African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans in the Media

Media images and messages about African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans (ALANAS) may affect the perceptions and stereotypes of those within and outside of these groups. These messages may also influence identity formation and attitudes of Europeans and non-Europeans about race and ethnicity. Historically, ALANAS have been under represented in television portrayals. African Americans and Latinos are generally shown on television in minor and low status roles. African Americans have reached a proportion on television representative of their actual size in the population but other ethnic groups are under-represented. Nevertheless, these portrayals are not necessarily accurate. More research is needed, however, to assess the role that media portrayal of racial and ethnic groups plays in adolescent health and socialization.