Media's role in perpetuating stereotyping and community-level tolerance initiatives

Cultural Pluralism

Describe how citizens of the United States foster a climate of acceptance and cultural pluralism.

American citizens foster cultural acceptance from their attitudes, beliefs and traditions. What is happening is a number of different areas within American society are based upon European customs and traditions. These ideas have become integrated as a standard part of the mainstream culture. Over the course of time, these values were combined with ideological principles such as self-determination to create unique groups that are embracing core ideas. (Marger, 2009)

The way that Americans are able to encourage a climate of acceptance is from their willingness to change. This occurs through new programs that are forcing everyone to reexamine themselves and their attitudes about others. Once this happens, there will be a shift in beliefs about different ethnic groups and their ideas. This is when new attributes are accepted by mainstream American culture. (Marger, 2009)

For example, in the 1800s African-American music was considered to be very taboo. This is because of very divisive attitudes about slavery. However, as time went by it became the core foundation for modern American music (i.e. Jazz, R&B, Country and Rock). From the early 20th century onward, this was used as a way to question social attitudes and unite different racial groups. This is the point that African-American ideas were readily embraced by society. These transformations reshaped how everyone looked at one another. This is illustrating how Americans foster acceptance and cultural pluralism based on their willingness to change. These adjustments will take place over the course of time. As various ideas and attitudes from other cultures will become a part of mainstream society. (Marger, 2009) (Holloway, 2005)

Describe ways in which media perpetuate stereotyping and prejudice with examples.

The media plays a major role in helping to perpetuate stereotypes and prejudice. This is based upon how they report stories and the way they show particular characters in the movies / television. For example, in the 1950s many women in society were expected to have minimized responsibilities. This is because of cultural views that they should be at home taking care of their family. In the media, they were depicted as a beautiful secretary or someone who was not very intelligent. (Ross, 2011)

This caused society to see them as incapable of making independent decisions on their own or being in positions of authority. The media helped to perpetuate these stereotypes for many years by making women appear to poses these attributes. When in reality, they are capable of making their own independent decisions about their lives. (Ross, 2011)

A more recent example of this can be seen with Arab-Americans. After 911, the media showed this group as radical terrorists who are bent on destroying America. This occurred in the news stories that were covered and the kinds of characters in movies / television. These images have caused many ordinary Americans to become nervous. This happens when they are flying on airplanes with someone who is dressed in their traditional Muslim attire. These prejudices are tied to fears about not understanding a particular ethnic group and their practices. The media takes these misconceptions and exemplifies them (which are creating even more negative stereotypes). (Ross, 2011) (Tal, 2005)

Describe 3 solid methods that can be implemented on a community level to reduce prejudice and increase tolerance.

On the community levels there are three different tactics that can be used to reduce prejudice and increase tolerance. These include: having different activities involving various racial / ethnic groups, identifying those policies / issues that need to be addressed and working with existing resources to address these issues. The activities with various racial and ethnic groups will help to reduce any kind of barriers or misconceptions about a particular segment. Those communities that are continually taking this kind of focus will help to change attitudes between various demographics. This is the point that there will be greater amounts of understanding and tolerance for everyone. ("Strategies for Reducing Racial and Ethnic Prejudice," 2012)

Identifying the policies and issues are locating specific practices by citizens, governments and other organizations which are encouraging discrimination. Those who are focused on destroying these traditions will send a message that racism is not acceptable in the community. Moreover, it will help to unite different groups together towards fighting against injustices that are occurring. (Berkowitz, 2012)

Working with existing resources is utilizing various individuals and organizations who share similar goals. This will help the community to create programs that will encourage tolerance and change attitudes. The increased coordination with these groups is ensuring that resources and personnel are effectively focused. This will transform beliefs by creating lasting changes through numerous initiatives which are designed to achieve these objectives. (Berkowitz, 2012)

List resources to support the methodologies chosen.

The primary research was obtained from information that was provided by Berkowitz (2012). He is outlining different ways that racism will negatively impact tolerance and cultural attitudes. Then, there is a focus on how to overcome these issues. (Berkowitz, 2012)

Moreover, the source titled Strategies for Reducing Racial and Ethnic Prejudice (2012) is talking about how various segments must constantly interact with one another. This is one of the keys for eliminating stereotypes by forcing these groups to look beyond generalities. Instead, they know and understand people from different backgrounds. After they have been continually interacting with them, is when they will have a change in attitudes and perceptions. If this is implemented on the community level it will lead to long-term transformations in attitudes (which increases tolerance and understanding). ("Strategies for Reducing Racial and Ethnic Prejudice," 2012)