ISU Student’s Endeavor To Dismantle Misrepresentation Of The Black Community

ISU Student’s Endeavor To Dismantle Misrepresentation Of The Black Community:

Racism persists in the US,‎ notably among Black people. Marcus Pruitt, a senior journalism student at Illinois State University, is‎ working to break down Black misrepresentation in media, highlighting a cultural divide perpetuating racism.

The‎ topic of Black media portrayal is old yet relevant. Marcus Pruitt correctly states that the‎ media frequently misrepresents Black diversity. It often portrays a one-dimensional view of the community, highlighting‎ its flaws and ignoring its successes. 

Misrepresentation perpetuates damaging prejudices and bigotry. Pruitt’s study shows‎ that this image is profoundly flawed and requires rapid revision. Misrepresentation has serious consequences. Misunderstandings,‎ prejudice, and discrimination may result. Considering how the media shapes public attitudes shows that tackling‎ this problem is vital to racial equality.

The Consequences Of Racism:

Racism has profound implications‎ that affect every element of life. It influences people and communities. Marcus Pruitt’s article emphasizes‎ the link between media portrayal and real-world issues, including racial profiling, uneven chances, and institutional‎ discrimination.

Shamar Betts, sentenced to federal prison for his role in a 2020 Market Place‎ Mall disturbance, is one example Pruitt cites. Despite Betts’ convoluted past, the media quickly and‎ severely maligned him. This instance shows how the media may propagate racism by ignoring Black‎ people’s background and emotions.

Advocating For Change:

Marcus Pruitt suggests difficult but essential talks about‎ racism and Black misrepresentation. Conversations must include many generations and varied backgrounds. Pruitt’s drive to‎ change via journalism and initiatives is inspiring. He wants to elevate Black voices, combat misconceptions,‎ and foster understanding.

Pruitt’s generational transformation method emphasizes tearing down barriers and cultivating empathy. In‎ a society where racism endures, only open communication and a communal effort can bridge the‎ cultural gulf that perpetuates misinformation about the Black community.

The fight against racism and for‎ equal Black media representation continues. As his article shows, Marcus Pruitt’s devotion to these issues‎ shows that change is attainable with talks, understanding, and a desire to break down misinformation‎ and prejudice. To create a more fair and equitable society, we must all actively fight‎ discrimination and promote equality.

The Role Of Media In Perpetuating Racism:

Media heavily affect public‎ opinion and cultural narratives. In racism, the press either reinforces or challenges stereotypes. Marcus Pruitt’s‎ article stresses that media outlets must address Black misrepresentation and improve accuracy and balance.

It‎ is important to note that media portrayal of Black people is not only due to‎ prejudices. Some prejudices are overt, while others are subtle and profound. The media frequently promotes‎ racism by covering dramatic tales that reinforce stereotypes or exploit disputes. Shows like these support‎ policy and institutional racism and shape public opinion.

Media professionals must report fairly and accurately‎ to combat this. Social media and internet platforms are crucial in the digital era. Marcus‎ Pruitt notes that these forums frequently promote bigotry and negative stereotypes against all groups. Media‎ outlets must fight this tendency by reporting ethically and diversely. They can break down prejudice‎ and misrepresentation by doing so and making society more inclusive and knowledgeable.

Racism may be‎ broken down via storytelling. Marcus Pruitt’s article emphasizes the need for authentic Black voices and‎ narratives. We can refute falsehoods, challenge preconceptions, and foster empathy and understanding via storytelling.

Pruitt‎ shows how personal tales can raise awareness and change. He humanizes media-mischaracterized people by sharing‎ experiences like Shamar Betts’. These personal anecdotes reveal Black experiences, difficulties, and ambitions.

Stories influence‎ conventional media. People may share their stories, connect, and create understanding via social media, blogs,‎ and other platforms. We can break down prejudice and spread togetherness by supporting varied perspectives‎ and stories.

Read Also: The Complex Landscape Of Reparations And Racism In America

Fostering Inclusivity In Media And Society:

Building an inclusive media ecosystem is critical‎ to ending racism. Marcus Pruitt’s piece emphasizes newsroom and screen diversity. Media must reflect the‎ community they serve and provide diverse views and opinions.

Promoting media diversity and inclusiveness is‎ both socially fair and profitable. It helps media outlets reach more people and provide more‎ accurate news.

Ethical reporting includes inclusivity. Media outlets should uphold journalistic standards by reporting stories‎ impartially and respecting the subjects and communities. Media companies can fight systematic racism and create‎ a more equal and cohesive society by promoting diversity.

Education As A Catalyst For Change:‎

Education is crucial to combating media racism and Black portrayal. Marcus Pruitt’s article emphasizes how‎ schools and curricula shape future generations’ views. Education must teach students to critically assess media‎ depictions and promote open debates on these problems to break down prejudice.

Pruitt supports cultural‎ competency and media literacy education. By including various viewpoints and experiences in the curriculum, schools‎ , and institutions may extend students’ views and promote inclusion. Open talks about racism, media bias,‎ and representation may also help kids think critically and question preconceptions.

Additionally, educational institutions may‎ help diversify the media industry’s future workforce. Balanced representation requires encouraging students from all backgrounds‎ to study journalism and media. Schools can help create a media environment representing our diverse‎ community by mentoring aspiring journalists.

Leveraging Technology For Change:

Technology may tackle prejudice and misinformation‎ in the digital era. Marcus Pruitt shows how internet platforms may empower minority voices and‎ challenge preconceptions. Social media is very effective for lobbying and awareness.

Pruitt’s article emphasizes internet‎ activism and technology’s role in media accountability. Social media, hashtags, and grassroots movements have sparked‎ racist conversations and change. They allow people to voice their opinions and demand greater fairness.‎

The internet also lets independent content makers question the current quo and promote authentic narratives.‎ YouTube, podcasts, and personal blogs allow people to share viewpoints and overlooked tales.

To overcome‎ prejudice, technology must be used while being mindful of its drawbacks, such as misinformation and‎ dangerous material. Using technology to improve media may make it more accessible and egalitarian.

An Illinois State University journalism student is getting attention for his essay about Black misrepresentation in the media in central Illinois and beyond.

Marcus Pruitt, a senior from Glen Ellyn, initially wrote a 13-page essay about the ongoing issue of Black misrepresentation in central Illinois that circulated around the ISU campus. A shorter version was published in the public i, a nonprofit newspaper based in Champaign.

Pruitt explores a cultural disconnect that he sees from media coverage, specifically when covering Black death. It can easily box in the race group and convey the message that they are less than, which is not true.

“When it comes to minority media coverage, Black media coverage in particular, we are not shown in our full light,” Pruitt told WGLT’s sound ideas. “Our worst aspects are brought to the forefront and our best aspects are pushed into the darkness.”

The intended audience, he said, was anyone who wants to see immediate change. He hopes to help eliminate the dynamic of unfair treatment and promote the importance of understanding each other better.

Pruitt mentions media misrepresentation can come from aggressive discrimination we see throughout social media as well — how a particular group can be presented as a stereotype for entertainment. He defines aggressive discrimination as like covert racism — very subtle, but obvious to the people it refers to. It’s just as harmful.

In his piece, Pruitt includes the story of Shamar Betts, who was sentenced to four years in federal prison for inciting a riot at the Market Place Mall in Champaign in 2020. That happened amid nationwide protests in the day after George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis.

Pruitt said an intolerance of grief should be considered when it comes to situations like this. If a group is constantly at battle for representation and fair treatment, violence, protests, and other forms of activism can occur from built-up emotion, he said.

“We are focused on the loss of property and that’s our main concern – not the reasoning behind the riots … not him,” he said.

Pruitt pointed to this as an example of how quickly media coverage can demonize a person’s character. Betts previously worked for the Urbana Park District and enjoyed teaching chess in an after-school program, according to Public i reporting. He lost his mother when he was a kid.

“The murder of a Black man (George Floyd) stopped the world and inspired generational change,” Pruitt wrote. “That is something that is bound to impact other young Black men, causing wells of grief that would undoubtedly drive some to act. Yet he was never mentioned. Rather than his emotions being addressed, Betts is represented as a man who sought crime. Now he is stuck behind bars, a life thrown off course because of the disregard of situational context.”

To create generational change, Pruitt suggests being comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations.

“You have to talk to people in not only your generation but the older generations, the younger generations, and you have to try to encompass the biggest scope of people as you can,” Pruitt said. “Try to get them to understand where you’re coming from and where they are coming from in their terms of hatred and racism.”

That’s when we’ll be able to see the cultural disconnect he refers to that causes misleading knowledge about a particular group.

As a Black journalist Pruitt said he aims to change Black representation in media through his writing and future projects. He wants to keep building on his solo journalism career, including his YouTube series Conversationalist. As he’s been writing professionally for four years, he looks forward in taking the route of freelance. When it comes to corporate America, he does see himself working in media.