Racism in 'The Office'

Racism has moved from being overt, for example; images of white people painting their faces rather than using black people themselves. Currently, it is possible to witness more inferential or subtle racism through using the ‘white eye’ in films and stereotyping for cultural short hands to gain a brief understanding of the character. This is still a negative and unfair representation of minorities, so why do White American directors/producers use stereotyping and clear-cut racism for satire? To me, it seems that they may believe ‘Blacks’ have dealt with it. Maybe it is no longer a sore spot and they are ready to all have a laugh together at the black races expense. When we watched the video in today’s lecture of Louis CK joking about how with every year that goes on, white people add another hundred years to when slavery ended. I actually believe there is some truth to this.

As I was watching the American version of The Office a few weeks ago, it became clear to me that the amount of racism and stereotypes directed at Stanley (the only black man in the office) are over the top. From his appearance – the big lips, droopy eyes, overweight figure, his deep voice and slow talking, to the jokes made about him. Even when it appears he is having his say, the script is written to include him complaining about something. It is a comedy and meant to be funny, but I believe it is really just perpetuating and encouraging racism. I will post a link at the end to a Youtube video with the ‘best’ moments of Stanley. I found it interesting that in a video where he gets angry at Michael (the boss) the second most popular comment included “you can mess with a hot white girl but you can’t mess with a sassy hot tempered black man”. They have just confirmed that racism is acceptable, and people liked that. It almost seems as if the way Stanley is being made mockery of is empowering them.

Due to Stanley being the only Black man on the show, his stereotyped character is the only form of representation of the Black race. I believe through satire, the White race is still trying to enforce their dominant position. Whiteness is natural in The Office, and Stanley, the only Black man is ‘The Other’.

The Office – Best of Stanley:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIiMt9GgyDY