Belle’s Opinion

Recently Mayor and now ex-Mayor Dean Grose of Los Alamitos, California sent an email picture depicting a watermelon field in front of the White House. I’m not certain which was more offensive, the picture or the Mayor’s statements. Clearly, he had no idea that his behavior was racist. He stated, “I saw it in a humorous light”. No sir, it is not funny at all.

The stereotype linking watermelons to African American began during the Jim Crow era. This period of American history, 1890-1940s reflected a mentality of the continuing subjugation of African Americans through laws that separated them in public and private sectors. Considering that stereotyping is a formularistic attack on a racial, ethnic, gender or religious group, three-fold psychological effect occurs. First, the imagery reinforces negative connotation associated with each targeted group, second, if the images are prevalent enough, prejudice begins to form against the group and third, the culmination is the discrimination of the stereotyped victims.

The easiest method to reinforce subordination is the use of popular culture. This is not necessarily done in a cohesive effort; rather the stereotype becomes embedded in everyday items such as postcards, household items, tourist memorabilia and cartoons. Until the person who stereotype is made public, the average individual may not find anything offensive with referencing them due to its prevalent within our country. Obviously, the United States has come to a crossroads in our history as to whether we will accept discriminatory behavior or stop the cycle of stereotype victimization. I believe everyone in this country needs take a moment to reflect on why stereotypes still exist.

For more information visit:
The Authentic History Center: Primary Sources from American Popular Culture

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