Georgia Tsiabas: Stereotypes and the rap industry

The stereotyping of African-Americans was brought to the theatrical stage with the blackface minstrel (Ethnic Notions, 1986). Blackface minstrels within this film were depicted as white performers who darkened their faces, painted exaggerated white mouths over their own, put on woolly black wigs and took the stage to entertain society. The character they created was Jim Crow. This stereotype was the equivalent to the southern plantation Sambo (Ethnic Notions, 1986). The Jim Crow became the image of the black man in the mind of the white western world (Ethnic Notions, 1986). This image was even more powerful because many people never had come into contact with African-American individuals. It can be argued that the image of the minstrel clown has been the most persistent and influential image of blacks in American history (Ethnic Notions, 1986). The method of representing African-Americans as dancing, wisecracking and high stepping buffoons evolved over time (Ethnic Notions, 1986).  Or has it really evolved that much? I mean look at the rap industry now and some of its infamous out there type of rap artist? If anything some rap artist are reaffirming these old stereotypes. Look at niki minaj, enough is said there in her appearance and overall attitude and portrayal of herself within the rap music industry. What are your thoughts on her? Racial stereotypes can be seen in any type of  media outlet. For example; music, especially Rap music. The rap industry has become more and more stereotypical than other genre industries. Stereotypes are blatantly obvious in the rap music industry. For example You can have two rappers such as Lil Wayne and 50 cent in the same era, genre, gender, and race, however; in current media one is showcased  for his negative behavior and reinforcing black stereotypes ( Lil Wayne), while the other is not as hyped in the media for his contributions to the community ( 50 Cent). Shocking! and unfair