Racial stereotypes and white supremacy in American TV shows
White supremacy, with a history of more than 300 years in America, refers to the belief
that the white people are perfect, powerful, and wealthy and entitled with privileges that no
other races have. It used to be one of the most significant social problems in America, and it
still has some negative effects today. Based on ethnocentrism, white supremacists
discriminate against other races especially the black. They always view them in a
stereotypical way such as using N-words and regarding them as dirty, poor people and slaves.
However, some American comedians, especially African Americans, challenge and criticize
white supremacy in TV shows. Dave Chappelle, as one of them, created a sketch called
“Black White Supremacist” which is my primary source. Though I think it successfully make
people be aware of the negative consequences of white supremacy, I cannot accept its method
of using racial stereotype to challenge racial stereotypes. Therefore, I believe that racial
stereotype can significantly support white supremacy through TV shows and we should
criticize and avoid it.
In the first place, by using offensive words and establishing stereotypical images of black
people regularly, racial stereotype aggravates white supremacy in TV shows and impresses
audiences with those offensive words or stereotypical images. In the sketch “Black White
Supremacist”, Dave Chappelle played the role of a stupid, blind and stubborn racist named
Clayton Bigsby who is black, but regards himself as a white. According to the sketch (2:47),
Clayton Bigsby said that, “Sir my message is simple. Niggers, Jews, Homo-sexuals, Mexican,
Arabs, and all kinds of different Chinks stink, and I hate them!” Actually, this may hurt not
only black people, but also people of other ethnicities. “That’s right! That’s right! Tell that
nigger. That dirty nigger” (5:00)! These N-words have been used for more than 30 times. It is
really hard for the African American audiences just to laugh without feeling upset after
hearing these offensive words. Constance Bailey, the professor of University of Missouri,
claims that “In order to avoid moral and ethical concerns wrought be achieving success at the
expense of other blacks, they have to generate material that is relevant but not overly
controversial, funny, but it cannot reinforce stereotypes” (Constance 260). This concern is
essential for the comedians since they should consider about the reactions of audiences who
watch the show.
According to the sketch Black White Supremacist (6:15), a white man stands in front of
the public and says that Clayton Bigsby is “the man who made us proud to be white” and
should be the next president of the United States of America. Clayton Bigsby, who wears a
