Centennial Honors College
Western Illinois University
Undergraduate Research Day 2012
Podium Presentation
For We Wear the Mask: The Misrepresentation of Blacks in Media,
Politics, and Entertainment
Jaiyvohn J. Davis
Faculty Mentor: Jo-Ann Morgan
African American Studies
The purpose of this presentation is to bring to light the many racial obstacles that are
embedded in the media, politics, and entertainment here in the United States. With the
election of the first president of African descent in the United States, many have
concluded that the racial tone in America has taken a downward spiral implying that
racism and racial biases have disappeared with the old ideas that white men can only
attain such offices and occupations. The majority implies that the country is moving
towards a colorblind society where there are no longer outward racists such as the Ku
Klux Klan to terrorize people of diverse nationalities (Brown et.al., 2003). Furthermore
they insists that racism is no longer is on the backs of whites for the portrayal and
destructiveness of African descended people in America. This Presentation will bring to
light the many racial inequalities that survive everyday in the United States regarding
Politics, Media, and entertainment. It will also underscore the perpetual vicious cycle
that continues to guise under the ignorance of not only white America but of Black
America as well.
Methodology:
This study while analytical in nature is a critical examination of a recurring argument in
the African American Community. The primary method of data collection will be an
extensive literature review carried out by the researcher in order to present to the reader
a cohesive summary of the arguments set forth. This will assist in laying the foundation
for a common understanding while preventing assumptions. In conclusion, the
researcher will provide evidence for varying opinions while examining assumptions and
analyzing ideological claims found within the literature.