Understanding Racial Stereotypes

Introduction

One of the criticisms of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn involves the unflattering characterization of Jim and some of the other characters. These characterizations can seem stereotypical, often offensively so. As an interesting aside on this issue, I would encourage readers to observe the difference between Jim as he behaves with white people he does not know and trust and Jim as he behaves with Huck after they have established a trusting relationship later in the novel. A different character reveals himself, through the skill of the author, at these times.

As you probably know, however, almost everyone deals in stereotypes from time to time. It seems to be an aspect of our psychology over which we need to take conscious control in order to overcome it. We benefit by doing so in that we begin to see the world and the people in it as they really exist rather than as they conform to whatever expectations we might have for them. Seeing clearly surely beats the alternative in most cases.
This project allows you to begin examining the issue of stereotypes in some depth. An excellent resource exists (see below) that makes this examination easy and methodical.
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The Task

This projects asks you to research the topic of stereotypes and to then think and write about it based on what you have discovered. Your product could be an essay, but you might also think of a way to cover the topic in another medium, a Powerpoint presentation, or even a videotape, for example. If you have an idea of a unique way to treat the topic, just speak with me about it before you begin.

However you decide to go, your product should reveal that you have done the research and that you have personalized the topic. In other words, think about times you yourself might have stereotyped someone. Maybe you have been stereotyped yourself. You might even think of a time when you behaved in certain ways simply because it was part of other people's expectations for you. Yes, sometimes we even stereotype ourselves! It can be an interesting topic!
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The Process

The process will depend upon the specific product you intend to produce, but the process will always begin with some research and some thinking about the topic. Reading through the resources below will help frame your thinking, especially regarding negative stereotypes of African-Americans. No need to stop there, though; almost any group you could name has a stereotype that other people hold about them.
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Resources

The second resource below is really quite extensive, but you might want to consult The Merriam-Webster Dictionary to be sure of the definition of the words we're using. Otherwise, see below.

The main resource you'll need is this one called The Jim Crow Museum. Scroll to the bottom where the links talk about "caricatures."

Want more? Try this Google search.
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Evaluation

As always, be sure you make a good faith effort at the topic. These projects offer a chance to examine some important topics, but you will get no value from a slack effort. Most people find, (and this is a hint about real life) "good enough" usually isn't. Do a little better than just good enough, and you'll be fine.

I'll be looking for evidence that you've done the research, that you've done some independent thinking on the topic, and that you've tried to make your product clear, attractive, and correct.
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Conclusion

I hope this project went well for you! Now you won't have to worry about receiving academic consequences for plagiarism. What a relief!
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Orange High School
Hillsborough, NC
Last updated June, 2008.
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