Racial loophole in news media?

Question

Why is it that the news media can constantly generalize the characteristics of "black voters" ?

When regular people make statements about race, they are accused of stereotyping?

When referring to a race, is it now an automatic safety , to just say "voters" after it?

Or are the news media just exempt from any wrongdoing?

Answer 1

Agreed with Lanani.

"Black voters" is a demographic term used. As is "White voters", "Asian voters", and "Hispanic voters".

The AP has a good set of guidelines for this and it's never racist. I realize that these are terms that identify someone's race, but it isn't racist.

Answer 2

news and magazine-

http://scribling.net/

Answer 3

They can't "constantly generalize" (which in itself is a generalization)...

In fact, it is explicitly forbidden.

AP style dictates that subjects of news stories NEVER be identified by race, sexuality or gender unless it is immediately pertinent to the story (i.e., an ongoing manhunt that requires a physical description of the perpetrator, or a racially motivated crime).

If you're referring to the phrase "black voters," that's a demographic term used by pollsters, not a sign of racist journalists. Journalists don't make up demographical information, they quote it from sources. Blame them--the pollsters-- if you don't like what you read or hear about the voting bloc "black voters."