On White News Media

Black stereotypes on TV

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Why is it that after a TV news story discussing panhandling aired March 13, the visual image of the panhandler must be an African-American male? Is it an edict from the "David Duke School of Journalism?" Panhandlers come in a wide assortment of colors.

That said, I am baffled by an African-American Triangle broadcaster's journalistic decision to select an African-American male to represent panhandling. Fact: A cornerstone of the National Association of Black Journalists is to "monitor the national media for discrimination and other injustices to people in the African Diaspora in their coverage and employment practices." Fact: reporters filter news content. Fact: This reporter had an opportunity to present this story in a racially balanced manner and chose not to do so. I ask why.

This type of capricious news judgment contributes greatly to the egregious racial insensitivity embedded in news. That said, what is the purpose of news? Is it an agent of political agenda or is it a tool for discourse and social justice? I think the latter.

As opposed to objectifying the indigent and destitute already rendered moot by the larger society, why not challenge the political and societal constructs, i.e. "Why do panhandlers have to get registered with the city?"

As a student of mass communication and media studies I am disappointed.

However, as an African-American man, to see this capitulation by the "Dubosian 10 percent," it simply embarrasses me.

W. RUSSELL ROBINSON
Durham
March 16, 2006