Associate political science professor Jas Sullivan challenged audience members to “constantly check how we label and define people” during his presentation on racial stereotypes Thursday night in the French House Grand Salon.
The lecture was a continuation of the Summer Reading Program’s goal to stimulate open discussion throughout the year. Racial stereotypes are a theme from this summer’s book, “Life on the Color Line” by Gregory Howard Williams.
The presentation, titled “Black Stereotypes and Their Political Implications,” examined the causes and effects of media stereotypes. Sullivan addressed more than fifty students and faculty. The lecture included a multimedia projection and was followed by a question and answer session.
Sullivan explained that in a way the human mind is designed to stereotype.
“We’re overwhelmed by the complexity of our environment,” he said. “So we categorize.”
According to Sullivan, racial stereotypes are one result of the categorization process. These stereotypes, he said, have been reinforced by the media.
“The media have presented certain images of blacks throughout American history,” Sullivan said while displaying clips and pictures. He used examples from the book turned into 2004 movie “Crash,” a film that focuses on racial stereotypes.
Sullivan said problems occur when people apply stereotypes to their social and political decision-making. He cited studies that illustrate handicaps black candidates face in elections and showed pictures of congressionally mandated majority black districts.
“We often group individuals into categories without even knowing who they are,” Sullivan said. “We don’t get to know people on a personal level before we make judgments.”
Mark Schexnayder, a University High student who read the book and attended Sullivan’s presentation, said the lecture taught him more about stereotypes.
“I think it is very interesting how it affects politics,” Schexnayder said.
Granger Babcock, associate dean of the Honors College and a faculty member with the Summer Reading Program, said he thought Sullivan’s presentation was successful.
“We all have stereotypes,” Babcock said. “We need to check them.”
—–Contact Daniel McBride at [email protected]