The Relationship between Mass Media and Racial Stereotypes

Abstract

This paper sets out to examine the relationship between mass media and racial stereotypes. It first reviews the background of media related to ratings, personal experience which become the motivation of this paper, and the stereotypes which exist in the society by showing the informal interview report of racial stereotypes in Taiwan. It then analyzes the media, particularly Taiwan news which trigger not only racial stereotypes, but also discrimination and other problems such as privacy problem and product placement. The analysis illustrates vividly in every term and image on the news about how Taiwan news lack of objectivity that cause the discrimination and stereotypes in Taiwan community. The purpose of this paper is to comprehend specific stereotypes and other problems by mass media. Finally, recognizing the weakness of mass media, the paper suggests that the relationship between media and audience is like the story of “the blinds and the elephant”. We are not able to realize the whole truth by only “touching” one part. Thus, audience should analyze the media and its authenticity to prevent the implantation of particular stereotypes.