Television viewing and perceptions about race differences in socioeconomic success

Content analyses indicate two predominant portrayals of African Americans in U.S. television: comfortable and successful, or unemployed and criminal. It is argued that this dichotomized presentation influences the public's perceptions of socio-economic success as well as perceived reasons for lack of success. This is explored in a survey (N = 139) of perceptions about the success of Blacks and Whites and the reasons for socioeconomic differences. Observed relationships between news viewing and perceived lack of motivation, as well as contradictory relations between estimates of educational achievement and sitcom and drama viewing, are discussed in the terms of modem racism.