RESEARCH PAPER--STEREOTYPE ORAL HISTORY REPORT

Nathaniel Tumbwe
Subject:
Race, Gender, and Media
Jour: 4250/Jour 52110

Professor:
Dr. Jacqueline J.Lambiase

September 20, 2007.


Research Paper-Stereotype Oral History Report

Introduction

I've been conducting research for the past one week in search of the kind of fashion for both men and women who lived in the 1966 in the United States. But getting the facts has not been easy. After conducting extensive research in the library at the University of North Texas, I came across the New York Times Newspaper dated September 21, 1966. I was intrigued by different kinds of fashions of clothes and hand bags that men and women used in the 1960s.

Interview
On Saturday September, 15, 2007, I went to a nursing home to interview Mr. Harry Edward, 90 years old. Mr. Edward welcomed me and gave me a sit. When I entered into his room, he glanced at me and smiled, and said: My son, welcome, the nurse has told me that you would like to learn history from me, right? I said, “yes, please." After greetings, I sat down and opened my briefcase, then I pulled out my note book and newspaper copies which I brought from the University of North Texas library.

I gave the newspaper copies to Mr. Edward who quickly started looking at the pictures in the newspapers. I said, “Mr. Edwards, can you imagine that out of ten newspapers which I read in the library none of them showed black images of the black race nor Spanish nor any other race other than the white race. Why?”

"Nathaniel, what you should know is that media companies were very much skeptical to advertise fashions portraying black or other race’s images other than the Caucasian race because of three reasons." Mr. Edward said. The three reasons are as follows:

Stereotype
"Prior to 1960 and during 1960's, all media companies were owned and ran by white businessmen. Hence, due to hatred against the black people, Caucasians didn't want to use black images in their business advertisements/magazines and newspapers, radio and televisions. There was so much prejudice, racial and radical stereotype perceptions. Caucasians used to look down upon the black people. When they (Caucasians) look at a black man or woman, they perceive him or her as “a slave.”

Racism
Most media station managers were white, and they believed that white people were superior than any other race. They are wrong, no race is more superior than other races. All races and individuals are created equally in the image of God. They believe that their products and services will be sold in big volume when they use images of white people in advertisements.
unfair to keep on advertising one race only. Why don't these media companies advertise fairly by advertising all races in the same manner? The correct answer is that race matters.

Conclusion
I chose to research on fashion so that I could make a comparison between the contemporary fashion and stereotype views and perceptions. When you look at most magazines today, you will see that there are many images of white people including celebrities, even when it comes to advertisement of fashion, clothes, etc, you will see that the majority of pictures in a magazines or newspapers, TVs are of white people. Why don't these media companies advertise fairly by advertising all races in the same manner? The correct answer is that race matters especially in a nation that practices racism, race can either do you good or harm you. Racists will judge you by your race not by what you say, nor your actions nor merit.