Televising Racial Difference

Jeremy Adam Smith claims scientific studies show that TV representations can subconsciously induce racism if they "feature negative nonverbal behavior toward blacks." He continues, "So how can show runners correct for that? The research is overwhelmingly clear: job one is to confront the fact that racial difference exists...The trick is, quite simply, to acknowledge race and racism, and to talk about it." Noliwe M. Rooks also considers the consequences of negative images of blacks on TV.