Daily headlines about diversity in the media from news sources across the Web.
Jan. 02, 2008
Jeff Chang on Obama, Clinton and the Culture WarsThe Huffington PostAs events in 2007 have shown, the race, class and generational divides that existed in the Clinton administration are still alive. Chang discusses how they challenge Barack Obama during his presidential bid and examines the validity of two pundits' arguments.
Young. Asian. Democrats.PoliticoIn a move that’s being attributed to generational differences and cultural assimilation, more young Asian voters are siding with the Democratic Party. A recent online survey found that 47 percent of Asian Americans ages 18 to 24 are moving to the left and toward the belief that “Democrats do more to benefit communities of color.”
African Americans Either 'Challengers' or 'Bargainers'?Too SenseShelby Steele’s newest book, on the electability of Barack Obama, divides African Americans into two categories based on their relationships with white America: "bargainers” and “challengers.” Blogger dnA says, however, that “A Bound Man” doesn’t take into account the nuanced negotiations African Americans make daily.
2007 Multicultural Reading ListAngryasianman.comA short list of multicultural books for children and younger adults. Angry Asian Man selects books featuring Chinese, Pakistani-American and Japanese-Mexican heroes.
Dec. 19, 2007
Columnist's Book Explores Immigration’s Long-Term InfluenceNews & NotesMongrels, Bastards, Orphans and Vagabonds, the new book by Los Angeles Times columnist Gregory Rodriguez, argues that Mexican immigration will transform the way Americans view race. Rodriguez and Farai Chideya discuss the Latino influence in America and the long-term changes Mexicans and Mexican Americans will have on the country.
New Novel Sheds Light on Black-Asian Romance AsianWeekFormer AsianWeek writer Sam Cacas’ debut novel is the first to discuss romantic relationships between Black women and Asian men. Cacas says BlAsian Exchanges sheds light on a community that has received little media and public recognition. He says the novel is important partly for showing Asian men in roles beyond accepted stereotypes.
Author Tackles Flaws in IQ DebatesThe New YorkerDespite claims made by scientists such as Charles Murray and Richard Herrnstein, writer Malcom Gladwell argues that IQ is not based on race as much as cultural exposure and environment. Gladwell cites research from social scientist James Flynn, whose new book, What is Intelligence?: Beyond the Flynn Effect, studies the rise in IQ test scores over time around the world.
Light Vs. Dark Skin Still an Issue?News & NotesRecent events -- including a BET roundtable on skin tone, a new song entitled “Sometimes I Want to be White,” and a party for light skinned black women -- have raised the issue of light vs. dark skin in the black community. Bloggers Lauren Williams, Trey Ellis and Duane Brayboy discuss complexion and how relevant the issue is in today’s society.
Dec. 14, 2007
White Is Not Always Right Washingtonpost.com Throughout history, prominent African American figures such as Bill Cosby and Booker T. Washington have championed the idea the black people must change their value systems to succeed in America. Editorial writer Khalil G. Muhammad argues that this feeds into the idea of white values as a cultural norm, and reinforces a double standard in solving social problems.
Race Poll News Isn't All Bad New America Media Essayist and commentator Richard Rodriguez discusses the recent New America Media poll on race relations. The survey of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans exposes several divisions along race lines, but Rodriguez tells interviewer Sandip Roy that it also illustrates how "clearly we belong to each other's America."
Target Agrees to Pay Victims of Discrimination Kansas City InfoZine Four African American employees of Target Corp. have been awarded more than $500,000 in a suit by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The employees were awarded the money after a Milwaukee judge determined that the company was guilty of not hiring and promoting African Americans based on their race.
Dec. 07, 2007
NPR debate asks if citizens should turn in illegal immigrantsHuffington PostCritics are charging that during a recent Democratic radio debate, National Public Radio may have overstepped boundaries during discussions of immigration policy. Debate hosts asks candidates questions about the nature of citizen involvement, including whether citizens should turn in illegal immigrants.
King Memorial Artist Draws CriticismNational Public RadioSome supporters of a new memorial for Martin Luther King Jr. are upset by the artist chosen to depict the famed civil rights leader. The King memorial, the first of an African American on the National Mall, is being created by sculptor Lei Yixin is a Chinese national. The California Chapter of the NAACP, which recently passed a resolution against the selection of Lei.
New Study exposes racial discrimination in drug arrestsSF GateAccording to a new report published by the Justice Policy Institute, African Americans account for more than 50 percent of sentenced drug offenders although making up only 13 percent of the population. This study is the first to look at national disparities in arrests and break Americans account for more than 50 percent of sentenced drug offenders although making up only 13 percent of the population. This study is the first to look at national disparities in arrests and break the information down to a county level.
Sean Taylor, the Media and the “Black KKK”Keith Boykin blogSports columnist Jason Whitlock’s recent column, which labeled Washington Redskins player Sean Taylor’s killers as the “Black KKK”, has caused a round of debate among journalists and media, who question the validity of his argument.
Nov. 27, 2007
Mississippi Coast recovery exposes class fault lines San Francisco Chronicle More than two years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Mississippi coastline, the area's recovery serves as an example of widening class divisions. Less than 1 in 10 homes, mainly those of low income residents, have been rebuilt and Governor Haley Barbour has asked that $600 million in federal housing aid be diverted to fund an expansion plan at the Port of Gulfport.
Race Should Be Complicated Movement Vision Lab While some media portrays a future where race is a non-issue, this essentially overlooks the complications of racial, gender, religious and cultural dynamics. Instead of cultural assimilation, a more realistic model would be to embrace and constantly question these differences, excepting that policy adjustments would need to be made as group definitions shift.
The Arrival of the Angry Asian Man Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Asian men are becoming increasingly vocal over media stereotypes and lack of representation in society, echoing complaints often heard in African American and Latino communities. "It's either the martial arts villain or hero, or the opposite, the nerd who never seems to get the girl," suggests Craig Takeuchi, of Vancouver's Georgia Straight weekly. The image of the angry Asian man become more visible in mainstream media and pop culture since the shootings at Virginia Tech in April and through movies like Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and Better Luck Tomorrow.
Essences' 25 Most Influential African Americans 2007 Forbes Magazine Senator Barack Obama tops this year's reader generated list of most influential African Americans. Barry Bonds, Al Sharpton, Don Cheadle, The JENA Six and blogger Gina McCauley also made the cut. "Some of the most poignant moments in African-American history took place in 2007, from the unified stance that was taken in support of the JENA Six and the Rutgers University Women's Basketball team to the triumphant victory made by Barry Bonds," says Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief, ESSENCE.
Nov. 26, 2007
"Articulate" Isn't the Only "Compliment"Maynard InstituteOn Friday, DiversityInc. said that one of its top stories of the last week was one that asked readers what "compliment" they found most offensive. "Articulate was the winner," Diversity Inc. said, but there were other nominations.
Nov. 21, 2007
More sitcoms pushing the racial envelopeNew York TimesSitcoms on network stations, taking notes from their cable TV counterparts and standup comedy routines, have become bolder with playing the race card and mining racial taboos for source material. The humor tends to focus on white people's discomfort dealing with race and coincides with a "broader cultural sea change" across the country.
"We'll get you O.J. Simpson, and your little dog too"New America MediaO.J. Simpson's 1996 acquittal on murder charges spawned a legion of smug smiles throughout the black community, sometimes independent of the facts of the case. And as his current armed robbery trial airs, the case is playing out more like the settling of a vendetta or a "high tech lynching" than a legitimate criminal investigation.
Telenovelas promote Obama campaignThe Huffington PostIn an effort to attract the estimated five million California Latinos who are not regular voters, the Vote Hope 2008 campaign has partnered with the Amigos de Obama outreach organization to produce 4 Spanishthe Amigos de Obama outreach organization to produce 4 Spanish language telenovela style promo films with hopes of drawing more Hispanic voters into the Barack Obama camp.
Changing how the media frames racial issuesRacialiciousDuke Lacrosse scandal to comments by Michael Richards, Don Imus and Bill O'Reilly feel more like prime time entertainment than news? Racialicious bloggers critiques a recent article from the Washington Post addressing coverage of race and diversity by American media.
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