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I think it's interesting that the majority of the people who say they have no problems with the game and think it's funny are not members of the racial group being mocked. Last semester I attended a program on racial stereotypes and perceptions. The audience was made up of campus leaders of all races and ethnicities. The main speaker ask the group to list all of the stereotypes that came to mind about african americans. Most of the people were hesitant but eventually people began to list stereotypes like "likes fried chicken, ghetto, loud, ect".... all of the stereotypes had a pretty negative imagery associated with them. Next the speaker asked the group to list all of the stereotypes associated with whites. The group quickly listed things like, "wealthy, powerful, ect". All of the stereotypes the group listed and associated with whites were more positive. The fact is that African-American's are consistenly viewed within the American media and unfortunately by people who have little to no contact with African-American's negatively. Within the media we are portrayed as being dangerous, drug users, gangster's, ect. This game continues to portray these stereotypes and that is what is hurtful to many African Americans. The fact that no matter how much a person works, achieves, and carries themself in a manner that disputes these stereotypes, many people will still view us in this manner.
I think it's easier for certain people to not be offended because they are not constantly fighting the idea that they will behave a certain way because of the color of their skin. BTW, I find it interesting that so many people are saying that they are "laughing at themselves". No you are laughing at the people being stereotyped and belittled by this game and in this particular case it is African Americans. If you've seen the cover of the box you'll know that it features an African American male with overexaggerated features, olding a gun and smoking a blunt.
Call me over sensitive if you will. It's not cute. It's not funny.
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