Stereotypes can be profitable in Hollywood, where film directors such as Tyler Perry and his Madea franchise reap most of the benefits, bringing in more than $52 million a year.

The Association of Black Psychologists “Don’t Believe the Hype” presentation is looking to debunk those media stereotypes and present psychological realities to the audience through forum, song, dance and skits. “Don’t Believe the Hype” will take place Feb. 22 in Quigley Auditorium from 5 to 7 p.m.

Jasmine Jackson, a junior from Glendale Heights studying psychology, is the president of ABPsi and said the event was created because of a experience she had as a McNair’s Scholar over the summer.

Advertisement

“Doing the McNair’s last summer proved to me that I could be more than what the media portrays me to be,” she said.

“I think most blacks believe that they have to rap, sing, model or dance to gain respect. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I think most blacks are afraid to be scholars.”

Jackson said there are numerous stereotypes minorities are portrayed as.

“Stereotypes of blacks stemmed from slavery, especially the stereotypes concerning black women,” she said. “The most common stereotype of the black woman in media ranges from the “Mammy” to the “Sapphire” caricature.”

Blacks are not the only minority group negatively stereotyped by the media, Jackson said.

“There are media stereotypes of everyone,” she said.

“We want to explore where they came from, and how to combat them.”

Advertisement*

Associate Professor Novotny Lawrence lectures about race representations in the media. He said individuals who saw minorities as inferior created most stereotypes.

“Traditionally, when we talk about media, there has been all types of misrepresentation directed at different ethnic groups that have been historically embedded into our society because most could not see certain people beyond free labor,” he said. “Besides free labor, most were unable to see different ethnic groups as their equals.”

Lawrence said the inability to have critical discussions about race is the reason why stereotypes are created.

“This country has done a poor job talking about race,” he said. “So stereotypes develop because they are easy to convince folks. We live in a great time of technology where it’s easy to create your own media, but that’s not enough. If you’re serious about changing media portrayals, you must study it, its history, and critique it and apply it to your life.”

Jackson said “Don’t Believe the Hype” will deconstruct different stereotypes throughout history.

“This show will be extreme,” she said. “My goal is to have every person walk out of there more conscious than they came in.”

Jeramian Cusic, a freshman from Chicago studying mortuary science, is one of the performers in the show.

“I feel that stereotypes are how people view or judge others based on how we present ourselves,” he said. “When you think of thugs or thieves, you might think of a black male, for example. Stereotypes happen because of realistic things that are going on.”

Cusic said the media does a poor job of portraying minorities realistically.

“Media has us dying to be what they show us; it encourages poor spending habits, being narcissistic and materialistic,” Cusic said. “On the contrary, media does influence positive things that our generation doesn’t pay attention to, like the philanthropy of celebrities.”

Cusic, who will be presenting a dramatic expression through dance while telling a story about overcoming adversity, said he has high hopes for the impact of the show.

“I think this show will change the way we view ourselves,” he said. “Not only will people see the talent that SIU students have, but they will also be impacted by the message that me and other performers will leave.”

Lawrence said he hopes “Don’t Believe the Hype” challenges hearts and minds and changes the way people view themselves and others.

“I advocate for transformational moments. It is okay to forgive, but if your heart and mind isn’t changed after receiving new information, then you haven’t grasped the concept,” he said. “I hope the participants do a nice job with this event and make people think.”