Black Media Images as a Perceived Threat to African American Ethnic Identity: Coping Responses, Perceived Public Perception, and Attitudes Towards Affirmative Action

Abstract

A self-administered survey of 202 African American respondents examined the relationship among Black images in the media, perceived public perception of the in-group, and endorsement of affirmative action. Based on the literature on coping and group threats stemming from social identity, the study hypothesized that perceived negative Black images predicted coping responses among Black respondents. Negative evaluation of Black media images predicted perceived lower level of public perceptions of Blacks, which was in turn related to greater endorsement of affirmative action. The possible role of minority media portrayals in our racial environment was also discussed.