More accurately, in terms of negative images it is illegitimacy that is rising rapidly amongst whites (Bloom and Smith 684), but this is not broadcast. Yes some outlets and individuals in the media will more than likely continue to perpetuate false images as a source of entertainment, but you the viewer can educate yourself and stop feeling obligated to take part in this one-sided outlook on different cultures. You, who can either make or break the media, can stop stereotyping and categorizing to better assure that all cultures are equally and fairly represented in society.
The media is indeed pushing its views of the black man and his value to society off on every investor of its marketing enterprise. It is setting cultural norms, and all who don't quite fit into them or act in any way rebellious to these concepts are automatically branded with a stereotype. These norms and mores are the media's way of controlling every aspect of one's life. When we step out of these shared rules of conduct, society experiences culture shock; and the media is obliged to create biases against this unfamiliar behavior. How else can they characterize this otherwise "deviant" conduct? It is primarily African-American males who have received this unjust brand as a lazy and foolish species of the "popular culture.".
The popular culture has often been referred to as the ways in which the working class and other non-dominant groups express themselves culturally. The media places black men under this often time derogatory category. Media research has shown the ways in which the press, cinema, and radio have considerable power to shape opinions and can actively influence behavior (Dates and Barlow). Hence the popular culture is created by the media's opinions and views.
These distorted views are expressed and broadcast through film, advertising, and movie production. In addition, racial images in the mass media are infused with color-coded positive and negative moralistic features.