The construction of racial stereotypes and how they serve as racial propaganda

Abstract

In social psychology, stereotypes have generally been viewed as overgeneralized beliefs about social groups in society. Although stereotypes—especially those that are negative—tend to be recognized as contributing to prejudice and discrimination of marginalized communities, they are often conceptualized as containing a “kernel of truth.” Meanwhile, there has been relatively little consideration of the historical and cultural origins of racial stereotypes. This is an important oversight given that stereotypes have and continue to be used as a means to excuse and reinforce the systemic oppression of communities of color. Thus, the current paper uses a historical framework to review major stereotypes that have targeted communities of color throughout U.S. history, with a focus on stereotypes of Black people. In doing so, we conceptualize racial stereotypes as propaganda that have historically functioned to support oppressive societal systems in the U.S. by both (a) shaping public perceptions and expectations and (b) by influencing the thoughts and behavior of members of stereotyped groups. By situating stereotypes within their historical and cultural frames, readers can recognize the way stereotypes reinforce systems of oppression. We conclude with research implications and encourage stereotyping scholars to foreground the social construction of stereotypes and the function that they serve by contextualizing their work in the social and historical context in which stereotypes emerged.

Experiencing Negative Racial Stereotyping: The Case of Coloured People in Johannesburg, South Africa

“…As researchers interested in critical race studies have argued, racial stereotyping of non-White peoples around the globe originated and was popularised in the era of colonialism and maintained by White societies in many parts of the world (Mahmud 1999). The above examples also suggest that racial stereotyping of non-White peoples is a global phenomenon and colonial discourses and ideologies regarding non-White populations as less than White Europeans has become pervasive and solidly entrenched globally (Melson-Silimon et al 2024). By 'global', I am referring to countries where societies are organised in racial terms or where there are notions of race-consciousness and racial hierarchy.…”