Portrayal vs. reality: images of African Americans in magazine advertisements

Abstract

The images of African Americans in magazine advertisements are changing. As these images change, researchers question whether or not African American socioeconomic and familial status are being accurately represented. George Gerbner's cultivation theory suggests that media play a role in shaping people's perceptions of minority groups. Using content analysis, this study compares the portrayal of African American socioeconomic and familial status in magazine advertisements with 1999 United States Census Bureau socioeconomic statistics of African Americans in the United States. This study found that a discrepancy exists between the portrayal and the reality of African American socioeconomic and familial status than United States Census Bureau statistics show. These results provide a basis for further research into the social ramifications of African American misrepresentation in media.