Do Racists Actually Avoid Watching Films or TV Shows of a Particular Race?

Often, the stereotype is that racists actively avoid media portrayals of people from a certain race. However, my experience contradicts this notion.

Personal Experiences and Observations

At various points in my life, I've witnessed attitudes towards people of color in media that are quite telling. For instance, I lived in Virginia during my elementary schooling years, and there were classmates who wouldn't watch certain shows because they depicted people of color. Some parents would even turn off the TV if a character of color was shown in a position of authority or as an equal to white people. This was both shocking and disappointing to me.

Modern Examples

Fast forward to today, where we've seen aspects of this play out in movies and TV shows. Take for example new media phenomena like “Mermaids” and “Galactic Storm Troopers.” Frequently, critics and fans of these shows whine about the inclusion of characters of color, even when they are depicted in perfectly accurate and relevant ways. In fact, if you want to gauge if a friend is racist or not, simply invite them to watch a mainstream film such as the latest "Captain America" movie and observe their reaction. Do they shirk away or start complaining?

Personal Choices

With my wife being black, I choose to watch predominantly white shows, largely due to the fact that any predominantly non-white show is likely to disparage white people. However, this is a subjective choice and not a reflection of a blanket avoidance based on race.

Historical Context: Racist Behaviors

Regrettably, racism extends beyond just media and TV. There have been disturbing instances of family members instilling derogatory slurs and negative attitudes towards people of color, around the time they were young. For example, while discussing the show "The Dukes of Hazard," I encountered classmates who were not allowed to watch episodes where a black character appeared in a positive light or as a figure of authority. This same issue affected my grandfather, who detested black people and called them derogatory terms. He would change the channel or turn off the TV whenever they appeared on screen.

Personal Reflections and Impact

My grandfather's attitude towards race was particularly miserable to be around. He believed black people had no business being on TV or visible in everyday life, and I'm pretty sure he felt strongly that their presence should be limited. These attitudes are reflective of a broader issue in society, where people feel entitled to define what is acceptable for certain groups to see or experience.

Conclusion: Addressing Racial Bias

While some may claim that racists avoid watching media with people of color, my experiences suggest otherwise. Rather than avoiding such content, many resort to disparaging it or withdrawing in uncomfortable ways. Understanding and addressing these biases is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society.