Racial stereotypes abound on television, and children’s programming is no exception. The turban-wearing bad guy, the brainy Asian, and the Black basketball whiz are just a few of the stereotypes reinforced in children’s cartoons, films and TV shows. Spotting these stereotypes is often difficult for children; to them, the tomahawk-wielding Indian or the Asian karate expert is a familiar, easily-understood and often funny character. So how do you help children understand these images for what they are – oversimplified, generalizations?
This tip sheet offers advice to teachers on how to deal with stereotypes in the media; some suggestions include finding programs that counter stereotypes, looking for shows where the cultures and talents of individuals from different races are emphasized in a positive fashion, among other strategies.