Overall, the class discussions were informative in certain aspects. For instance, I never thought about blacks getting sunburn. Who thinks of these things? But then again, curiosity is what allows us to understand others. Living in a multi-cultural world doesn’t mean you are multi-cultural. Living in Miami, there are a lot of Hispanics, and quite frankly, I feel comfortable. Miami is my comfort zone because it is what I am used to, and it where I was raised. I don’t understand certain things about Hispanics, which means I understand even less things about blacks. Even in my country of origin, people from different cities and the same ethnical background think they are better than the other. Life is filled with different people and because such a diversity of individuals may interact in a daily basis, it allows us to understand them better. Everyone carries a stereotype and act and think in ways we didn’t realize.
A rather insulting comment that my brother made to my mother was an eye opener to how subconsciously people act. When I was a baby, I had a black Colombian nanny, and my brother at that time was about 4 years old. My mother told us about his experience with my nanny. He sees my mother putting something in the oven, and he tells her not to put her hands in the oven because she was going to get burned. My brother tells her to let the nanny do it because she is black and her hands were not going to get burned. I am quite shocked about his comment, even till this day, but he didn’t know any better. My brother was very young, a little boy, and in his mind, what he said was not wrong. It seems that he said what he did because of the literal difference of color, a person’s skin color. My mother told him that the nanny disliked him, and she punished him for saying that. My brother is a grown man now, and he loves interacting with people of any race. We are both very open to anyone. Did he know what he was doing? Of course not, but those are subconscious beliefs. These are the stereotypes that make us conclude to things that are irrelevant, like the belief that black don’t get sunburn.
When we spoke in class about whether we had to be a Hispanic to cover a Hispanic community or a black to cover a black community, I have different opinions. If a Hispanic lady covers a Hispanic community, she will probably be restricted in asking questions because she will think that she knows the answers for some. She might think that she knows how Hispanics think. However, Hispanics might reveal more information to a Hispanic reporter than any other reporter because they feel comfortable within the same race and likewise for the black reporter or white reporter. I think in general, any person should be able to cover any race because it is worth it. Understanding people in a different level enlightens you.
In regards to photographs, they are powerful and might create a misconception. Photographs I believe are like art. There are different angles, and sides you can take other than the meaningful one. Ads are targeted to certain individuals. With that said, ads might also create a misconception and be insulting. The Red House Furniture commercial was very unique. I have never seen a commercial that has made sure to have black and white customers. If a white man says that the mattress is perfect for him, he also states it is perfect for a black man too. It was funny when at the end of the commercial. They mentioned that Hispanics are welcomed as well.
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