Reversing Stereotypes: The Good Black Man America Has Yet to Know

Research has shown that the negative stereotypes of black masculinity prevalent in American public opinion are linked to negative media portrayals of African American men. Using both theming analysis and survey experiment methods, I ask whether or not positive media portrayals of African American men offset negative stereotypes of black masculinity. The central finding is that one-time exposure to positive media portrayals of African American men decrease levels of racial resentment. I then close by considering the implications the results have on media portrayals as well as opinions of ordinary citizens