Title: Negative Racial Stereotypes and Their Effect on Attitudes Toward African-Americans  - Scholarly Essays - Jim Crow Museum - Ferris State University
Headings: Negative Racial Stereotypes and Their Effect on Attitudes Toward African-Americans
Negative Racial Stereotypes and Their Effect on Attitudes Toward African-Americans
Stereotypes:
Negative Racial Stereotypes and Their Effect on Attitudes Toward African-Americans
by Laura Green
Virginia Commonwealth University
Description of the Problem
Sambo
Jim Crow
The Savage
The Mammy
Aunt Jemimah
Sapphire
Jezebelle
Stereotypes today
Conclusion and Implications
References
VCU links

Content: These cognitive constructs are  often created out of a kernel of truth and then distorted beyond reality (Hoffmann,  1986). Racial stereotypes are constructed beliefs that all members of the same race  share given characteristics. These attributed characteristics are usually negative  (Jewell, 1993). This paper will identify seven historical racial stereotypes of African-Americans  and demonstrate that many of these distorted images still exist in society today. Additionally, strategies for intervention and the implications of this exploration  into racial stereotypes will be presented. Description of the Problem
The racial stereotypes of early American history had a significant role in shaping  attitudes toward African-Americans during that time. Images of the Sambo, Jim Crow,  the Savage, Mammy, Aunt Jemimah, Sapphire, and Jezebelle may not be as powerful today,  yet they are still alive. Sambo
One of the most enduring stereotypes in American history is that of the Sambo (Boskin,  1986). This pervasive image of a simple-minded, docile black man dates back at least  as far as the colonization of America. The Sambo stereotype flourished during the  reign of slavery in the United States.