Question

Research shows that the vast majority of comic strip characters are White. Because of this, White children who regularly read the comics might

a) conclude that Blacks are aggressive since comic book characters are often aggressive.
b) be less prejudiced toward Blacks because they see no negative Black characters in the comics.
c) conclude that Blacks and their culture are not valued.
d) lead to an especially early awareness of race as a social category.

Answer 1

White children may subconsciously deduce that Black culture is undervalued due to the underrepresentation of Black characters in comics. This effect of media representation can contribute to reinforcing negative stereotypes and biases about African Americans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The depiction of race in media, particularly in comic strips and television, significantly shapes public perception, especially among children, who are highly impressionable. The prevalence of White characters in comics may lead White children to subconsciously perceive a lack of value in other cultures, as they are not represented equitably. This underrepresentation can lead children to conclude that Blacks and their culture are not valued (option c), which is an important aspect of how media representation affects societal attitudes towards different races. Additionally, continuous exposure to media where African Americans are often portrayed negatively can fortify harmful stereotypes and biases, affecting the views and decisions of individuals regarding important issues such as welfare and criminal justice.