Race, Sex and Social Example: An Analysis of Character Portrayals on Inter-Racial Television Entertainment

An analysis of character portrayals on inter-racial television entertainment with a focus on race, sex, and social example was performed. Nine regularly broadcast programs having bi-racial representation with at least one male and one female portrayal were selected and a total of 60 characters analyzed according to eight categories of interpersonal and self-control behaviors. White males were aggressive and persistent but non-altruistic and unable to resist temptations to break the rules of society, or repair the damage they caused to others. Black males were non-aggressive, persistent, altruistic, and more likely than any other group to make reparation for injury. White females were non-aggressive, likely to make reparation for damage to others, and altruistic; they displayed resistance to temptation but little delay of gratification/task persistence. Black women exhibited the same self-control pattern as white women and also were non-aggressive, non-altruistic, and not inclined toward reparation for damage to others. Their most outstanding behavior, though, was a high level of explaining feelings to increase understanding, resolve strife, and reassure others. The over-all pattern of findings is interpreted in terms of television's maintaining and fostering stereotypes.