Kiana Cox
Pew Research Center
Originally posted 10 June 24
Some of the most enduring stereotypes about Black people have their roots in images created during and immediately after slavery. From the docile Mammy and Uncle Tom characters that appeared in newspaper ads and on food containers to the threatening Mandingo in the film “Birth of a Nation” and the more recent controversy about whether television character Olivia Pope was a modern-day Jezebel, Black Americans’ relationship with media has been contentious at best.
Black Americans have also said the news media specifically characterizes them as disproportionately poor, welfare-dependent and criminal. This history of stereotypical imagery provides some context for Black Americans’ beliefs in racial conspiracy theories about the media.
What is a ‘racial conspiracy theory’?
In this report, the phrase “racial conspiracy theories” refers to the suspicions that Black adults might have about the actions of U.S. institutions based on their personal and collective historical experiences with racial discrimination.
A Pew Research Center survey from early 2023 shows that 63% of Black Americans say the news about Black people is often more negative than news about other racial and ethnic groups. Over half (57%) say the news only covers certain segments of Black communities, and 43% say the coverage significantly stereotypes Black people.
Here are some thoughts:
The Pew study on Black Americans' beliefs in racial conspiracy theories about the news media sheds light on the deep-rooted mistrust stemming from a long history of systemic racism and negative portrayals. Harmful stereotypes like the docile "Mammy" or threatening "Mandingo" have perpetuated biases. Black Americans perceive disproportionate coverage depicting them as poor, criminal, and welfare-dependent, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
This mistrust is rooted in well-documented acts of discrimination and harm against Black communities, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and Tulsa Race Massacre. The racial conspiracy theories are not mere paranoia but valid beliefs shaped by these collective experiences of intentional and negligent harm by institutions like the media.
To rebuild trust, the news media must actively dismantle negative stereotypes through increased newsroom diversity, cultural competency training, amplifying Black voices, and accountability for biased coverage. Acknowledging their role in shaping public perceptions and taking proactive steps towards ethical, inclusive reporting is crucial for promoting racial equity and justice.
