Posted by Sociological on 7/8/2005, 5:20 pm This does not, however, negate the fact that "Mammy2Shoes" is indeed based on crude, racial stereotypes of Black women, for example, the subservient term "mammy", speech patterns, and disheveled attire. One poster asked if it would seem less offensive if Mammy2Shoes were portrayed by a white woman, and the answer is yes. Simply because all of the characteristics of the black Mammy2Shoes were based on historically racist, preconceived notions of Black female behavior, and racial attributes and traits. A "whitewashed" version of the character would be devoid of racist implications and stereotypes. Some may consider my observations concerning racism in cartoons to be much ado about nothing. However, it's important to point out that the media is but one of many institutions that shape the way young people view themselves and the world around them. Although a simple cartoon may not prompt a child to one day join the Ku Klux Klan, that fact that a certain racial or ethnic group of people find it offensive to their culture is enough to remove it from the air.
205.188.116.10
Many individuals on the message board fail to see racism in the Tom & Jerry "Mammy2Shoes" caricature, simply because racism affects African Americans differently than whites. Therefore, what may be perceived as racially offensive to one group of people may be considered innocuous to another.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread