Stereotypes

A stereotype refers to a fixed as well as over-generalized belief in relation to a particular class or group of individuals. It relates to a thought developed concerning how a group of people execute things in certain ways within the society. Some of the stereotypes make us feel worse about them. There are various stereotypes against the black community or African Americans with reference to ‘acting white’. In most cases, these stereotypes are not accurate or exact. Some of these stereotypes indicate that the members of the black community are trying to meet various expectations of the white beliefs and culture thus, making such individuals to turn their backs to their own culture. In this essay, the focus will be on examination of key stereotypes concerning black people ‘acting white’.

Black community or members of the African American community have specific ways of acting in accordance with their culture. Any deviation from these behavior traits indicates that they are turning their back against their own culture and beliefs. There is a stereotype relating to how black people dress within the society. For instance, African Americans have the tendency of dressing in Fubu clothes and baggie jeans. In most cases, they dress in extra-large t-shirts with diverse decorations. Any deviation from this trend is an illustration of acting against the culture. In case black people dress in fitting clothes, they are termed as ‘acting white’ (Bergin & Cooks, 2002). Only white people have the tendency of dressing smartly in fitting clothes. This stereotype is mostly in accurate because it does not reveal the reality on the mode of dressing. African Americans might just decide to appear smart through their mode of dressing.

In addition, African Americans have specific taste for music. In the United States, the most critical hip-hip, rap, and R&B. Deviation from this musical taste and preference would translate to ‘acting white’. African Americans have the tendency of listening to more of Nelly, DMX, and other popular rap music. Moreover, members of the black community in the United States refer to each other using the ‘n’ word. This is an illustration of a sense of belonging to a certain culture and belief (Stinson, 2011). African Americans who fail to use the ‘n’ word while referring to one another within the society are ‘acting white’. This is a demonstration of a stereotype identifying how events unfold within the society.

African Americans have the tendency of attending underprivileged schools because of insufficiency in the financial resources. The essence of being ‘from the ghetto’ as well as fighting ‘the struggle’ is ideal for the black community (Neal-Barnett et al, 2010). Most of the African Americans who attend fancy learning institutions are ‘acting white’. This is because fancy living style is associated with the white culture and beliefs. Another unfounded allegation on the culture against the black community relates the commitment of the kids to their studies. For instance, being good at math and poor at basketball do not relate to the culture of the African Americans. This stereotype illustrate the fact that such students or kids are ‘acting white’ while shunning the culture of the black community (Sohn, 2011). The essence is also evident in the job field. African Americans believe that high paying jobs or white collar jobs do not symbolize being black. They believe that they are not meant for such jobs hence prefer to live in the ‘ghettos’ while struggling to make the ends meet. When some African Americans work hard in their education to pursue such careers, they are deemed to be ‘acting white’ (Ruebeck et al, 2009). From these illustrations, it is vital to note that most of these stereotypes are not accurate.

References

Sohn, K. (2011). Acting White: A Critical Review. Urban Review, 43(2), 217-234.

Neal-Barnett, A., Stadulis, R., Singer, N., Murray, M., & Demmings, J. (2010). Assessing the Effects of Experiencing the Acting White Accusation. Urban Review, 42(2), 102-122.

Stinson, D. (2011). When the ‘Burden of Acting White’ is Not a Burden: School Success and African American Male Students. Urban Review, 43(1), 43-65.

Bergin, D. A., & Cooks, H. C. (2002). High School Students of Color Talk About Accusations of “Acting White”. Urban Review, 34(2), 113.

Ruebeck, C. S., Averett, S. L., & Bodenhorn, H. N. (2009). Acting White or Acting Black: Mixed-Race Adolescents’ Identity and Behavior. B.E. Journal Of Economic Analysis & Policy: Contributions To Economic Analysis & Policy, 9(1), 1-42.