5-10-12 Links Roundup
On the surface, these shows couldn’t be more different. VH1’s “Basketball Wives” is a reality show centered on working and lower middle class black and brown women who have been in relationships with NBA players. “Girls,” as many critics have noted, is a dazzling display of millennial white privilege.Still, I see parallels in the way these programs use racism and sexism. And I’m chagrinned to report how numb I’ve become to these hijinks. In the interest of detoxing, I’m going to point out what is likely obvious to professional observers of race and pop culture and vaguely nauseating to others. Here, three ways “Basketball Wives” and “Girls” are disturbingly similar:
1. “Basketball Wives” and “Girls” deploy casual racism:
On “Fantasy Island,” last night’s episode of “Basketball Wives,” resident party girl Suzie Ketchum repeatedly asks if the indigenous people of Tahiti are “still cannibals.” While her cast-mates dismiss her question, the producers are sure to reinforce her racist air-headedness by showing a group of Tahitian dancers and singers trailing “the girls” all the way to their suites.
- The Dark Side of Positive Stereotypes (Psychology Today)
Asian Americans are often thought of as the “model minority”—smart, hardworking, obedient and humble. Lin is only the fourth American-born basketball player of Asian descent to make it to the NBA, and all of these “positive” stereotypes have been invoked to explain his success on the court. His intelligence is frequently noted (e.g., ESPN’s Hubie Brown referencing Lin’s “high basketball IQ”), as is his diligence and proclivity for hard work. Lin’s successes have also been framed in terms of his obedience, citing his ability to follow orders and execute former Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni pick ’n’ roll system, and his interest in interpersonal harmony with his teammates.
Although these may seem like compliments, both to Lin and to Asian Americans more generally, positive stereotypes are not as positive as the name implies. Psychological research shows that positive stereotypes, just like their negative counterparts, have a host of harmful effects. According to our recent research, many people (including Asian Americans) dislike positive stereotypes because these stereotypes make them feel like they are only being seen for their race and not for the unique characteristics that they may possess. Lin’s success, instead of being attributed to his natural talent, fearlessness and athleticism, is attributed instead to traits seen as inherent in his race. Positive stereotypes can also perpetuate discrimination against other groups who are blamed for not achieving the same standards (“If they made it, why can’t you?”).
- ABC News, Univision To Launch English-Language News Network (Latino Times)
The as-yet unnamed television network is expected to launch in 2013, covering issues of relevance to the audience, the companies said in a joint statement. A website, along with mobile and social media content, is scheduled to debut this summer _ in time for the upcoming presidential elections.
“This exciting joint venture represents the latest example of our long-term strategy to broaden the reach of ABC,” Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks, said in a statement.
Latinos represent 16 percent of the total population in the United States, a number that is projected to increase to 30 percent by 2050. The demographic group wields considerable spending power, over $1 trillion.
- NFL Bounties and the Criminal Justice System: Not So Different? (Ebony Magazine)
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