After today's discussion about Maurice Berger's article "White Lies" and the Ralph Lauren advertisement with Tyson Beckford I questioned how so many people could write off Berger's analysis as paranoia and hypersensitivity. After taking the time to think about the discussion it was evident (in my opinion) that the reason that people had such different views than myself is in part a result of the type of society we live in. As an African American woman I feel that I am more likely to notice things that reflect a racist society. I have noticed that often when we discuss racist issues people say that the author is making a big deal out of nothing and looking for things that are racist. No one wants to live in a racist society, so why would anyone try to find ways that prove that we live in that type of society? With the advertisement I feel that if more people understood the history behind the comparison of blacks with animals they may see how the advertisement could be viewed as offensive. Throughout our history, blacks were always seen as less than human. As mentioned in class, they were experimented on because scientists believed that blacks had a higher tolerance to pain (because they were seen as animals). Blacks, especially black men were sold and examined as cattle or a horse would be inspected before being sold.
As I mentioned the idea that minorities are being hypersensitive can be a tricky issue. If you have not experienced the same things that I have how can I expect you to understand my point of view? However, I do feel that this somewhat shows this idea of a new more subtle type of racism. To be clear, I am not assuming that Ralph Lauren or his company is racist. I am saying that if we admit that we live in a society that breeds prejudice and stereotypes, why is it so hard the imagine that the production of this advertisement is a result of a long history of comparing blacks with animals. The article also talked about how sports announcers more often describe the brawn of black athletes and describe the brains of white athletes. Why is that? I feel that if there was not a study done to prove this about the announcers, people would have disregarded the observation as another fit of hypersensitivity and paranoia. In my opinion we all could be a little more "hypersensitive", maybe that is the first step in fixing the society in which we live in.
You make a tantalizing point about hypersensitivity to racism. After all, if you are not white, the color of your skin is always at the back of your mind. I experience this all the time.
ReplyDeleteBerger writes, "No black person is ever unaware of his or her race. Because white society makes that impossible." I think Berger should've written that no persons of color is ever unaware of his or her race, because that's how I feel. I am reminded constantly by American society that I am not white.
Here's an interesting quote from the book, "White Lies: Race and the Myths of Whiteness": "...a middle aged woman tapped me on the shoulder. "Let me tell you something, young man," she said. "White people really hate it when their racism is thrown back in their faces. White people can be so ugly and stupid. You're not worried by 'All in the Family' making racism acceptable. What really worries you is that Archie's racism might look a whole like your own" Her comment confused me. It embarrassed me..."
Maybe it is passive racism that we all practice. Maybe we just can't recognize it. The grey area that is artistic integrity leaves a lot to be desired. After all, the arts is about subjectivity.
I agree, I feel that ALL people of color are aware of their race. I also totally agree with the subjectivity of arts, however as I mentioned in class , the history behind it changes everything. Thank you for you comment. I really appreciate it.
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