Lepage used data from EBT transactions to claim that people in marginalized groups were misusing government aid on items like alcohol, cigars, lottery tickets, etc. Lawmakers and the professional middle-class public eagerly embraced the misleading tale he spun from a tenuous thread of data (Eubanks, 2019). This shows how government intervention could occur with automated programs causing harm to this community. 

How has the increasing use of facial recognition technology in law enforcement contributed to wrongful arrests?

The increasing use of facial recognition technology in law enforcement has contributed to wrongful arrests, as demonstrated by the case of Nijeer Parks. Parks was wrongfully arrested, and despite his awareness of the error, he hesitated to voice his concerns due to his prior legal history (Hill, 2020). Law enforcement officers often rely on computer systems to search for warrants when pulling someone over, which heavily impacts marginalized communities. Facial recognition algorithms have a documented history of flagging individuals from these groups. For example, a case discussed by Nicole Brown highlighted how officers exploited the technology by warning individuals of surveillance while using it to their advantage. Despite its increasing integration into law enforcement practices, facial recognition technology has a significant error rate, with a reported error rate of approximately 35% (Brown, 2020).

In what ways do healthcare algorithms perpetuate disparities by prioritizing white patients?

In healthcare settings, the increasing reliance on algorithms has introduced significant inequality by prioritizing white patients. Algorithms, which are designed to predict healthcare needs and outcomes, can perpetuate racial disparities even without using race (Brown, 2020). Brown discusses how these algorithms tend to identify white patients as more likely to experience severe health issues. This occurs because the algorithms are often trained on data that reflects existing healthcare utilization patterns, where white individuals are more frequently represented due to higher rates of health insurance coverage. As a result, the algorithms prioritize these patients, leading to a misallocation of resources and failing to adequately address the needs of underrepresented and marginalized groups who may have less access to healthcare services. This systemic issue impedes efforts to provide equitable care and address the needs of all patients effectively.

Why do people continue to embrace and rely on these applications despite growing concerns on privacy, data misuse, and more? 

People continue to embrace and rely on applications like for instance the Ring app which is very popular. This application allows their users with the ability to monitor their home in real-time through their phones, enhancing security and peace of mind. It contributes to also neighborhood watching. Additionally, the benefits of these applications outweigh the potential risks as users prioritize immediate convenience and functionality over long-term privacy concerns. 

Hill, K. 2020. Another arrest, and jail time, due to a bad facial recognition match. The New York Times

Eubanks, V. (2019). In automating inequality: how high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor.

Brown, N. (2020). Race and technology. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8uiAjigKy8

[omegaphilosophia]

The Impact of Film and Video on Society

Film and video have profoundly impacted society in various ways, shaping culture, politics, social behavior, and individual identity. Here are some key effects:

1. Cultural Influence:

Storytelling and Shared Narratives: Films and videos serve as powerful storytelling tools that create shared cultural narratives. They convey societal values, norms, and ideals, influencing how people perceive the world and their place within it.

Globalization of Culture: The global distribution of films and videos has facilitated the spread of cultural ideas across borders, promoting cultural exchange but also raising concerns about cultural homogenization and the dominance of certain cultures over others.

2. Social and Political Impact:

Awareness and Advocacy: Films and documentaries have been instrumental in raising awareness about social and political issues, from civil rights movements to environmentalism. They can mobilize public opinion and inspire activism.

Propaganda and Persuasion: Throughout history, films have also been used as tools of propaganda, shaping public opinion and reinforcing political ideologies, particularly during times of war or political unrest.

3. Behavior and Social Norms:

Shaping Social Norms: Film and video often depict societal norms, behaviors, and expectations, influencing how individuals perceive gender roles, relationships, and other social constructs. This can reinforce stereotypes or challenge them, depending on the content.

Consumer Behavior: Advertising through video content has a significant impact on consumer behavior, influencing buying decisions and popularizing trends.

4. Identity and Representation:

Representation of Diversity: Film and video provide platforms for representing diverse identities, including different races, genders, sexual orientations, and cultures. Positive representation can foster inclusivity and self-acceptance, while negative or stereotypical portrayals can perpetuate prejudice.

Identity Formation: Individuals often see themselves reflected in film and video, influencing their identity formation and how they relate to others in society. This is particularly impactful for marginalized communities seeking representation.

5. Education and Information:

Educational Content: Films and videos are widely used as educational tools, providing accessible and engaging ways to learn about history, science, and other subjects. Visual storytelling can enhance understanding and retention of information.

Misinformation: On the downside, the spread of video content also facilitates the dissemination of misinformation, especially in the digital age, where videos can go viral without verification.

6. Technological and Artistic Innovation:

Artistic Expression: Film and video have expanded the possibilities for artistic expression, combining visual, auditory, and narrative elements to create new forms of art. This has led to the development of various film genres, styles, and techniques.

Technological Advancements: The evolution of film and video technology has driven innovation in both the arts and other fields, from CGI in movies to virtual reality experiences that blur the line between fiction and reality.

7. Social Connectivity and Communication:

Social Media and Video Content: The rise of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram has democratized video production, allowing individuals to create and share content widely. This has revolutionized how people communicate, share information, and build communities online.

Impact on Attention Span: The proliferation of short-form video content, particularly on social media, has raised concerns about its impact on attention spans and the quality of discourse.

8. Economic Impact:

Entertainment Industry: The film and video industry is a significant economic driver, creating jobs and generating revenue globally. It also influences tourism, fashion, and other industries.

Piracy and Intellectual Property: The digital distribution of films and videos has also led to challenges with piracy, affecting the economic model of the entertainment industry.

9. Psychological and Emotional Impact:

Emotional Engagement: Films and videos have the power to evoke strong emotional responses, from joy and laughter to fear and sadness. This emotional engagement can have therapeutic effects or, conversely, contribute to emotional desensitization.

Escapism and Coping Mechanism: For many, watching films or videos serves as a form of escapism, providing a temporary reprieve from the stresses of everyday life and offering a means of coping with personal challenges.

10. Ethical and Moral Reflection:

Moral Dilemmas: Films often explore complex moral dilemmas, prompting viewers to reflect on their values and beliefs. This can lead to greater empathy and ethical consideration in real-life situations.

Impact on Violence and Behavior: The portrayal of violence in films and videos has sparked debates about its potential influence on behavior, particularly among young audiences, leading to discussions about censorship and responsible media consumption.

Film and video have transformed society by shaping culture, influencing behavior, driving technological innovation, and providing new ways to communicate and express ideas. While they offer significant benefits in education, entertainment, and social awareness, they also pose challenges related to representation, misinformation, and ethical considerations. As these mediums continue to evolve, their impact on society will likely grow, further intertwining with our daily lives and collective consciousness.

[teaveetamer]

That's what I dislike with the modern "representation matters" take, cause a character becomes representative of an entire community which... is something that irl i disagree with. Before being black or member of x or y community, this is a human, someone that is bound to make mistakes or can also do things either good or shitty, they can't represent ALL the people like them or else their role as a character falls flat

Sadly anon, marginalized people being treated as emblematic of their communities is not new, and it's not restricted to fiction. I want to be clear that representation does matter, though.

The problem, and other people with more experience on this can chime in, is tokenism. If you have 40 white characters and one of them is poorly written, you have a poorly written white character. If you have one black character and they're poorly written, they're the poorly written black character. The negative impact of their poor writing is magnified, because they are the only one you can look to for representation.

I was talking about this with a mutual actually, since we're playing through Mass Effect together. Jacob Taylor, that's all I'm sayin'. If he were exactly the same he'd still kind of suck and be playing into racist stereotypes, but if there were more than a collective one (1) black main character in the entire trilogy then you could at least say "Jacob sucks, but at least I have these other (much better written) characters to look to as representation"

The obvious solution to this problem is to write better obviously, but also to have more characters with marginalized identities. That way if you botch one there's still plenty of good rep to go around.

[stereotypesclass1teachercarmen]

.                                            Are Mexicans lazy? 

                           The Mexican stereotype of lazy is damaging to society . 

 Are Mexicans lazy? The stereotype of Mexicans as lazy is not unfamiliar to many, often depicted in images of a Mexican character lounging under a sombrero. However, what many people fail to recognize is how this stereotype is damaging to society.

This stereotype perpetuates discrimination in various aspects of life, affecting employment opportunities, educational access, and social interactions. When individuals are unfairly labeled as lazy, they encounter biases that obstruct their ability to secure resources, job prospects, and equitable treatment. This discrimination contributes not only to economic  but also to social disparities , creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that hampers access to education, employment, and other opportunities. Consequently, it becomes even more challenging for individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty, perpetuating economic inequality. Moreover, stereotypes such as the one portraying Mexicans as lazy hinder social cohesion. They sow divisions and prejudices that erode a sense of unity and shared responsibility within society. Stereotyping nurtures an "us versus them" mentality, complicating efforts to address common issues and foster inclusive communities.

In stark contrast to the stereotype, Mexicans make significant contributions to various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Branding them as lazy disregards their substantial contributions and the value they bring to the workforce. This stereotype not only damages the reputation of Mexican workers but also constrains the nation's economic potential. Stereotypes have severe psychological effects on individuals. When Mexicans are persistently portrayed as lazy, it can lead to feelings of inferiority, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. These mental health issues can have lasting consequences on their well-being and personal development .

The stereotype of laziness can also negatively affect the education of Mexican children. Teachers and educators, influenced by this stereotype, may unknowingly hold lower expectations for these students, resulting in reduced opportunities and resources for academic growth. This perpetuates a self-perpetuating cycle of limited achievement. Beyond the workplace and classroom, the stereotype of Mexican laziness strains social relationships. It fosters an atmosphere of prejudice and misunderstanding, hampering the ability of individuals to connect across different cultural backgrounds. This isolation further marginalizes Mexican communities.

In conclusion, the stereotype of Mexican laziness is a harmful and unfounded generalization with far-reaching consequences for both individuals and society. It perpetuates discrimination, reinforces inequality, hinders social cohesion, stifles economic growth, undermines mental health, impacts education, and strains social relationships. To create a more inclusive and just society, it is crucial that we challenge and dismantle stereotypes like this one. Recognizing the harm these stereotypes cause and actively working to eliminate them is essential for promoting fairness, equality, and unity in our diverse communities.

[blakonik]

Hip Hop's Dual Nature: Unraveling its Positive and Negative Influence on Youth

Introduction:

Hip hop, an influential genre of music, has been a driving force in popular culture for decades. From its roots in the Bronx to becoming a global phenomenon, hip hop has captured the hearts and minds of millions, especially the youth. Like any powerful medium, it carries both positive and negative influences on young individuals. In this blog post, we will explore the dual nature of hip hop and its impact on the younger generation.

Positive Influence:

Empowerment and Self-Expression:

Hip hop offers a platform for marginalized voices, allowing young individuals to express themselves creatively. It empowers them to share their stories, challenges, and aspirations with the world, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Through rap lyrics, poetry, dance, and visual art forms, hip hop encourages self-expression, enabling youth to explore their emotions and experiences.

Social Commentary and Awareness:

Many hip hop artists utilize their platform to shed light on social issues such as racial inequality, poverty, and police brutality. By addressing these topics in their music, they raise awareness and stimulate important conversations among the youth. This exposure to social commentary within hip hop can inspire young listeners to become socially conscious, empathetic, and engaged citizens.

Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Hip hop has birthed countless success stories, where individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds have risen to fame and fortune through their talent, hard work, and entrepreneurial mindset. Young people exposed to hip hop culture often learn about the value of hustle, determination, and creative thinking. This can motivate them to pursue their dreams, start their businesses, and carve their own paths to success.

Negative Influence:

Misogyny and Objectification:

A recurring criticism of hip hop revolves around its portrayal of women, often characterized by misogynistic lyrics and the objectification of female bodies. Such messages can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reinforcing gender inequality and promoting a negative image of women. Exposure to such content can influence the attitudes and behaviors of young listeners, leading to disrespectful or degrading treatment of women.

Materialism and Consumerism:

Hip hop’s association with material wealth, luxury lifestyles, and conspicuous consumption can create unrealistic expectations among young audiences. Artists often flaunt their expensive cars, jewelry, and designer clothing, which can foster a desire for instant gratification and an unhealthy obsession with material possessions. This emphasis on materialism can distract youth from pursuing more meaningful goals and contribute to a culture of superficiality.

Violence and Gang Culture:

Some branches of hip hop have been linked to glorifying violence, drug use, and criminal activities. While these elements may represent the realities of certain communities, their glorification can have detrimental effects on impressionable minds. Exposure to violent and aggressive lyrics can desensitize youth to the consequences of violence, leading to an increased likelihood of aggressive behavior or involvement in criminal activities.

Conclusion:

Hip hop’s influence on youth is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon. While it has undoubtedly empowered and inspired countless individuals, it is essential to recognize and address its negative aspects as well. By encouraging self-expression, social consciousness, and entrepreneurial spirit, hip hop can serve as a powerful tool for positive change. However, it is crucial for artists, industry stakeholders, and society as a whole to promote responsible and mindful creation, ensuring that the negative influences, such as misogyny, materialism, and violence, are actively addressed and countered. By embracing the positive aspects and challenging the negative aspects, we can harness hip hop’s potential to uplift and guide the youth towards a brighter and more inclusive future.

[uncle-fruity]

Basically, transmasc erasure is, in part, everyone talking over us and assuming their theory is more accurate than our lived experiences.

Transmasc erasure leads to people parroting radfem talking points and getting mad when we push back on their half-baked stereotypes of men & masculinity because they were "trying" to be gender affirming.

It's screaming and yelling and crying and throwing up about changing the language around reproductive health to be more gender neutral, pointing out systemic issues we face, telling folks that we need to be seen & heard & believed -- just to be met with hostility or crickets.

Our erasure can feel doubly rough when we are excluded from queer spaces, or when our voices suddenly become less important in the discussion of gender theory once we transition away from womanhood. And tbh I think part of the reason behind it is because men's opinions and voices as a whole are devalued in discussions of feminism. People equate transmasc criticism of feminist & queer theory that excludes us with the misogynistic criticism that many cis men fall into with these topics out of ignorance or bigotry or defensiveness.

Transmascs say we need to make space for masculinity & men - especially marginalized men - and get backlash saying that men already have it good & could never understand what women go through & have nothing to add. Which is reductive at best and also continues to erase & ignore our lived experiences, as many (if not most) of us have lived as women or are still perceived as women even when we're out & transitioned. Not to mention that silencing a whole half of the population gives us a very skewed idea of who the patriarchy negatively affects and how the patriarchy interacts with *all* types of people & genders. And by obscuring the fullness of the patriarchy, we can't fully combat it.

I think that's why it's so important. When you push us out, alienate us, make us into predators or bad actors within our own community, value everyone else's opinion about our role & intentions instead of letting us define ourselves and speak for ourselves, it makes it so much harder to find community & support. It makes it so much harder to see the full truth of oppression when you refuse to listen to a whole group of oppressed people. It makes it harder to form effective alliances or movements that would work towards ending gendered violence.

Anyway, our erasure is an issue that the whole queer community should care about. Just like we should understand that the hypervisibility of trans women & transfemmes can lead to serious danger and major discomfort that negatively affects their mental and physical health. So too must the wider queer community recognize that isolation & alienation & misrepresentation from erasure affects our mental and physical health in different but just as dangerous ways. As trans people, we are *all* being targeted systemically & socially. It might look different from person to person because trans people are not a monolith and oppressors use various tactics to oppress us that work together to create the oppressive system, but don't always look the same from instance to instance. We need to learn how to see oppression at play from all angles if we are to meaningfully change the system.

Begging people to stop conceptualizing transmasc invisibility as "Bigots forget we exist so we don't get targeted. We are granted safety in anonymity" and instead as "When we're specifically targeted by bigots and systems of oppression, non-transmascs respond by making a different group (usually cis) the focus of discussion, our history is erased or attributed to cis women, and our experiences with masculinity are flattened to be indistinguishible from cis men in an ill-informed attempt at affirmation."

[drkarenhawk]

Dr. Karen Hawk's Perspective on Mental Health Stigma

Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to individuals seeking help and support for their mental health concerns. Misunderstandings, stereotypes, and societal misconceptions surrounding mental illness can lead to shame and isolation for those affected. Dr. Karen Hawk, a clinical psychologist based in Arizona, has dedicated her career to advocating for mental health awareness and reducing stigma. This article explores Dr. Hawk's perspective on mental health stigma, its impact on individuals, and actionable steps for fostering understanding and acceptance.

Understanding Mental Health Stigma

Mental health stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that society holds about mental illness. These misconceptions can manifest in various ways, including:

Labeling: Individuals with mental health issues may be labeled as "crazy" or "unstable," leading to a reduction in their perceived value and dignity.

Discrimination: Stigmatization can result in discrimination in various settings, such as the workplace, healthcare, and social interactions, causing individuals to feel marginalized.

Fear and Misinformation: Lack of understanding about mental health can lead to fear, resulting in avoidance and rejection of those struggling with mental illness.

Internalized Stigma: Individuals with mental health issues may internalize negative beliefs, leading to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and reluctance to seek help.

Dr. Hawk’s Insights on the Impact of Stigma

Dr Karen Hawk psychologist Arizona emphasizes that mental health stigma has profound effects on individuals and communities. Here are some key insights from her perspective:

Barriers to Treatment: Stigma often prevents individuals from seeking necessary treatment and support. The fear of judgment or ridicule can lead to reluctance in disclosing mental health struggles, hindering recovery.

Isolation and Loneliness: Stigmatization can lead to social isolation, as individuals may withdraw from relationships and support systems due to fear of being judged. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair.

Increased Suffering: The shame and guilt associated with mental health stigma can intensify suffering, leading to worsening mental health symptoms and, in some cases, suicidal ideation.

Hindrance to Recovery: Stigma can hinder the recovery process by creating a cycle of shame and avoidance. Individuals may feel trapped by their circumstances, preventing them from accessing the resources and support they need.

Strategies to Combat Mental Health Stigma

Dr Karen Hawk psychologist Arizona advocates for various strategies to combat mental health stigma and promote a culture of understanding and acceptance:

Education and Awareness: One of the most effective ways to reduce stigma is through education. Dr. Hawk encourages open discussions about mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities to dispel myths and increase awareness of mental health issues.

Sharing Personal Stories: Personal narratives can be powerful tools for combating stigma. Dr. Hawk emphasizes the importance of sharing stories of resilience and recovery, as these narratives can help humanize mental health struggles and foster empathy.

Promoting Positive Language: The language we use when discussing mental health matters. Dr Karen Hawk psychologist Arizona suggests adopting person-first language that emphasizes the individual rather than the illness (e.g., “a person with depression” instead of “a depressed person”). This shift helps reduce labeling and fosters a more compassionate understanding.

Encouraging Open Conversations: Creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and feelings can help normalize discussions about mental health. Dr. Hawk advocates for open dialogues in families, workplaces, and community organizations to reduce fear and stigma.

Advocating for Policy Changes: Supporting mental health initiatives and policies at the local and national levels can help reduce stigma. Dr Karen Hawk psychologist Arizona encourages individuals to engage in advocacy efforts, such as promoting mental health education in schools and advocating for mental health parity in healthcare.

Fostering Empathy and Compassion: Empathy plays a crucial role in reducing stigma. Dr. Hawk encourages individuals to practice compassion toward themselves and others, recognizing that mental health challenges are part of the human experience.

Utilizing Social Media Positively: Social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to mental health. Dr. Hawk recommends using social media platforms to raise awareness, share resources, and connect with supportive communities, counteracting negative narratives.

Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior: Dr Karen Hawk psychologist Arizona emphasizes the importance of encouraging individuals to seek help when needed. Normalizing therapy and mental health support can empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.

Engaging in Community Initiatives: Participating in community events focused on mental health awareness can help reduce stigma. Dr. Hawk encourages individuals to get involved in local organizations and initiatives that promote mental health education and support.

Modeling Vulnerability: Leaders, influencers, and individuals in positions of power can play a crucial role in reducing stigma by modeling vulnerability and sharing their own mental health journeys. Dr. Hawk believes that when those in the public eye speak openly about their struggles, it can encourage others to do the same.

The Path Forward

Dr. Hawk's perspective on mental health stigma highlights the urgent need for collective action to foster understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges. By actively working to reduce stigma, society can create an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help and discussing their experiences without fear of judgment.

The journey toward reducing mental health stigma requires commitment, empathy, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. Dr Karen Hawk psychologist believes that through education, advocacy, and open dialogue, we can dismantle the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the support they need.

Conclusion

Mental health stigma poses significant challenges for individuals seeking help and understanding for their mental health struggles. Dr. Karen Hawk’s insights emphasize the importance of education, open conversations, and compassionate engagement to combat stigma and promote acceptance.

By adopting strategies to reduce stigma, we can create a culture that prioritizes mental health, fosters resilience, and empowers individuals to seek the help they deserve. Together, we can work toward a future where mental health is treated with the same importance and respect as physical health, allowing individuals to thrive and build fulfilling lives free from the burden of stigma.

[phoebelauardn516]

Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People (2014)

The movie Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People explores how photography has played a key role in shaping African American identity from slavery to the present. The documentary emphasizes how Black photographers fought against negative stereotypes by using their craft to offer dignified, authentic representations of their communities. It reveals the hidden histories and significance of self-representation through family photo albums and portraits. -

Frederick Douglass, James Van Der Zee, and Deborah Willis are showcased for their contributions to reshaping perceptions of Black life. The key role of photography in the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights Era is also highlighted. The documentary illustrates how photography serves as a tool for self-affirmation, supporting African Americans in reclaiming their appearance and heritage in the face of oppression.

African Americans have used photography to contest demeaning stereotypes and fight against their identity from the time of slavery to the present. Photography has enabled African Americans to represent themselves in distinguished and effective ways against negative impressions reproduced by mainstream media. Family albums are central to uncovering the hidden stories and secrets of identity, race, and community, reflecting what is displayed and what is intentionally omitted.

Pioneering African American photographers such as James Van Der Zee, Deborah Willis, and others are spotlighted for capturing vibrant images of Black life and culture, from personal portraits to major movements. Individuals like Frederick Douglass recognized the effectiveness of imagery in changing perceptions of African Americans, using photographs as political tools.

The documentation of key movements like the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement has formed the collective memory of African American communities. The movie explores how African American photographers redefine and proclaim Black identity through their work, fighting against centuries of marginalization.

[gnoppixlinux]

AI Skepticism Challenges Tech Founders and Investors in 2024

Tech Founders and Investors Confront a Wave of AI Skepticism

Understanding the Roots of AI Skepticism

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been heralded as the next frontier in technological advancement, promising solutions to some of the world's most complex problems. Yet, as we step further into 2024, a noticeable tide of skepticism is emerging among tech founders and investors. This skepticism is not without merit. It stems from a variety of sources, including ethical concerns, implementation challenges, and fears of unintended consequences.

Ethical and Societal Implications

AI technologies have faced criticism for their potential to exacerbate existing societal inequalities and biases. Critics argue that without proper oversight, AI systems could perpetuate harmful stereotypes and make decisions that negatively impact marginalized communities. For tech founders and investors, the ethical challenges pose significant risks: - Bias and Discrimination: Algorithms can unintentionally perpetuate societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas like hiring, law enforcement, and lending. - Job Displacement: Automation driven by AI could potentially lead to massive job losses, raising questions about economic stability and worker retraining. - Privacy Concerns: The proliferation of AI technologies raises questions about the collection, storage, and use of personal data.

Implementation Challenges

While AI offers immense potential, the path to successful implementation is fraught with obstacles. Tech founders and investors must navigate complex technological and logistical hurdles to realize the promised benefits of AI: - Data Quality: AI systems require vast amounts of high-quality data. Ensuring this data is accurate, unbiased, and representative is a significant challenge. - Integration Issues: Integrating AI with existing systems and processes can be technically demanding, often requiring extensive modifications. - Resource Intensive: Developing and maintaining AI systems is resource-intensive, requiring significant investment in terms of time, money, and expertise. The Role of Regulation Adding to the complexity is the evolving regulatory landscape. Governments around the world are beginning to recognize the potential risks associated with AI and are introducing regulations to mitigate these risks. For tech founders and investors, this regulatory scrutiny presents a double-edged sword: - Compliance Costs: Adhering to new regulations can be costly and time-consuming. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and damage to reputation. - Innovation Stifling: Overregulation could potentially stifle innovation, making it harder for new AI-driven solutions to reach the market.

Navigating the Wave of AI Skepticism

Despite the challenges, it's clear that AI still holds significant promise. Tech founders and investors are adopting strategies to navigate the skepticism and continue pushing forward in this evolving landscape. Fostering Transparency and Trust One of the key strategies involves fostering transparency and building trust. By being open about how AI systems work, and the data they use, tech companies can alleviate some of the fears associated with these technologies: - Transparent Algorithms: Developing systems where the decision-making process is clear and understandable can help build confidence among users and stakeholders. - Data Privacy: Ensuring robust data privacy practices and communicating these practices effectively to users can address concerns about personal data misuse. Emphasizing Ethical AI Another approach is to prioritize ethical AI development. This involves creating systems that not only adhere to ethical guidelines but also actively work to reduce bias and promote fairness: - Diverse Teams: Building diverse development teams can help ensure a variety of perspectives are considered, reducing the risk of bias in AI systems. - Ethical Guidelines: Implementing and adhering to ethical guidelines in AI development can help mitigate negative societal impacts.

Investing in Innovation and Education

Finally, it’s important to continue investing in both AI innovation and education. By advancing AI technologies and educating the public and workforce about AI, skepticism can be reduced over time: - Research and Development: Continued investment in AI research and development can drive technological breakthroughs and address current limitations. - Public Education: Educating the public about AI and its potential benefits and risks can help foster a more informed and nuanced perspective.

The Road Ahead

As we look to the future, it's clear that AI will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping our world. While skepticism presents a significant hurdle, it also offers an opportunity for tech founders and investors to build better, more ethical, and more transparent AI systems. By addressing the concerns head-on and adopting a proactive approach, the tech industry can navigate this wave of skepticism and emerge stronger and more resilient. In conclusion, the current wave of AI skepticism among tech founders and investors is both a challenge and an opportunity. It calls for a rigorous examination of ethical, societal, and implementation issues, while also encouraging the adoption of strategies that foster transparency, ethical development, and continuous innovation. The journey is complex, but the rewards of a well-navigated path can lead to unprecedented advancements and benefits for society at large. Read the full article

[realjaysumlin]

Negative Racial Stereotypes and Their Effect on Attitudes Toward African-Americans - Scholarly Essays - Jim Crow Museum

The disturbing reality about individuals who degrade others says more about their own character than the people they target. In psychology, this behavior is known as projection.

Compassionate individuals do not engage in such behavior because they see others as equals and are more likely to offer help and support with kindness and respect. They view others as part of their community and treat them as such.

The tragic truth about colonizers who invaded the lands of Black Indigenous People worldwide is that they did not show the same kindness they received from others. Instead, they disrespected and oppressed the people they encountered, leading to the near eradication of many Indigenous civilizations.

The stereotypes and enslavement perpetuated by Christian colonizers should not be glorified anywhere, as it is an act of evil against fellow human beings who pose no threat. Marginalizing others and claiming superiority over them, while degrading their languages, names, customs, religions, and food, is a despicable act that reflects poorly on the perpetrators. Jay Sumlin

[lexluth0r]

FINAL

INTRODUCTION:

From Frantz Fanon to Robert Stam and Ella Shohat, all of these theorists present revelating works on race, sexuality, class and their implications in media throughout time, as well as their conscious and unconscious manifestations. 

Frantz Fanon in “The Negro and Psychopathology,” delves into the psychological impacts of colonialism and stereotyping on black individuals through harmful narratives. Fanon concludes that one must take agency over stereotyping and negative portrayals in order to escape the “neurosis” that comes along with societal norms and expectations. By subverting these arbitrary standards, black individuals will overcome generational oppression. 

bell hooks in her work “Oppositional Gaze: Black Female Spectators,” highlights the unique intersectionality of black women that makes them susceptible to multiple forms of oppression through portrayal in the media. She argues that black women are subjected to harmful stereotypes that deny them freedom of expression in popular forms of media. She also introduces the term “oppositional gaze” which refers to the type of spectatorship black women take on when viewing media to subvert expectations and give agency back to these women. It allows black women to critique media in a way that dismantles oppression instead of upholding it. 

Audre Lorde’s “Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference,” builds off of Lorde’s previous works on difference and repetition by explaining how it manifests in different ways to continue oppression. In addition, Lorde upholds that women should be aware of intersectionalities of feminism with racism, classism, ageism and heterosexism. Ignoring “difference” but embracing the differences within women is crucial to dismantling oppression. 

Finally, Robert Stam and Ella Shohat in their piece “Stereotype, Realism, and the Struggle Over Representation,” discusses the portrayals of marginalized communities in film. They delve into “positive” and “negative” portrayals of these groups, as well as historical pushback from these communities. In addition, Stam and Shohat add nuance to the discourse surrounding “stereotypes,” and instead offer up an alternative explanation that film is a culmination of societal perception just as much as it is the creation of the characters themselves. 

With all these theorists in mind, I will first describe the commonalities among the works, then discuss the differences each present. Finally, using the HBO series “The Watchmen,” I will explain how each of the theorists would feasibly compliment and discuss two scenes within the television series. 

By utilizing the theories of all of these authors, I will explain how “The Watchmen,” particularly their developments of characters like protagonist Angela Abar and her grandfather Will Reeves, as well as Dr. Manhattan are products of portrayals of race, sexuality and gender. In addition the narrative focus of the series serves to emphasize their individual struggles with identity and societal oppression, as well as their actions done in an attempt to subvert them. 

SECTION 1–Dominant Culture and Stereotyping as a Means of Oppression: 

All of the theorists, from Fanon’s view of the collective unconscious of the black community, to Lorde’s definition of the “master’s tools,” in investigating institutional oppression specifically examine the psychological ripple effect perpetuated by stereotyping. They delve into the social implications of harmful narratives, as well as providing strategies on how to overcome generational, institutional, and social oppression. 

Fanon’s work examines how black people are psychologically affected by harmful stereotyping of black individuals in media, specifically stories targeted towards young children. It is this reinforcement, Fanon says, that villainizes the black community through learned racism. Through adulthood, it is seemingly impossible for a black individual to dismantle these stereotypes from the perceptions of people, particularly the “white world, “(111) (1). He explores how colonization and systemic racism impacts the psyche and identity of the colonized. Fanon's work emphasizes the ways in which colonialism and its modern day manifestations in storytelling creates psychological trauma and a learned unconscious sense of inferiority among colonized peoples, also known as the “collective unconscious,” (112) (2). In order to overcome these learned societal expectations put upon black individuals, Fanon writes that through “collective catharsis” of narratives that empower black culture and dismantle colonial thinking, they may begin to feel less pressured to adapt oneself to eurocentric expectations, and overcome generational traumas that shape their actions in a eurocentric society.

hook’s reading also touches on the effects of negative portrayals of black individuals in the media, specifically black women. She argues that black women face a multitudes of harmful stereotyping in media, writing that “When most black people in the United States first had the opportunity to look at film and television, they did so fully aware that mass media was a system of knowledge and power reproducing and maintaining white supremacy, “ (308) (3). Similar to Fanon, hooks states that societal oppression of black people stems from upholding ideals of white supremacy. This in turn leads to limited portrayal of black people onscreen, and leaves black women with even fewer characters to express relatability due to oppression from the white community as well as black men. hooks states the way for black women to regain agency in light of stereotyping onscreen is the “oppositional gaze,” or when black women create new meaning from media to critique and evolve new meaning: “We create alternative texts that are not solely reactions. As critical spectators, black women participate in a broad range of looking relations, contest, resist, revision, interrogate, and invent on multiple levels,” (317) (4). 

Lorde critiques stereotyping as a tool of oppression that reduces individuals to narrow, oversimplified categories based on age, race, class, and sex, especially relating to women. She highlights how these stereotypes perpetuate power imbalances and limit people's self-expression and agency. Stereotypes, according to Lorde, are tools used by dominant groups to maintain control and suppress the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. Furthermore, they restrict individuals' abilities to fully express their unique identities and experiences, forcing them into predefined roles that are often dehumanizing and oppressive. Lorde offers up multiple solutions that go against institutional strategies designed to oppress or “the master’s tools,” (112) (5). Lorde advocates for a culture of women that embrace intersectionality and the many differences in womens’ experiences to create interconnectedness. This unity can help dismantle harmful narratives about different types of women and create affinity stemming from diverse experiences. 

Stam and Shohat work discusses the negative effects of stereotypes in film, as well as advocating for a nuanced interpretation of stereotypes themselves.The authors discuss how stereotypes through the eurocentric lens can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and cultural misrepresentation. Stereotypical portrayals in media and popular culture contribute to reinforcing biased perceptions and limiting opportunities for nuanced understanding and empathy of marginalized groups despite pushback. Furthermore, stereotypes can contribute to internalized oppression, where individuals from marginalized groups may internalize negative stereotypes about their own identity. Although representation can go a long way to amending previous harmful portrayals, it is discourse, the authors argue, which makes overcoming stereotyping possible. They write “Rather than directly reflecting the real, or even refracting the real, artistic discourse constitutes a refraction of a refraction; that is, a mediated version of an already textualized and "discursivized" socio ideological world. This formulation transcends a naive referential verism without falling into a "hermeneutic nihilism" whereby all texts become nothing more than a meaningless play of signification,” (180) (6). All in all, societal critique of realism and stereotypes in text is the most critical lens in which to dismantle negative portrayals of marginalized communities. 

SECTION 2–Emerging Stereotypes, Amending Stereotypes: 

Though all the authors write about stereotypes and various ways of dismantling them, each has a vastly different approach in doing so. Each theorists presents a differential view on the role of agency and opposition to oppression institutions 

For one, Fanon states that it is through the unlearning of a black individual’s unconscious thoughts and actions of inferiority that the community can overcome societal oppression driven by colonization. Fanon takes an introspective, psychoanalytic approach focused on excavating how racist colonial stereotypes become entrenched in the unconscious of the black community, in order to dismantle their psychological hold and heal one’s diminished sense of self worth. Unlike others, Fanon’s approach focuses on amending the individual’s mindset, rather than shifting the views of others. 

In hook’s essay, she also mentions that black women face a unique form of oppression from not only the dominant white culture, but from black men as well. This mention of intersectionality that differs black and white women deviates slightly from Fanon’s “collective unconscious” of the unified experiences of the entire black community. She quotes a previous essay she wrote about her experience viewing black women onscreen: “We laughed with the black men, with the white people. We laughed at this black woman who was not us. And we did not even long to be there on the screen,” (311) (7). As a way to regain agency over portrayal of black women in cinema, hooks advocates for the oppositional gaze which involves black female viewers consciously interrogating the racial and gender biases embedded in mainstream visual culture, rather than passively consuming stereotypical images. She encourages black women to not take the backseat in witnessing their own oppression onscreen, but instead undermine the phallocentric gaze in which men derive visual pleasure from black women. The oppositional gaze empowers black women to resist stereotyping by critically deconstructing objectifying representations.

Lorde argues that the "master’s tools" of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression cannot be used to effectively dismantle those same oppressive systems and ideologies. Honing in on the feminist movement, Lorde rejects the exclusion of women belonging to other marginalized groups, and calls for a unification of women regardless of “difference,” in experience to present a collective, unified voice that uplifts those often left out of academic feminist spaces. “​​Without community there is no liberation, only the most vulnerable and temporary armistice between an individual and her oppression. But community must not mean a shedding of our differences, nor the pathetic pretense that these differences do not exist,” (112) (8). Lorde advocates for developing new frameworks, language, and ways of thinking that emerge from and validate the realities of those facing multiple, intersecting oppressions.

Shohat and Stam offer different origins for the emergence of stereotypes themselves, stating that ​​institutional settings and power structures enable stereotyping, beyond just the representations themselves as well as the politics of language use, casting decisions, and audience expectations that shape stereotypical portrayals. The authors offer a more nuanced appraisal of stereotypes because they argue that due to historical development, stereotypes are malleable because they are products of social and economic change. They argue that dismantling stereotypes requires analyzing the broader discursive structures, institutions, and practices that produce and enable stereotypical representations, not just changing the representations themselves.

SECTION 3:

Episode 6: “This Extraordinary Being”

In episode 6, Will Reeve’s, Angela’s grandfather, takes on the persona of “Hooded Justice” to anonymously fight white supremacists due to the discrimination he faces in the police force. The scene takes place in Will and June’s apartment (Kassell, 0:23:37). After will puts on his signature hood and noose outfit, June puts white makeup on the part of his face where his eyes are exposed. She tells him the reason is ““You're gonna get it with that hood. And if you want to stay a hero, townsfolk gonna need to think one of their own's under it.”

Fanon’s reaction to this scene applies directly to his theory of the collective unconscious among the black community. Due to learned colonial idealizations, Will and June believe that the only way to gain validity in white society is by masquerading as a white person. Because Fanon writes black people are demonized from a very early age, he would uphold that Will and June are using the white makeup as a defense mechanism of safety due their shared experiences with trauma. This would be a correct assumption, as Reeves previously was almost lynched by his fellow police officers for attempting to arrest a man with alleged KKK affilliations. 

hook’s interpretation would hone in on the transition from Reeve’s reflection of the white face point, to Angela’s reflection as she experiences the transformation simultaneously due to the nostalgia drugs she takes. hooks would highlight the use of the oppositional gaze in portraying Angela in the footsteps of her grandfather. Not only does the fight to end societal and institutional oppression transcend generations, but by portraying Angela in the reflection of a superhero, she takes agency over her own life’s purpose and inserts herself into this new interpretation of reality. This ties in with hook’s argument that deriving new meaning and critiquing media dismantles oppression and opens up alternative means for interpretation. 

 Lorde was deeply critical of systems of oppression, including racism and white supremacy. The scene portrays Will Reeves, a black man, having to conceal his racial identity by adopting a white persona in order to operate as a superhero and fight injustice, in other words, using the master’s tools. From this lens, she may have critiqued the scene as reinforcing the idea that black identity and empowerment must be suppressed or hidden within a white supremacist framework in order to be deemed heroic or acceptable. At the same time, the scene highlights Reeves' subversive use of the "Hooded Justice" guise to resist racist systems and fight for justice, which Lorde may have seen as an act of resistance against oppression, albeit one constrained by the limitations imposed by a racist society.

Shohat and Stam would highlight the fact that Reeve’s is conforming to the eurocentric standard of whiteness to be seen as heroic to white society. However, because their belief is that stereotypes are an ever changing product of time and development, the authors would argue that the discourse surrounding this scene would result in a positive notion that June and Will, as a result of the limiting society they lived in at the time, used the mask of a white person as a symbol of resistance and silent irony against the white people who use institutionalized law and social discrimination to oppress them. Ultimately, while the scene could be interpreted as a powerful commentary on the insidious nature of racism.

 Episode 8: “A God Walks into Abar”

Dr. Manhattan tells Angela in the bar previously that she will concoct a great idea to hide his true identity so that they can be together. The scene finally comes to fruition in the morgue (Kassell, 0:42:53), where Angela sorts through a multitude of dead bodies to construct Dr. Manhattan’s new identity. Finally, Angela uncovers the body of Calvin, a construction worker that died in Saigon. She picks the final one for Dr. Manhattan’s transformation, and he assumes this person as his own. Angela looks at him in his new form, and embraces him with hope and relief. 

Frantz Fanon’s analysis of the scene would specifically hone in on the choice of bodies for Dr. Manhattan’s transformation. Angela noticeably is hesitant to select Calvin’s body in the wake of the other men (white). Fanon would cite this reasoning as a manifestation of the “collective unconscious” of black individuals. He would argue that Angela is internally grappling with whether to deny her own desires and identity to be accepted within colonial culture, and wonders if she should pick a white male for Dr. Manhattan to appear as because she has an unconscious inferiority complex in proximity to whiteness. 

Building off of that note, hooks would likely applaud Angela’s agency in choosing the representation of Doctor Manhattan. By picking out a visual identity for Doctor Manhattan, and being satisfied with the results, Angela uses the oppositional gaze to define her own representation of reality. Instead of passively accepting her role in Doctor Manhattan’s life, she redefines her portrayal of him in a physical manner, restating her agency and taking the reins on her own personal comfort level. 

Lorde on the other hand would critique Angela’s behavior. She would likely state that by using the “master’s tools,” to change Dr. Manhattan’s appearance to make him presentable for society, she is actively using the tools of oppression to perpetuate the ideals of dominant white culture. In addition, she would critique how Angela, as a black woman, is forced to accept and internalize this stereotypical, inauthentic depiction of black masculinity in order to have a relationship with Dr. Manhattan. In essence, through Lorde's intersectional feminist lens, this scene exemplifies how oppressive racial and gender hierarchies remain deeply entrenched, with the powerful white male perspective still dictating how black identities are represented and consumed, even in seemingly progressive narratives.

Shohat and Stam would likely scrutinize the overall decision making process behind superhero narratives that allow for a white male character like Dr. Manhattan to simply "put on" a black persona as a form of masquerade or performance. They would emphasize how this scene exemplifies the politics of casting decisions and the white male gaze dictating representations of blackness, rather than amplifying authentic black voices and perspectives. Although they would likely critique this aspect, they would probably have a more nuanced view and conclude that this scene cannot be viewed in isolation, but emerges from and reinforces larger discursive structures of racism, stereotyping and objectification of black people. 

Conclusion:

In my analysis of the theorists, synthesized with “Watchmen”, it can be concluded that stereotypes are a product of dominant oppression, internalized oppression and the ever changing political climate of society. Due to the complex nature of their emergence, there is no one way to fully dismantle them. Some methods may be tied to the individual, while others have to do with accepting differences in lived experience. Dismantling oppression through years of conditioning and unconscious bias is no easy task, but consuming media through a critical, agency-driven lens is crucial to being able to recognize oppression when it occurs.  

Bibliography

Fanon, Frantz. "The Negro and Psychopathology." In Black Skin, White Masks, 141-209. New York: Grove Press, 1967. Pg. 111.

Fanon, pg. 112.

hooks, bell. "Oppositional Gaze: Black Female Spectators." In Black Looks: Race and Representation, 115-131. Boston: South End Press, 1992. Pg. 308.

hooks, pg. 317.

Lorde, Audre. "Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference." In Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Trumansburg, NY: Crossing Press, 1984. Pg. 112

Shohat, Ella, and Robert Stam. "Stereotype, Realism, and the Struggle Over Representation." In Unthinking Eurocentrism: Multiculturalism and the Media, edited by Ella Shohat and Robert Stam, 277-309. London: Routledge, 1994, pg. 180.

hooks, pg. 311.

Lorde,  pg. 112

@theuncannyprofessoro

[lstine919]

Analytical Application 6

Stereotype: 

“Stereotype” is the dominant perception of a group of people based on their historical and cultural representations in society. Shohat and Stam attribute the stereotype with Memmi’s “mark of the plural”, in that any negative behavior by any member of the oppressed community is instantly generalized as typical.”(1) Stereotypes are most commonly placed upon marginalized groups by groups in power. Shohat and Stam also outline the power that stereotypes hold, claiming that they contribute to the societal conversation by “revealing oppressive patterns of prejudice”, “highlighting the psychic devastation inflicted by systematically negative portrayals on those groups assaulted by them”, and “​​​signaling the social functionality of stereotypes.”(2) Through these examples, Shohat and Stam effectively suggest that stereotypes are embedded deep within human society and interaction. 

One particular way in which stereotypes are prevalent in everyday life is through the media.  In Peter Pan (1957), the “What Makes the Red Man Red?” scene includes several stereotypes about Native Americans, painting them in a singular, misrepresentative light. The Native Americans are starkly visually contrasted with the white protagonists through the color of their skin. The characters literally have red skin, a drastic overdistinctivization over the differences in skin color between Native Americans and white Europeans. This unrealistic skin-coloring plays into historical stereotypes of Native Americans within twentieth-century culture (think the “Washington Redskins”). John mentions to Wendy that Peter Pan made the Chief “heap glad”, and Wendy replies that “he certainly doesn’t look ‘heap glad’.” This exchange reifies two more stereotypes of Native Americans: a lack of understanding regarding the English language, and an overexaggerated unemotional stoicness. As the scene progresses, the Chief smokes a pipe and passes it around. The “peace pipe” is another prevalent stereotype in society regarding the activities of Native Americans. John inhales and becomes green in the face, which weaponizes this stereotype into the notion that Native Americans partake in activities dangerous for children. This villainizes Native Americans within society and further alienates them from the cultural practices of the white children in this story. Furthermore, the presence of this scene in a children’s film is particularly dangerous, as children’s perceptions can be easily influenced by the media, causing them to view the marginalized group within society the same way as they view them within the text.

Eurocentrism:

Eurocentrism is the hegemonic domination of European practices and worldviews across the globe. Regarding media, Eurocentrism is expressed through many filmic elements, including the language of dialogue. Shohat and Stam write that “English, especially, has often served as the linguistic vehicle for the projection of Anglo- American power, technology, and finance.”(3) The use of English in films establishes a dominating cultural tradition over viewers. Inversely, “Eurocentrism of audiences can also inflect cinematic production,”(4) as the eurocentrism dominant within culture already can either consciously or subconsciously affect the media created by the culture.

Eurocentrism is incredibly prevalent in the “Everybody wants to be a Cat” scene from The Aristocats (1970), as it reinforces a European cultural superiority over the viewer and the characters within the scene. The title of the film comes from the term “Aristocrat”, which is a word used to describe upper-class bourgeois French culture. The very label placed on the cats themselves establishes them as luxurious Europeans, imposing their lavish lifestyle and joy upon the viewer. The song “Everybody wants to be a Cat” furthers this attempt to make the viewer envious of their lifestyle, as it reinforces a life of ease and playfulness that is seemingly only attainable in upper-class Paris. The specific breed of cats present in this film are very European (other than the horribly-racist representation of a Siamese cat), and there is an exclusion of cats that come from other parts of the world, which presents an exclusionary narrative of European feline superiority. The clothes the cats wear, bowties and bowler hats, are also directly derived from European culture, and so are the instruments played: the piano, trumpet, and harp are all primarily used for European classical music. The background of the scene is filled with European-style luxury goods such as candle wicks, mirrors, and picture frames. The white Cat is posited as a creature of beauty, and she has a French accent, contributing to the idealization of European-ness. This scene embodies Eurocentrism by placing European cultural products up on a pedestal, painting a picture of Parisian life as all play and no work, generating a self-imposed superiority of lifestyle upon the viewer.

Orientalist Theory: 

Orientalist theory is the emphasis of difference between the East and the West, constructed in order for the West to appear superior and dominant to the Orient. Said writes that “Orientalism is not an inert fact of nature,”(5) that it is not a tangible thing. It is simply perpetuated by the Occident for their own domination. He claims that “Orientalism is premised upon exteriority,”(6) meaning that Orientalism exists on the foundation that the East is thought of as a distant and exotic land compared to the West. 

Orientalist theory is exemplified in The Lady and the Tramp (1955) by the Siamese Cats, as their otherness within the environment of Western culture poses them as an orientalized subject. The scene takes place in Aunt Sarah’s apartment, which is located in the Occident, while the Siamese cats come from the region deemed the “Orient”. They are introduced through their sneaky pestering of Lady, as they remain unseen inside their basket. This provides the viewer with a mystery regarding the cats’ identity, parallel to the mysterious exoticization of the Orient in dominant western culture. The cats emerge from the basket slowly, similar to the stereotypical south Asian activity of snakes being charmed, that reinforces the mystique of these characters. The very polarization of dog and cat also reinforces orientalist values, as dogs are often thought of as more expressive, while cats more introspective and brooding. The cats are illustrated with slanted eyes and front teeth that jut out, recalling a longstanding stereotype regarding an exoticized appearance of people from east Asia. The cats are mischief-makers, which both serves and subverts an Orientalized perception. On one hand, the cats’ delinquency further alienates them from the obedience of Lady and the order of the rest of the Occidental-style home. On the other, these cats act in rebellion, which goes against the notion within Orientalist theory that Oriental subjects are controlled by Western strictures. While their rebellion claims an autonomy of sorts, the overall behavior and appearance of the Siamese cats contributes to an “otherness”, perpetuating Said’s Orientalist Theory.

Essentialism:

Essentialism is the simplification of the representation of a certain group, caused by a one-sided reception of the portrayal of those groups within popular culture. Shohat and Stam write that essentialism occurs when “less subtle critics reduce a complex variety of portrayals to a limited set of reified formulae,”(7) that the concept arises from an overly-narrow view of diverse representations, fitting one’s perception of a group of people into a previously-established outlook. Hall details the dangers of this essentialism, as “It sees difference as ‘their traditions versus ours,’”(8) using basic, one-sided stereotypes for division. 

Essentialism occurs in the “When I See An Elephant Fly” scene from Dumbo (1941) through the one-sided portrayal of the crows. The crows are portrayed as lazy, cigar-smoking jokesters who sit around and poke fun at Dumbo. This portrayal is eerily similar to the “Coon” stereotype outlined by Shohat and Stam, in which black people are portrayed as harmless nuisances that are present in the story for no purpose but the audience’s quick entertainment.(9) The very comparison of black people to crows that is made within this scene essentializes a public perception of black people, and regards them as loud-mouthed entertainers. Furthermore, on IMDb, the leading crow’s name is identified as “Jim Crow”, a stereotypical personification of the laws put in place to oppress black Americans during this time.(10) Hall writes that “The essentializing moment is weak because it naturalizes and de- historicizes difference, mistaking what is historical and cultural for what is natural, biological, and genetic.”(11) While this representation of difference is not historical or cultural but instead misrepresentative and inaccurate, the creators of Dumbo do use it in a way to portray black culture in a negative light. Dumbo’s creators emphasize this polarization by the difference in demeanor between the crows and Dumbo— the protagonist’s shy demeanor only brings out the over-the-top antagonism of the crows. Shohat and Stam write that “Such reductionist simplifications run the risk of reproducing the very racial essentialism they were designed to combat.”(12) By portraying black people in this generalized manner, Dumbo reifies certain historical negative perceptions and essentializes the crows and their characteristic opposition to Dumbo.

Cultural Dominant: 

The Cultural Dominant is a shift in the prevailing set of values and customs that are impressed upon the people of a specific place by the majority population. Hall defines the cultural dominant as the result of “the global postmodern,” which marks “an important shifting of the terrain of culture toward the popular.”(13) Hall believes that the cultural dominant represents popular belief, and that culture itself is welcoming popular belief more and more into the confines of its definition. He mentions that “This decentring or displacement opens up new spaces of contestation and affects a momentous shift in the high culture of popular culture relations,”(14) meaning that the cultural dominant has paved the way for popular culture’s ability to be placed at the forefront of society, rather than “high” culture that has historically been prioritized. 

The inner-workings of the Cultural Dominant are present in the “I Wanna Be Like You” scene from The Jungle Book (1967) through animals’ attempted assimilation of the practices and characteristics of another species. The main monkey, King Louie, begins the song with the lyric “I’m the king of the swingers/the jungle VIP”, establishing his position of cultural dominance within his space. The scene takes place in a ruined temple that has become the monkeys’ primary domain. Since the monkeys dominate the area, they are the ones with all the power. Mowgli is the only human present, which places him as an other, seeking the dominant traits needed in order to be a part of the area’s culture and ultimately gain social capital. One specific shot shows him emulating the trot of an elephant. In the story of The Jungle Book, elephants are thought to have great power and influence, as they were the ones who made the jungle landscape look how it does now. Mowgli’s desire to become one of them supports their cultural dominance. This hierarchy is toppled on its head by the fact that the song describes King Louie himself wanting to be more like Mowgli. Louie subverts the cultural dominant and allows for those on the societal periphery (Mowgli, in this case) to have influence, adopting Hall’s theory that as society moves toward the cultural dominant, “marginality, though it remains peripheral to the mainstream, has never been such a productive place as it is now.”(15) King Louie, made powerful through the popularity of his species, envies Mowgli, who is on the outskirts of popular culture, which marks a shift in the societal framework of the jungle towards that of the cultural dominant. 

Bibliography:

1 Ella Shohat and Robert Stam, “Stereotype, Realism and the Struggle Over Representation” in Unthinking Eurocentrism: Multiculturalism and the media” (London: Routledge, 1994), 183

2 Shohat and Stam, Stereotype, Realism and the Struggle Over Representation, 198

3 Shohat and Stam, Stereotype, Realism and the Struggle Over Representation, 191

4 Shohat and Stam, Stereotype, Realism and the Struggle Over Representation, 186

5 Edward W. Said, Orientalism (London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1978), 12

6 Said, Orientalism, 28

7 Shohat and Stam, Stereotype, Realism and the Struggle Over Representation, 199

8 Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘black’ in black popular culture?” in Critical Dialogues in Cultural Studies (London and New York: Routledge, 1996), 475

 9 Shohat and Stam, Stereotype, Realism and the Struggle Over Representation, 195

10 “Dumbo: Quotes”, IMDb, 4/25/24, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033563/quotes/item=qt0424366&ref_=ext_shr_lnk

11 Hall, What is this ‘black’ in black popular culture?, 475

12 Shohat and Stam, Stereotype, Realism and the Struggle Over Representation, 199

13 Hall, What is this ‘black’ in black popular culture?, 469

14 Hall, What is this ‘black’ in black popular culture?, 469

15 Hall, What is this ‘black’ in black popular culture?, 470

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[incelsis]

Incels forum

Exploring The Impact Of Inceldom On Self-Esteem And Identity

Over the years, the use of the term “Inceldom” has increased; this term is a subculture of people who feel they are involuntarily celibate. The expression may appear to be simple, but it has intricate and profound meanings when related to self-worth and personality. 

This article aims to highlight different aspects of inceldom that involve self-esteem and identity with regard to psychological issues encountered by its adherents.

Understanding Inceldom

Inceldom is often characterized by an inability to form intimate relationships or engage in sexual activity despite a desire to do so.  While this predicament can affect people of any gender, it predominantly manifests among heterosexual men. 

Many incels express feelings of frustration, loneliness, and social isolation due to their perceived inability to attract romantic partners.

Self-Esteem And Inceldom

One of the most significant impacts of inceldom is its effect on self-esteem. Repeated rejection or perceived lack of desirability can erode an individual's self-worth over time. 

Incels may internalize societal standards of attractiveness and measure themselves against unattainable ideals, leading to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. As a result, their self-esteem suffers, exacerbating feelings of isolation and despair.

Identity And Inceldom

Identity plays a crucial role in how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world around them. For many incels, their inability to form romantic relationships becomes central to their identity. 

They may come to define themselves primarily by their perceived shortcomings in the realm of intimacy and sexuality, further reinforcing feelings of alienation from mainstream society.

Social Stigma And Isolation

The stigma surrounding inceldom can exacerbate the psychological toll it takes on individuals. Incels are often portrayed negatively in Incels forum, media and popular culture, further marginalizing them and reinforcing negative stereotypes. 

This societal stigma can contribute to feelings of shame and self-loathing, driving incels further into isolation and echo chambers where their beliefs are validated, albeit often in unhealthy ways.

Coping Mechanisms And Escalation

In response to their struggles with self-esteem and identity, some incels may turn to maladaptive coping mechanisms. 

These can include engaging in toxic online communities that perpetuate misogynistic beliefs and fostering a sense of camaraderie through shared grievances. 

However, such communities often serve to exacerbate rather than alleviate feelings of isolation and despair, trapping individuals in a cycle of negativity and resentment.

Seeking Support And Understanding

Addressing the impact of inceldom on self-esteem and identity requires a multifaceted approach. It is essential to recognize that behind the label of "incel" are individuals grappling with profound psychological challenges. 

Providing access to mental health resources and fostering empathy and understanding can help mitigate the negative effects of seldom and support individuals in rebuilding their self-esteem and sense of identity.

Conclusion

The impact of inceldom on self-esteem and identity is a complex and deeply personal issue. It highlights the intersection of societal expectations, individual experiences, and psychological well-being. 

By having an Inceldom discussion, we can work towards fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society where all individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their relationship status.

Discover this info here for getting more information related to Inceldom.

[localcanabis]

Interesting Facts About Marijuana That You Should Know

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has a rich history and a variety of interesting facts associated with its cultivation, medicinal uses, cultural significance, and legal status. Here are some intriguing facts about marijuana that you should know:

Ancient Origins: Cannabis has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been utilized for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes throughout history.

Medical Uses: Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have therapeutic properties. Medical marijuana is used to alleviate symptoms of various conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD.

Legalization Trends: In recent years, there has been a global shift towards the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use. As of 2022, many countries and states have legalized cannabis in some form, while others have decriminalized possession or enacted medical marijuana programs.

Cultural Significance: Cannabis has played a significant role in various cultures around the world, often being used in religious ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings. It has been celebrated in art, literature, music, and film, influencing popular culture and social movements.

Industrial Uses: Hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant, has been cultivated for its fiber, seeds, and oil for industrial purposes. Hemp fibers can be used to make textiles, paper, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, and biofuels, among other products.

Variety of Strains: There are thousands of different cannabis strains, each with its unique characteristics, flavors, aromas, and effects. Strains can be categorized into three main types: indica, sativa, and hybrid, each with distinct properties and effects on the body and mind.

Legalization Impacts: The legalization of marijuana has led to economic opportunities, job creation, tax revenue generation, and the emergence of a regulated cannabis industry. However, it has also raised concerns about public health, safety, underage use, impaired driving, and addiction.

Criminalization History: Marijuana prohibition has roots in the early 20th century, driven by racial prejudice, moral panic, and political agendas. The criminalization of cannabis has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, leading to social injustice and disparities in law enforcement.

Medical Research: Despite the therapeutic potential of cannabis, scientific research has been limited due to legal restrictions and regulatory barriers. However, there is growing interest and investment in studying the medicinal properties of cannabinoids and their potential applications in treating various health conditions.

Social Stigma: Despite changing attitudes towards marijuana, it remains a stigmatized substance in many societies, associated with stereotypes, misconceptions, and negative perceptions. Efforts to educate the public and reduce stigma are essential for promoting informed dialogue and policy reform.

These facts highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of marijuana, reflecting its historical significance, cultural relevance, medicinal potential, and evolving legal landscape. As attitudes and policies towards cannabis continue to evolve, it is essential to consider a balanced and evidence-based approach to its regulation, use, and impact on society.