Prejudice is noticed here. The man states that his soon to be wife wishes that all their children would be the next presidents of the united states and he says he would settle for secretary of state. The father then gives him a look of dissatisfaction as though that could never happen. A person of color being a secretary of state or the president of the united states. This could maybe be interpreted as a form of racism too, however, if you have watched the entire movie I do not think that either party is racist. But both men are worried about miscegenation and the issues the couple’s children will have in the future. They also talk about how colored people can dance better than white people. The man agrees and says that the color people are who brought the dance to them the white man might be able to do the dance, but the colored people are the dance. This is a stereotype I believe saying colored people can dance better than white people. There is bias here. Although no discrimination is present in this clip I feel like the culture theory is present. They talk about many things, but it still comes down to the colored people not being good enough to be at a high-ranking authority because of the culture each grew up in. This could be because of institutional prejudice and discrimination. The time and place of this clip shows that pluralism is coming into play. Things are starting to become equal between the two races. The man is a doctor and the father is a journalist. Both have an authority roll and both are paid well. Reducing the biased opinions between the men would take years due to their culture and the society they grew up in. Before interracial marriage was accepted there was segregation between the people. Now that this is no more the beliefs of society need to be diminished into a more equally standing society or even egalitarianism should be established. Presently we have that, but think of all the things that we had to go through to accomplish egalitarianism. Even now it is not a 100% completed concept. -Slimjim789
I also noticed that both men were very highly recognized and important men. I wonder if Dr. Prentice wasn’t so highly esteemed if the acceptance level would have been different? Or, in comparison if the Draytons weren’t as powerful as they were, would the pair have matched? Both of them met in Hawaii, which probably would not have been as accessible to a lower-income family in the first place. It definitely makes you think. The divide between races in the country was getting smaller, but not the divide in class—that was very prevalent. I also agree that their bias is implicit bias and that there was no malicious intent from either party. Now, we are much more subtle and do not say some of the words that were normal to use back then, so it seems as though they are racist when in reality that was the normal vocab and ways of thinking. Catzfuhdays789
I also saw some prejudice going on, especially when he said he would settle for them to be secretary of state, I also interpreted it as a form of racism as well. There was definitely a stereotype going on about the colored people dancing better than the white people and also like you said a little bias going on. I was wondering the same thing if the two people would have even met and been attracted to each other if one did not have the money since the girl comes from a family with money and he has a good paying job. Epic789
Prejudice antics were more prevelant then racist remarks throughout the movie. This was a great film in that it showcased the idea that true love has no color. One can’t help who they fall in love with, society has just made it that much harder. Because not only do you have to consider your feelings you now have to wonder how others will perceive your relationship and how it will affect your offspring as time go on and things continue to evolve. It adds more pressure, unnecessary stress, and encourages prejudice/racist thoughts amongst people. In the end I am happy to know that everyone was open minded enough to at least hear one another out and go against social norms at the time. mummyoftwo789
I agree with you stating they both had some form or authority he was a well-known doctor and Joanna’s father was also a well know guy in their community. Joanna’s father showed a lot of bias to what their children would be like some day. She seems to have very high hoped for her children but really at the time they had no idea on how laws would change with biracial couples vct789+
This scene powerfully illustrates the tides of social change in the twilight years after the end of racial stratification, and as the ensuing social segregation fades, the forming of a period of relative equality; a period that is alluded to, as the cultural lag, incarnated in the cohort of the previous generation, is highlighted and contrasted with the new generation. The conversation between these two men begins on topics of culture, starting with the topic of a dance. It is stated by Matt Drayton that the dance is done best by “people of color”, to the explanation of Dr. Prentice that it because of the dance’s status as a trait of African ethnicity, not race. The conversation proceeds to the topic of African-American baseball players, an example of the black minority taking part in assimilation into the largely Eurocentric American culture of the time. Before long, the topic becomes more serious, as the conversation shifts back to the marriage. The vocal fear of the father is the discrimination and alienation that he believes that his grandchildren will face in society. Dr. Prentice voices his understanding that Joanna has complete faith in the future of their children, seeming to lack the awareness of the deviance of their relationship, and how that would apply an ascribed status, one that could even be considered a master status, to their children. Despite the awareness that Dr. Prentice displays towards the concerns of the present, he remains optimistic about the rising tide of social change, and asserts his belief in its ability to change what their future holds. The conversation, as a whole, bleeds with messages about discrimination and social segregation, whilst providing commentary on the state of these affairs at the time. The conversation features the contrasting points of view of optimism pointing towards potential pluralism, and pessimism pointing towards continued prejudice of interracial couples and their children. It’s important to notice Joanna’s lack of inherent bias, and see how the way she was socialized by her “Life-long fighting liberal” father who “loathes racial prejudice” to be in such a different state of mind; it seems to be a rather powerful case of an intentional subversion of cultural transmission. In any case, the reduction of inherent bias often stems from such subversion. -SoarSore789
Thank you for your explanation about their conversation. They gave me the different understanding. Throught out their conversation, many prejudice presented in Dr. Draytons’ speech the one you point out is “African American dance very well”. It just like today, when people said white men can’t dance or “basketball only for black people”. I thought Dr. Drayton had no intend to hurt Dr. Prentice, maybe it just the simple compliment for African Amricen, maybe something to light up the mood, or random topic for the conversation moving on. Like what you said, at that period. United State is evolutioning and changing. The racism is more way serious and severe compare to today. That is also why Dr. Drayton had a difdicult time to make his decision and took a long time to organize his thought. Beside, I also like the way you said that the conversation bleed when talk about marriage with discrimination and prejudice. Their conversation just from casually to solemly. In Dr. Draytons' eyes -the man spend his whole life to fight for discrimimation- the childrens of his own daughter and the black guy are the problem. Zero789
2. To begin, the video starts off with a talk of dance and culture. Culture is a way of life and a human trait. The doctor explains that dance was a part of African American culture and that they brought it here and assimilated. We simply adopted these cultural patterns and attempt to recreate it, while they lived it. Then, the video shifts to talk about marriage, children, and problems associated with both. Around the time the movie was released, interracial marriage was not as common as it is today. In fact, it was not even legal until two years before the release, in 1967. So, while Mr. Drayton is working to overcome racial prejudices and working towards social change, he may have implicit bias that is understandable around that time period. Culture theory claims that prejudices are learned through culture. Mr. Drayton’s culture taught him to feel a greater social distance from American Americans. In the time the movie came out there was a cultural lag, in that laws were changing for greater equality, but there was still a lot of prejudice socially. Biases are also learned through socialization processes. For example, my family, the primary agent of socialization, was extremely prejudiced against African Americans. Although I wanted to become the opposite, I still scored that I favor white skin in the implicit bias test. The mass media in that time also was a factor. Most of the shows and acts were done by white people, unlike today where there are more diverse displays. Also in the 1960s, people were more likely to hang around people of their own skin color. These peer groups are another agent of socialization that influences implicit bias. Who you hang around and distance yourself from generates a sense of belonging and not belonging internally. So, I think Mr. Drayton really does consider himself to be impartial to race and in most ways he is, but he has an implicit bias and is set in his ways. Catzfuhdays789
I accidentally posted it as not anonymous, I will repost. To begin, the video starts off with a talk of dance and culture. Culture is a way of life and a human trait. The doctor explains that dance was a part of African American culture and that they brought it here and assimilated. We simply adopted these cultural patterns and attempt to recreate it, while they lived it. Then, the video shifts to talk about marriage, children, and problems associated with both. Around the time the movie was released, interracial marriage was not as common as it is today. In fact, it was not even legal until two years before the release, in 1967. So, while Mr. Drayton is working to overcome racial prejudices and working towards social change, he may have implicit bias that is understandable around that time period. Culture theory claims that prejudices are learned through culture. Mr. Drayton’s culture taught him to feel a greater social distance from American Americans. In the time the movie came out there was a cultural lag, in that laws were changing for greater equality, but there was still a lot of prejudice socially. Biases are also learned through socialization processes. For example, my family, the primary agent of socialization, was extremely prejudiced against African Americans. Although I wanted to become the opposite, I still scored that I favor white skin in the implicit bias test. The mass media in that time also was a factor. Most of the shows and acts were done by white people, unlike today where there are more diverse displays. Also in the 1960s, people were more likely to hang around people of their own skin color. These peer groups are another agent of socialization that influences implicit bias. Who you hang around and distance yourself from generates a sense of belonging and not belonging internally. So, I think Mr. Drayton really does consider himself to be impartial to race and in most ways he is, but he has an implicit bias and is set in his ways. Catzfuhdays789
I struggled for a bit on how Mr. Drayton truly felt about the situation. At first I thought that it was just going to be a shock and he would move past, but in this clip I felt it showed that while he does want to fight for the rights of black people, consider them equal citizens and help change minds of other people, he never thought something like this would happen to him or his family. I really think based on how he reacted when John told him what Joanna said regarding how they are champions for race relations, that he felt embarrassed and a little shameful. He certainly does still have an implicit bias and it shows. I also agree that just because a law changes, doesn’t mean that it’s going to change people’s mind. Even still today with all the laws concerning racism and and discrimination, we can still see the disparities in how races are treated. pmed789
This clip from the movie “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, starts with two men from different race and ethnicity backgrounds who also share the same social status, discussing the topic of dancing. Mr. Drayton asked Dr. Prentice if he was saying “they do not have any special sense of rhythm”. They refer to black kids. He categorized all black kids. Being socialized by the agent of media, particularly, television, Mr. Drayton constructed a form of prejudice. A stereotype that black kids can dance better than white kids. Dr. Prentices explanation was because of Afrocentrism, stating “it’s our dancing” “it’s our music” “we brought it here”. The type of dance itself is a material culture of some African-American societies. Both men were bias on how blacks danced compared to whites. Being able to dance well is a natural talent you are born with, but by attaching color it could be form of social conflict. As the conversation progressed other forms of prejudice surfaced. Mr. Drayton recalled a time his sports editor told him that “negros will never be able to play baseball”. Before that time, it was the typical norm of society that African-Americans players were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues due to segregation laws. Even with their talents and abilities, African-Americans faced discrimination because of their ascribed status and social class. Mr. Drayton also discussed the change that in their present day African-Americans were playing in the Major Leagues, but he was not concerned about people’s opinions and attitudes regarding dancing and sports nor was he bothered if Dr. Prentice was able to provide for his daughter. His major concern was the interracial relationship and miscegenation. He worried about the problems that their children will have growing up in a society that was against interracial marriage. Although, Mr. Drayton could accept it some parts of society has a cultural lag. In certain parts of the world interracial marriage was not accepted and was prohibited. Dr. Prentice said Joey was very optimistic with her vision that their children could become the president and will have a cultural diverse administration. Mr. Drayton was a big influence on Joey’s socialization. He raised her to believe that everyone is equal. So, she felt her father would not have a problem with the marriage. Dr. Prentice had a pre-bias. He knew even if Mr. Drayton was a liberal who was against racial prejudice and fought against discrimination, his skin color would be the only reason Mr. Drayton would not give his approval. Granny789
I agree too that Dr. Prentice had a pre-bias going into the relationship and into asking for permission for the marriage. His pre-bias was that the only reason that the marriage would be turned down was because of race and nothing else. He knew that he met the eligible bachelor credentials in every other category because of his education and important job being a doctor. However, because of the segregation and negative stigma around being a person of color in the 1960’s, he already determined that race would be the main issue, even before meeting his soon to be wife’s father. For all he knew the father could have actually not cared at all but it was the pre-bias that made him think otherwise. Navajo789
I totally agree that race has nothing to do with if you can dance or not and both men were being bias to the situation. I feel that people try to attach color to a lot of talents because of certain stereotypes and it isn't right, I agree that talents is one of those things that just come naturally. Crown789
Social stratification was still very strong in the era of this film even though there was a major push to end the racial inequality. The way that most people in the generation of this clip handled conflict was with implicit bias and this was heavily involved in racial inequality. Everyone has their own opinion and we don’t always have the facts. Regardless of our social class, we will always have our own biases and we will stand by them. It is also up to all of us to better understand the other culture that we are encountering. Specifically, in this case the father asked about the Dr.’s heritage and referred to a belief of his own, which happened to be about the Dr.’s culture. The Dr. quickly responded with a very reasonable and implicit answer. This helped the father’s cultural conformity. The father had a very good sense of cultural relativism in this situation, whereas most people in that era were extremely ethnocentric and probably would have been much different about it. Even today many people in America can have issues being multicultural. The point behind this clip was to prove that we can push race aside and discuss societal differences normally. The Dr. and the father could share their personal beliefs with another with no conflict. In my opinion this clip is very powerful, it shows just how much society was changing in that time. The father was willing to let go of racism and ethnocentrism for the Dr. and the daughter. Later, the wife even shooed/fired someone for having a structurally developed racist tone in front of the Dr. This proves that the family was starting to be more excepting of the African American culture and were not having cultural lag. ViciousAfro789
I agree. In this film at the time has very strong social stratification. But no matter what time it is, this will always occur. I enjoyed this clip. It is very powerful and shows us what it was like back in that decade with racism and their own social class. Yes, they have their own different cultures, but they are all willing to put their beliefs aside in order to make them happy. This clip goes on to discuss their differences with certain things but in all reality, their differences should not matter. Schmidt789
I agree with you that social stratification was very strong during this time and we all have our own biases. I would not say that Mr. Drayton was a racist. He was against racial prejudice and inequality, and believed in social equality for all. He socialized his daughter to believe in equality as well. This family had already accepted and understood the African American culture and maybe other cultures we did not see. They had an African-American maid who they treated like family versus an employee. There was no cultural lag, but I believe that there was social distance. The fact that Dr. Prentices ascribed status of being black was the only issue. He might have fought against racial prejudice but deep down in his subconscious he was not ready for a black man to be part of his family. Not that Mr. Drayton had any type of discrimination towards blacks he worried for his grandchildren(s) future and miscegenation. He was afraid they would be alienated from society and face unbelievable prejudice from both races. Granny 789
Social stratification as it is defined by the permanent ranking of positions in society in terms of unequal power, prestige or privilege. I think Mr. Prentice (father) just got to believe that this is the norm and everything should be the same from the racial perspective based on his life, and that is the patter that should be follow by his son. Dr. Prentice in the other side believes in social change even if this means going again social forces and wanting to be prepared for socialization changes. This may put him in to a new social category not based in wealth but based on interracial perspectives from the reluctant society about interracial marriage because it is considered secondary deviance. Love wins this battle against social stratification and social conflict at the end. Koi789
This movie overall was an extremely powerful and moving film that helped this generation see what society was like back when racism was a huge issue. This scene alone is a great example of racial stratification or in other words, stereotypes. Matt and John are having a discussion over how African American (colored people) can dance better or have better rhythm than whites do. Dr. John Prentice’s explanation is because of the trait of their ethnicity. They discuss their own cultures and how much different each of the two are. Later on, they go on to Mr. Matt Drayton expressing his feelings for them due to their differences in social structures between the two of them. Mr. Drayton was in culture shock because for him, this is not normal at all for two of different races to come together in intimacy. He is worried for what the future holds for them in the sense of social conflict. However, unlike race-conflict theory, Mr. John Prentice had the opportunity to get the education he needed at the time to become a doctor because of his parents. The race-conflict Theory is the approach of sociological perspective that looks at disparity and tension between people of different racial and ethnic groups. It is a way of viewing and studying people who focuses on racial inequality and conflict. But this is not what Joanna’s father is worried about. Based off of him being a doctor, he is not worried about Dr. Prentice supporting his daughter, but because of the issues they will have once people in their society realize they are together as a couple. In today’s society, it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. He also goes on to compare what it is like at that moment to back when Mr. Drayton was his age. His sports editor did not think that African Americans could ever play baseball. Which goes to show that society is changing. In a few more decades it is going to change even more but nobody knows if it is for the bad or for the good. Schmidt789
Personally, I did not catch the connection this clip of the movie made with the editor saying that a colored man would never become a baseball player. It just flew right over my head since I was not focused on that being the main topic being discussed in this part of the movie. However, I like seeing the comparison and seeing how overtime things did change. In less than one lifetime something that seemed impossible, a colored man playing baseball, happened. Recently we made another milestone with having the first colored President. So comparatively, from the movie to today we are making huge strides in the right direction in achieving social and racial equality in the United States. In smaller communities around the nation, yes, there are still issues; but as a whole country we are making efforts for equality in every way for everyone. Cassiopia789
So true this movie shows first hand what bi-racial couples had to deal with just to be with the person that they love. In Mr. Drayton's life he lived during segregation. John has seen how society has changed and will continue to change with each generation. In today's society no one would think twice if they seen a bi-racial couple. Mr. Drayton talks about a black baseball player but we recently just had our first black president. We still deal with racism everyday but as generation go on the more it fades. -Gander789
This short clip from the movie “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” starts off with the two men talking about which race has the best rhythm when it comes to dancing. There is a lot of prejudice and social stratification in this short clip, Mr. Drayton categorizes black people by a stereotype that black people can dance better than white kids. Dancing for black people is a cultural thing and it is a way they express themselves and their gratitude towards something. Both Mr. Drayton and Dr. Prentice had a superiority feeling when it came to the topic of dancing, also they were also bias about how each race danced compared to the other race. Dancing is a natural thing, it is either you were born with it or not, it is a talent and it takes skills to dance according to the rhythm. But when it comes to involving race and ethnicities it may cause social conflict among cultures even if it was meant in a joking way. Dr. Drayton wasn’t really worried about the dancing situation he was most worried about how the two would handle racism and negativity if they were to get married because interracial marriages weren’t popular during those years. How would they accept they racism, and if they did have kids how would their kids be treated. The idea of miscegenation did not bother Dr. Prentice at all, he might have been scared a bit but all it mattered was spending his life with someone he really loved. Also when they started talking about kids, it was more focused on social stratification, they had egotism because they were talking about high income payed jobs such as being president, secretary of state. Both men were important people, who were rich and were very well known by the public people. When you look at how they dressed, the house they lived in, it is all wealthy living. Dr. Drayton had maids to take care of the house, cook for them, and Dr. Prentice wrote a few books, was very well known among people and was smart as well. Social stratification is a way people are ranked and ordered in society/hierarchy base on wealth, income, and social status. Ria789
A good comment! What stood out to me is the concept of dancing being an ethnic trait of black culture, something that you pointed out. It is easy for people to lose sight of the difference between ethnicity and race at times, as they often overlap, but it is important to remember that neither leads to the other. The dancing part of the conversation seems to have lain the groundwork for the basis of the latter topic: the discrimination and other difficulties that Dr. Prentice’s children are believed to be destined for. What you pointed out is something that I think is very important to note in the scene: that Dr. Prentice was aware of, and fairly worried about his future, and the future of his children. Dr. Prentice is not so ignorant as to jump into this situation blindly, and the fact that he is aware of the difficulties that he may face adds value to him holding strong. -SoarSore789
I agree with you that prejudice and social stratification are throughout this short clip. I never thought of Mr. Drayton and John having a superiority feeling when discussing dance and rhythm, but it does make sense. Both of them where actively defending their race, almost like it was a competition. Mr. Drayton was very concerned as to how John and Joanna were going to handle the social bias that would be placed on their interracial marriage. He was also concerned as to how their future children treated by society. John expressed concern but he is more concerned with marrying the woman he loves no matter what the color of her skin is. John also feels that change is coming quickly and that interracial marriages will be accepted. Mr. Drayton feels that things might be changing rapidly in his back yard but not that fast in society. There definitely was discussion of the high status jobs such as president and secretary of state which is not realistic no matter what your race is.
Blog 2: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: Reducing Implicit Bias…..Thoughts? The clip between Mr. Drayton and John started with cultural differences. Culture is the ways of thinking, the ways of acting, and the material objects that together form a people’s way of life. Here is a perfect example of a stereotype, how people of color have more rhythm and white people. John pointed out to Mr. Drayton that people of color brought the music and the dance to this country, so of course they would have more rhythm. Culture shock is occurring as well; personal disorientation when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life. What makes sense in John’s culture is going to be different than in Joanna’s culture. Racial inequality was definitely prevalent in the example when Mr. Drayton stated that his editor for the newspaper told him that Negros would never be able to play baseball. I noticed prejudice when John and Mr. Drayton are discussing their future children. John tells Mr. Drayton that Joanna is very optimistic and thinks their children could be president of the United States. John would be happy with Secretary of State. You could tell by the look on Mr. Drayton’s face that either option where a shocking thought. Both John and Mr. Drayton agree that their children with face social biases due to the fact that they are bi-racial. Mr. Drayton is a lifelong liberal who has spent his life fighting against prejudice and discrimination. Even with that being said I think that Mr. Drayton is falling victim to what is called institutional prejudice and discrimination; bias built into the operation of society’s institutions, including schools, hospitals, the police and the workplace etc. It was defiantly evident that even through John had a great status of being a doctor unfortunately it wouldn’t matter as much as him still being a colored man. Both sets of parents are passing along what is called cultural transmission, which is the process where one generation passes culture to the next. The parents have their beliefs which are specific thought or ideas that they hold to be true. Even though Mr. Drayton is a lifelong liberal, he was still exposed to parent’s beliefs and the beliefs he developed throughout his life.
I love that. Cultural transmission. Every new generation learns culture from the one before. And as a wealthy, white, male Matt would have no choice but to pick up few overt tones of racism on his journey, because the people he was raised by and the culture he was exposed to still viewed black people as not only a minority, but people to be segregated and put down. Like many of us have to do today with new concepts, he had to unlearn problematic behavior that had already been programmed into his mind by the major Agents of Socialization, his family, his peers, and the media. Even the government, who says that it's illegal for black people to marry white people would have had an effect on his opinions and beliefs. Now he himself is an Agent of Socialization, the media, a newspaperman, and he's also a father, a family man, and a peer. He's also gaining influence from a man of the cloth, which counts as religion. Society is all around us, and it's thrilling to see which really impacted a man like Matt. He would discard his own wife's opinion, and his closest friend's, and the make or break input seems to really come from a complete stranger. Why? Perhaps because he's become so used to rebelling against the institutions around him that one that he wasn't familiar with is the only one that could get through to him. It's really interesting to think about. He's developed all his own beliefs and is stubbornly clinging to them because they are all his very own, all so radically different from those around him, or so he thought, and now he finds out that maybe he's become old, and is no longer quite as progressive as he thinks he is. It must come as quite a shock.
Throughout this clip we see a use of implicit bias. The first example we see of this is when Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton are discussing dancing and music. Mr. Drayton makes the stereotype that white kids don’t dance nearly as well as them colored kids. The use of race to create segregation based on if you are a good dancer or not is to me funny. However, Dr. Prentice does explain that the reason the colored kids can do the watusi better is because of their ethnicity. That white kids can do the watusi but colored kids are the watusi, meaning the kids of color grew up with this dance in their culture and were immersed in it. So, in this case the white kids, the kids who cannot dance, can be considered the minority. The scene continues on to move on to Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton discussing the issues the children may face due to the interracial marriage is not seen highly in this time. The children are of miscegenation, the biological reproduction by partners of different racial categories. When Mr. Drayton asks Dr. Prentice what his daughter thinks about the issues they will face he states that she believes that they will all grow up to be President of the United States. With that Mr. Drayton replies with verbal and nonverbal communication, he looks down in a disapproving manner and asks what Dr. Prentice’s feelings were about it. He replies that he feels Joanna is a bit optimistic and he would settle with just Secretary of State. To that he receives a contemplating look from Mr. Drayton and the question is asked “that no matter how confident you two are I’m just a little scared?” The question is loaded with fear from institutional prejudice and discrimination, Dr. Prentice calmly replies with the fact that times are changing. The change he is talking about is Pluralism, a state in which people of all races and ethnicity are distinct but have equal social standing. Cassiopia789
This clip from the movie “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” tackles many of the sociological problems that our country has faced since its founding: gender conflict, race conflict, class conflict, traditions, social norms, and the presentation of self to the ever-critical eye of the generalized other, or society in general.
This clip starts out with the two men talking about dancing and how “they” or the young dancers of color, seem to have an extraordinary sense of rhythm compared to the white dancers. In saying this, he stereotypes all the dancers as good or bad depending on the color of their skin while also showing his own implicit bias. Dr. Prentice rejects this, saying the reason the dancers are good is not because of the color of their skin, but that the music and dancing is part of their heritage. My view is that anyone can be good at dancing, they just have to find the right rhythm for them.
The men then transition quickly to sports and how, in his younger years, Mr. Drayton had an editor tell him that men of color would never play professional sports. This comment really stood out to me because the current stereotype is that more athletes are non-white than ever. Our biases are as strong as ever before, but change depending on the current social times.
Mr. Drayton quickly changes topics to the possible children that the young couple might have, and what problems they might face. John is realistic about the fact that the children will have problems, but they will have the children, otherwise it couldn’t be called a marriage. My question is why must they have children to validate their marriage? I suppose during the time period, not having children would be as much a mark of deviance as marrying someone from another race. The children would have an automatic ascribed status of being biracial, which might be looked down on within a eurocentric society that traditionally has a very narrow definition of personal beauty, as opposed to a multicultural society that sees the beauty in every person.
John makes a comment that really stuck out to me. He says, “You made her, Mr. Drayton, I just met her in hawaii.” This comment really sums up how much of an influence our parents have on each of us at micro and macro levels. They teach us the basic right-vs-wrong of the world, but also how to see everything in it, and it shapes our ways of thinking all through our lives. Joey has obviously been raised to believe that there is absolutely no difference between her and her fiance. Her father, though try as he might to fight for social justice and defeating inequality, has had bias instilled in him by his parents from a very early age and it stuck with him until the end of the movie, proving that one can overcome the biases we believe in the world, but at the cost of looking deep inside oneself and examining exactly why we have those biases and how to get rid of them. Minty789
I concur with your statement inquiring about anyone finding their rhythm and being able to dance. Both Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton both grew up learning a specific set of ways on how to think, act, and what types of occupations would be achievable to them based on their race. When they change the subject to contemplate the life of Dr. Prentice and Joanna’s future children would have, both men agree that the children will experience the cruel word in their own way, but they would then symbolize hope and equality for future marriages and children. Parents truly do have a tight grip on their children and their lives, even far into their adulthood and without them even realizing it. Although Dr. Prentice did not allow himself being born a colored man slow him down with achieving what he wanted out of life like his father did, he still has the passion and love that his parents do. Joanna Drayton grew up with two parents believing she could be and do anything and they would always support and love her and Joanna looks at the world in that same way by not seeing the differences in color. Although it took some time for them to accept Dr. Prentice and Joanna’s marriage, they saw how happy it made her and they learned how to accept it and became very proud parents. MelRich895
Implicit bias, or social cognition if you will, refers to the attitudes and stereotypes that impact our actions and understandings of certain situations. The interesting part about implicit bias in my opinion is that this all takes place in an unconscious manner. Implicit bias effects our decisions, how we act towards certain people or situations, the things we say and do and so much more without us even realizing it. We can see in this short clip that Matt Drayton, Joanna's father, is experiencing implicit bias towards the situation taking place between his daughter and John Prentice. I can see here that Mr. Drayton wants to be happy for his daughter, he does not want to be the one to have objections. However, he is looking at the bigger picture and wondering what life is going to be like for the young couple. Not only is interracial marriage illegal in seventeen states at this time, but individuals all over the country, about a hundred million as Mr. Drayton said, and probably the world, have very strong negative opinions on the subject. I feel that these outside factors are the main reason that Mr. Drayton has reservations on the matter rather than personal feelings. A couple weeks ago, for our blogs we were assigned to take some online surveys. Those surveys helped to reveal implicit biases that individuals have on certain situations. For example, I took a survey on race and from that survey, they were able to tell me whether or not I prefer one race over the other, between blacks or whites, and if so what my preference was. Although I am kind of skeptical of these surveys and the way they get their results, my results were that I have no preference for either and I feel that is accurate. Although implicit bias takes place in the unconscious mind, it can still play a rather big part in the way we see things and behave in certain situations. These kinds of surveys can be very useful in helping us as individuals recognize what biases we have, and using that information to act more fairly in the future.White789
It is common for parents to let their children know when growing up and when learning how to navigate the real world, that they would always support any decision their child would make because they know they will end up doing phenomenal things. Joanna’s father, Matt Drayton, had inquired about Dr. John Prentice’s thoughts on their future children’s lives and how they would cope with the cultural lag that they would one-day experience because their family would be going against societies values and norms. Dr. Prentice responded by saying that he had thought about the prejudicial judgements and the many generalized stereotypes their future children would face due to being the offspring of parents involved in miscegenation. Joanna Drayton of course believes that their children will grow up to be the president of the United States, while Dr. Prentice would settle for Secretary of State. Their ideas of the future show the differences of how they were raised and what environment they were raised in based on what type of income their parents had made and also the amount of wealth within their family. Dr. Prentice’s father, Mr. Prentice, worked as a mail man assumingly making enough to cover their everyday needs, while Mr. Drayton was a successful and very liberal newspaper publisher and Mrs. Drayton is an art gallery owner, allowing their family to be considered upper-class with both parents in the work force. Although Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton may have similar ethnicities, there are some differences. Matt Drayton seems to experience some culture shock by witnessing the way some African American people were dancing and believes that Caucasian people cannot dance or has as much rhythm like they have. Which led them to the topic of even race has a hand in influencing their occupation, to where Mr. Drayton would not and or could not be a dog catcher and in turn would be the same for Dr. Prentice if he had the desire to be mayor. The fact that Dr. Prentice had become a doctor and had achieved that kind of white-collar job was almost deviant. Not many African American men were able to acquire that kind of role and it was very much against societies norm in the late 1900’s. This movie and this couple experiencing this type of role strain, most positively inspired people to start having hope that there was change coming, and the good kind of change for that matter. Something they could look forward to and to finally see that one day it would be possible to be with their significant other with no fear and little to no judgement. MelRich895
My father is a lifelong fighting liberal who loathes racism and fights against discrimination. My parents will welcome you with open arms. That’s what Joanna told John. He said I’m excited to meet them. The response John received was not what he expected he wasn’t welcomed with open arms. The lady at the Gallery was flabbergasted when Joanna introduced John while looking for her mother. When they arrived to her parents she introduced John to Tilly with them being the same race I would have thought she would have been the most accepting. Tilly was outraged and took it as a cultural shock. No one of her race should act like they are higher than they are. When Christina gets home and meets John she was not as excepting as he daughter would have thought and all she can say oh your father will be home soon. She was being bias at first but then realized how much her daughter loved him and how they did not raise Joanna to be racist or discriminate. She taught her daughter to not judge a book by its cover you have to read it first. While Mr. Drayton and John are talking just laughing and talking about dancing. Mr. Drayton says is it OK no matter how confident you two are I’m still worried. He’s worried about what they will face. How will his grandchildren survive in a racist and discriminating world? John assures Matt that they will have some problems but they will deal with them. John says the world is always changing and people will adapt to the cultural shock. I will become a cultural norm. Again John is not seeing his children as colored children as he does not see himself as a colored man just a man. Mr. Drayton doesn’t see it like that because he grew up in a more segregation generation. He can’t believe what’s happening in the world let alone it’s starting in his back yard. –Gander789
Culture is a start to this video. But, first you’ll notice there’s a black man talking with a white man about dancing and how they are both Bias about the dancing rhythm each know to their own. But, both men share the same Social status when it comes to the dancing. Although their type of dancing is different if Society is looking at it, the difference in the dancing is a Material Culture in the societies. Culture explains the ways of thinking, the ways of acting and the material objects that together form a people’s way of life. Culture played throughout this entire video as it showed how people think, act, and what they own. John was open to the father about Nonmaterial culture which is the ideas created by members of society. Although society does not agree with the color difference in the couples, he was open to Progress which is a value of culture and he believed that the present is better than the past and if that meant changing people's beliefs as a society he was going to make an example out of the relationship and take the risk. John and her family were well aware of the Social-interactions by which people will act and react to their relationship and how the family relationship with others would be affected with Social mobility. Norms came into play when John and the father speak on their future. How there are rules and expectations by which a society guides behavior of its members and speaking on that the father questioned if John has ever thought about the future. John simply explained yes and that he would acknowledge and listen to people but he had a goal to change people's ways of thinking slowly. John proceeded to say he has thought about them and he acknowledged that he knows they will have some but he believes the Values could change over time. Although the future look on the two is a Culture Shock for many just like it was when the two introduced each other to their family members, they would have to slowly introduce themselves as a couple to the community and accept what others have to say about them even if it's positive or negative. Folkways would eventually override this situation as it would become a norm over time and people accept it. John and her father talked about Discrimination. John said that he only wanted to meet the parents so soon because she stated that her mom and dad were so accepting and that her dad was a strong believer and has always been against discrimination, that her parents were not Prejudice, and would welcome him with open arms. unknownzeeha789
This scene in Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner was powerful in that Mr. Drayton was faced with the conflict at hand in the film. His liberal views are quickly challenged once the racial issue is made personal by his daughter. I find this interaction between John and Mr. Drayton to be very intense. Mr. Drayton is challenged at the core of his being. Are his liberal views just a facade to seem like a good guy? Or is he genuine in his views? It is clear that John feels for him, and understands why he may be weary of their relationship. I’m certain that in the 60’s it was not uncommon for everyone to have a strong implicit bias on race. Obviously implicit bias’ are pervasive, but as social situations are more prominent, so is one’s bias. This feeling of uncertainty within Mr. Drayton doesn’t necessarily align with his implicit bias, which causes him to essentially go crazy throughout the rest of the day. He doesn’t know how to feel! Of course, he favors his own ingroup, but wants to make John feel comfortable and his daughter happy, which only conflicts him more. His implicit bias seems to be deeply rooted in how society was during that time, and it is going to take a lot for him to break out of that. Implicit biases are barriers to growth and opportunity. This barrier almost caused a beautiful relationship to die out. Luckily at the end of it all Drayton pulled out of his deep implicit bias by being challenged personally by John’s mother. Racial implicit bias is still rooted very deeply in American culture, and unfortunately Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner is still relevant in the sociological situations it presents, despite the US law progressing. It will take a long time to overcome these bias’s and see all humans as equal, despite the color of their skin. John and Mr. Drayton are two very smart people, who were faced with an intense situation despite it appearing like a calm one. QuinkThick789
Two lines in this were very powerful for me. 'We are the watusi', and 'Well, you made her.' The first immediately brought to mind the hot topic of cultural appropriation. Matt thought the young black dancers were just better than their white counterparts, but the truth was that they were merely dancing to music tailor made for and by them, with roots all the way back to their ancestors. Yet when I do a google search to figure out how on earth to spell 'Watusi' My image search turns up about one (1) actual black person doing the dance itself. At the time this film was made, Martin Luther King and other revolutionaries were still fighting against segregation and Jim Crow laws, but let's be honest, the struggle of any person who wasn't at the very least beige passing was very real in good ole America. Still is. John even makes a passing joke later on in the film about industrial racism, saying that he thought half the reason he got where he was may be because of people's hesitation to be perceived as racist. Indeed, John's intragenerational social mobility is amazing, considering his background in a low-income family with much lower social mobility. He has taken advantage of the meritocratic aspects of America's class system. It is part of what makes it so hard for Matt to object to anything about him but his race. He has Occupational prestige as a credible doctor, his morals and ethics line up with that of the Drayton family, and most importantly- Joanna is completely gone over him. Joanna, which is a pivotal point that both men seem to get stuck on. That is the other quote that resonated soundly with me. 'You made her.' Matt and Christine discussed it themselves, that they raised their daughter a certain way, to treat people as people, regardless of skin color. Now though, Matt is caught up in role strain. Father vs. Liberal. As a father, he wants nothing more to protect his daughter from the discrimination she and his future grandchildren would undoubtedly face. He believes firmly that the only way to do this is to prevent her from reproducing with someone from another race- or miscegenation. On the flipside, his entire life he has held a strong belief that Black men and women were completely and totally equal in every way to white men and women, and to say that a black man couldn't wed his daughter would be to say that a black man was unacceptable to him. He has never before seen himself as bigoted, never confronted his own implicit bias. The fact is, John is seeing this not only from a prejudiced perspective, or a paternal one, but also a man's justice perspective. According to Gilligan's claims, men in particular rely on a formal set of rules to define right and wrong. In Matt's era, there were still many states where the love between Joanna and John would not only be frowned upon, it would be outright criminal. Until now, Matt has lived a life of conformity, accepting both the conventional cultural goals and the means to obtain them. John and Joanna sweeping into his life with lovestruck eyes that smack of deviance unsettles him and puts him into a sort of shock. He not only has to become introspective about exactly how deep rooted his assumptions about race are, and how he himself is effecting others, like his daughter and his daughters friends. He is, after all, one of the great Agents of Socialization, the media, working in newspaper. At the core of Matt Drayton, and even at the core of John Prentice, lies one person. Joanna, and their mutual (though in my opinion unwarranted) concern for her and whatever children she and John may have. Matt especially fears the stigma that biracial children will face, that his daughter, and John, and their entire family will face. John too, has obviously weighed that possibility and found himself willing to take it on in the name of love, which I find not only courageous, but necessary.
This clip starts off with Mr. Dayton and Mr. Prentice talking about dancing. Mr. Dayton says how he feels the colored kids dance better than the white ones because they don’t have much rhythm, Mr. Prentice goes on to say that of course the colored kids do it better it originated from them they introduced the white kids to it. I feel that what they were saying was a stereotype and it’s also an example of social stratification, both men were being bias. The statement of black kids dancing better than the white ones or having more rhythm then them is false. I feel that it is false because I am black, and I know for sure that I can’t dance to safe my life or have any type of rhythm. They then go on to talk about a time Mr. Drayton was told by an editor that negros will never be able to play baseball. In that period it wasn’t normal for black people to be in any type of sporting league. One of the main things Mr. Dayton was worried about was the cultural lag that their future children might face being bi-racial because in that time period some states did not allow interracial marriage. Mr. Dayton and his wife raised Joey to see all people equally and to not to discriminate a person because the color of their skin, so they have a big part in her socialization. John feels that Joey is being optimistic when she says she wants her future children to be the president of the United States while he would just settle with them being secretary of state. As the years go by people will start to deal with the cultural shock of the two being married because the times were starting to change so it is likely that more interracial couples would be doing the same as them. Crown789
I am glad you put an example of yourself in this comment. I feel like that helps show that the stereotype is incorrect. I totally agree that in the movie the parents had a lot to do with the reason Joey fell in love with a colored man. They did raise her to view everyone as equals. So, the shock that came to them should have been unfounded. I like that eventually they did see eye to eye with that situation and at the end they did get approval at least from Joey’s parents. I wasn’t aware that in that time black people were so segregated from social parties like sports. Of course, I did know that there hadn’t been any black presidents. It still seems crazy to me how far our society has come as far as segregation. - Slimjim789
I like what you had to say about not being able to dance as a colored person, I am white and the stereotype is true for me, I have no sense of rhythm whatsoever and has always been really awkward for me. Being able to make comparisons like this though makes it a lot easier to debunk the stereotypes. I also agree that how Joey's parents raised her is the reason she turned out the way she did, seeing no difference when she looks at John and thinking nothing abnormal about their situation. I say this because I feel that while raising her, although there was segregation and they themselves had their own reservations about the matter, they did not raise Joey to be racist or hateful to people of color, or anyone for that matter. I feel like the world around her also made an impact on how she saw things. I was not alive during that time but I have a feeling that if I had to see the segregation and the wrongful treatment firsthand of those who do not deserve it, I would want to be different and make changes to that kind of world as well.
I like what you had to say about not being able to dance as a colored person, I am white and the stereotype is true for me, I have no sense of rhythm whatsoever and has always been really awkward for me. Being able to make comparisons like this though makes it a lot easier to debunk the stereotypes. I also agree that how Joey's parents raised her is the reason she turned out the way she did, seeing no difference when she looks at John and thinking nothing abnormal about their situation. I say this because I feel that while raising her, although there was segregation and they themselves had their own reservations about the matter, they did not raise Joey to be racist or hateful to people of color, or anyone for that matter. I feel like the world around her also made an impact on how she saw things. I was not alive during that time but I have a feeling that if I had to see the segregation and the wrongful treatment firsthand of those who do not deserve it, I would want to be different and make changes to that kind of world as well.White789
I disagree slightly from what you said. I believe there is a basis of truth to what Prentice said in the clip, although it was stereotypical. The fact that the kids were black and thus better at dancing was Drayton’s belief. John Prentice tells them that black people have no special sense of rhythm because of their race, but because it’s a part of the culture they brought over to America, which is a part of their ethnicity. The twenty first century has different cultural norms than in the 1950s for all races. The issue with that is that black people then had more cultural ties to their past culture, where the assimilation to American values wasn’t so readily apparent. Black people were segregated for quite a while; in 1954 segregation was finally illegal. Discrimination was higher than it is today, and today colored people can mix with whites, and go wherever! But in the time, blacks go to only-blacks schools and etc. You may not have rhythm, but in the time shown, black people were more close to their ancestry and history as slaves, while we hardly think of those subjects outside of school. Papyrus789
The implicit biases in this video are about race and what is going to happen with the kids of the interracial couple. In the video the father is trying to work out the fact that the doctor and his wife’s kids are going to have a hard time in life. The implicit bias comes into play when he assumes that his daughter is crazy because she her kids will have a chance at becoming president because they are black, and at the time that is very unlikely. However, it is implicit because it came to the father without thinking, he just assumed that since the kids are black they will not become president. Instead of thinking about the future, if given more thought the father might actually have believed it because times are changing and racial prejudices are diminishing even at the time of the movie. Racial stereotypes and implicit biases are very similar. Another point in the clip was made when the father stereotyped the “colored kids” as the better dancers, even though he was not aware that the dances they were performing were created by their culture. The doctor had to explain that they are good because they basically invented those moves and that's why they are so good. One more point in the clip that puts the wrap on implicit bias is when the father talks about having to make a decision about the marriage so quickly is unfair. He thinks it is unfair that he has to decide the fate of his daughter and soon to be black husband in one night, even though it took him half a second to quickly stereotype the kids dancing, or to let implicit bias tell him that their kids will have a rough life. This is why it is important to reduce the amount of implicit bias that people use, because it can cloud the view of the bigger picture and wrongfully stereotype people. Navajo789
The clip that is shown is a conversation between Dr. John and Mr. Drayton. During the conversation there is a great deal of stereotypes and implicit bias on both sides of the conversation. It starts off with the two man talking about kids dancing on TV. The Dr says that it’s the colored kid’s music and they are naturally better at it because it is there music, they brought it here. This shows that he is very much aware of the cultural differences between white kids and black kids. They are better at the dancing because they were raised being exposed to it all their life. This is could also be classified as a stereotype. They then talk about how a black man could be elected as mayor of San Francisco but he couldn’t be elected as dog catcher. This is due to his socioeconomic status in that he is a wealthy, powerful white man and that he would not want to do that job. The same can be said for the black baseball player not wanting to be elected mayor. Both of these examples show just how social stratification happened back then. The conversation then takes a more serious turn with Drayton expressing concerns over how hard of a life the children will have because he knows, and allegedly fights against, rampant discrimination and prejudice in the country. Dr. John knows that his kids will face adversity but with the example set by him and Joanna, will help change minds of the cohort of people living at the time. The Dr. even makes a joke that he feels that Joanna is overly optimistic. He knows that hard times are coming for them and their children no matter what social status he has worked hard to achieve. Back then people, even his own father, still doesn’t respect the fact that he was worked his way to upper class and an achieved status. Next they talk about how accepting Joanna’s parents will be of the idea of them getting married. She told the Dr that her father has spent his life battling racism and discrimination, which you can tell that the Dr was very skeptical of exactly how accepting a multicultural family her father would be. You can even see in Drayton’s mannerisms that he knows that he should be okay with it, but since it is happening to his daughter, he is hesitant to accept it and might even be a bit embarrassed in how he has acted. -pmed789
One thing that really stood out to me was prejudice, when the dr talked about how the daughter wanted their kids to be the president the father looks at him like he is crazy, the father already has these stereotypes on what could possibly be his future grandkids that he already thinks of them lesser because of what their race would be. He looks at him like they would have no chance to become that. By that father acting like that it really shows the racial inequality, he acts like a colored man has absolutely no chance against a white man. The video also showed that just because you are a different race you have more in common than you think. I think it was interesting to see how the father could be considered racist at first and not open to racial equality where his daughter who was raised by him is not like that, she looks at everyone like they are all the same, because we are. It was also interesting how he explained the dancing scenario, it was there culture so of course they were going to be good at it. EPIC789
Implicit bias is the prejudice and stereotype to the people in same category in unconsciously while explicit bias is the same but in consciously. In my opinion, Dr. Drayton had both of these biases. As the father, he known John is a good delegate for husband role (John is a doctor, polite, mature, and true love) but not for his daughter because of Johns' skin color. The racism is unconsciously controlling of his mind and fighting hard with his opposite feeling (support the marriage couple). Dr. Drayton's mind is also very clear about his attitude toward African American because he lived in the discrimination and segregation period in United State history. In their conversation, Dr. Drayton said the black people dance very well on the TV, and the negro never can play baseball. These statements are obviously stereotype to black people. And then he turned back to marriage topic, the mood just drops quickly. He blamed John that they are making decision too quick and gave him too little time. But John said it's not him, it is his daughter. His daughter believed Dr. Drayton will accept this marriage right away because in her eyes, Dr. Drayton is hero for against discrimination. This is irony because Dr. Drayton turn out not welcome John and unhappy for their marriage while Dr. Drayton was not expected what his teach Joanna about colorblindness now turn around and bite him. Another irony is that although Dr. Drayton is a smart, logical, wealthy, and upper-class man who realized the inequality and dehumanized in what Karl Marx referred as the race-conflict society and fight against this injustice system, can't overcome the news of his daughter marriage to the black men. No different to the nobles who against slavery but has slavery at their home. More meaningful is that both people of the couple are minorities and they be together to against this majority rule world. Another thing here is that Dr. Drayton also worried the couple children's future because they will be the miscegenation kids. It will be hard for his grandchildren to survive in this institutional prejudice and discrimination country. They can become the deviance and isolate to either races. This worriedness and the conflict between racism and father role contributed to his angry mood throughout the movie. Zero789
1. In this video John Prentis sat down and had a heart to heart conversation with Matt Drayton, Joey’s father. They both talk about many of things. For example, Mr. Drayton was commenting on how Caucasians dance compared to African Americans. John then explained that “you may do the ytutcie, but we are the ytutcie.” As they continued to laugh and talk about the differences between each other. Mr. Drayton then asked the number one question that has been bothering his mind since the moment he met John, “Do you know what kind of life your kids will have in the future?” Mr. Drayton main purpose of this whole conversation was to make Jong understand the after affects it may bring by getting married to a Caucasian woman. But John fully understood what he was getting himself into and how badly it will affect his wife and children. John understands that it won’t be easy for him and Joey let along their kids even know that it won’t be hard they both still believe that their children will grow up and be presidents of the United States. Joey’s Mother Mrs. Drayton is fully on board with them getting married but also skeptical of them continuing this journey in the future because she believes that John and Joey may end up hurt or worse. Earlier in the movie John spoke to Mr. & Mrs. Drayton and stated that he is well locked in on continuing the relationship with Joey and possibly get married but then stated that he won’t continue the relationship if they disagree with their relationship. Because he once the parent’s decision to be absolutely fair and from the heart because he also doesn’t want the family to have a bad impression on him. From this video I liked how that John and Mr. Drayton found some of their cultures alike and was able to form a small connection between the two and by forming that little bond between each other will make a huge of a difference when considering his final decision about John and Joey. However, back then any slight of positive relationship between African Americans and Caucasians was a big deal because back then was when slavery had just ended.-NIKE789
In this little video, you can see how one man reduces the other’s implicit bias on black people. In the beginning of the video, the old man says that he’d always thought that the colored kids were better at dancing than the non-colored kids when John Prentice tells them that black people have no special sense of rhythm because of their race, but because it’s a part of the culture they brought over to America, which is a part of their ethnicity. Here the old man (Matt Drayton) shows the stereotypes he believed in that affected his understanding of people with darker skin. This very much reduced his implicit bias, or prejudice that was positive in this case. Drayton then recalls when his sport editor told him how negroes would never be able to play baseball. This shows that Drayton has lived through the times where different races were segregated, and had greater amounts of discrimination. But now a black baseball player can run for mayor, and Drayton jokes that he wouldn’t even be able to be elected dog catcher. Prentice says that the baseball player wouldn’t want to be mayor like Drayton wouldn’t want to be dogcatcher; showing their similarities in how they both just want the social mobility to be able to be in whatever position they want based on their individual skills with less of a focus on their ascribed statuses. Drayton then opens up, asking if Prentice has thought about how they’re children are going to be treated, and that despite their confidence in their futures, he’s still quite a little scared about the social stratification that’ll come about from miscegenation in a society that has a lot of racism, and how his daughter will most likely be hurt by it. By the end he asks Prentice if he thinks that giving them so little time to make a decision regarding this matter, in which Prentice replies with Joanna’s impression of her parents as heroic liberals who stand against racism and consider the races equal. In doing this, Prentice is forcing Drayton to confront the image that Joey has of him, and his own implicit bias that he wasn’t aware of before. I believe that’s the real goal of the quick decision/choice that was to be made. Especially considering that Prentice is a character that purposefully goes against the ethnic stereotypes that created the social distance that Drayton felt about black people. Here, he can either live up to Joey’s role expectations from his status as her father, or go against this marriage and hurt Joanna deeply because of his implicit biases. Drayton’s role strain is a result of his wanting to protect his daughter from the pain of prejudice, but is experiencing the pressure of letting her be happy as an adult woman. Papyrus789
I can see the Charisma in mister prentice about the way that he responded to his potential father in law about why black African American kids and black people in general are better dancers because it is their dance and it is their music and in fact they brought it here. His potential father in law also mentioned that when he was Dr. Prentice’s age he remember his sports senator saying that Negros will not be able play baseball. This is a clear example of conformity that has created a conflict about what he thinks African American people can do or can not do.
Dr. Prentice’s soon to be father in law then deviate the conversation by stating that they have talked about many good things, but there is one thing they haven’t talked about and asked to Dr. Prentice; have you ever talked about the kind of problems that their kids are going to have? As clear example of content of socialization Dr. Prentice responded that yes their kids will have some problems and that he will have the kids anyway because what is a marriage without children. Then his father in law ask if that is the way his daughter feels about it. To what Dr. prentice responded that she feels that everyone of their children should president of the United Stated and will have colorful administrations being this response a perfect example of cultural change as a dependent variable. The soon to be father in law responded that doesn't matter how confident the two of them are about it he is just a little scared about it and I think this is a prefect example of differentiation, rank due to the discrimination culture about this particular cases or circumstances due to culture lag that open up to all kind of biases. Koi789
The dad in this clip was very upfront about his fears of his daughter marrying a black man in 1967. Something that he definetlty considered before trying to marry his daughter. Scociogiaclly speaking I think “joey” was a little unaware of what would be lying ahead for the two of them. The racist, bigotry and plain old hate would haunt them until the day they left this earth would be something that would make or break them. Joeys dad also felt that black kids could dance better than the white kids and john said basically that white folks can do the dances but black people are the dances signifying that black people are the originators of rhythm. It’s crazy how john basically predicted that there would be a man of color in office one day. Definitely back then that was a comical thought and wasn’t even considered to be a topic of discussion. John also brought up the fact that her dad was a life long libertarian who fought for equal rights for all people and wouldn’t be phased by the fact that he was a black doctor and a decorated one at that. The thought that a black an could be a doctor, baseball player etc. wasn’t considered common at all. John also felt as if he should have known his daughter better than he did because he “made her”. Times where changed for joey’s dad but he felt they were only doing so as far as his backyard. John wanted to meet Joeys father once she told him it wouldn’t be a problem but john still wanted to seek both parent’s approval so he wouldn’t have to deal with any other issues. It was very clear that it was important to him that they approved they’re marriage because they didn’t have much time to make a decision. Since then interracial marriages are so common that most people don’t really think about all the things that john and joey had to because of it being SO common. Thankfully, we don’t have to be as careful if a person choose to marry outside they’re race. -collegekid789-
It is interesting that back then the idea of a black man in office was a comical thought. We have definitely progressed since then! Even the fact that African Americans wouldn't play baseball or be doctors was not common. I appreciate your insight into this, since i typically have a dismal view on the way our society has progressed. We truly don't think of the commonalities of today's society and how lucky we are to be where we are! I feel like it would not be an issue to marry anyone outside of my race, or even to marry someone outside my race and of the same gender. I'm glad we have progressed in 50 years! QuinkThick789
The dialogue began with the newspaper publisher discrediting the way white people dance comparing it to that of black people, going on further to say black people are better at dancing. A stereotype indeed, and while it was all over the television at the time, the doctor counteracted his thought process by vocally expressing that although dance originated within the African American culture, while admitting it is “our music and dance” he felt as though everyone could do the wa-tootsie dance. The implicit bias here is very obvious. Truth is everyone can dance, the difference lie with its origin and like everything else dancing too has evolved. As the two men continued their conversation about The National Baseball League and how it compared to their current job titles, the conversation made a swift shift to an even more important topic about miscegenation. “Had you given any thought to how this would affect your children”, he asked. The doctors’ immediate response was, yes, I have! Due to the publisher’s own admittance of cultural lag in regards to the subject, the couple had already deviated against social norms by dating one another. With a more realistic approach on life, Mr. Prentice looked at things on a broader spectrum, perhaps being a part of the, then younger generation allowed him to adapt to change as it is a lot more excepting amongst younger individuals as is the older population. Becoming Secretary of State is a prestigious job but being POTUS is even better, Joanna felt this way about her future offspring with an optimistic attitude, even going on to say they would have a “colorful administration” affirming how strong she felt in her decision to marry the doctor and just how much things had changed culturally. As a mother myself we always hope for the best for our children well before they are born and throughout their lives. If they were to have any children, the ascription of their race may have affected them due to how things were during that time. However, the status that both families held would have otherwise, given the children an upper hand on better education and a chance at the “American Dream.” When a person is born into money, they are more likely to associate with others’ of the same social status, which has lead me to ask this question, if his job was blue collared would the Drayton family or Joanna still be in agreeance with them dating? There were sixteen states with anti-miscegenation laws in place, including California where this film took place. It was not until 1967(the year the film was made) that The United States Supreme Court ruled such laws unconstitutional via the Loving vs Virginia case. mummyoftwo789
To begin with the video did start with John talking about his culture and patterns and how people maybe dance like then, but they are the culture. Just goes to show there are so many different cultures that bring so much to this country. Mr. Dayton brought up the social and racial problems that their family will have in the future. John mentioned that things were changing in the world and at the time back in the 1960 people did not believe that things would be like they are today in 2017. Joanna’s father did show bigotry and bias in this clip he was assuming their future would fail and that their quick decision was unfair. It made me think how Joanna believed that their kids would be president on day and it makes you think if they did choose to have kids all the institutional prejudice they would receive at school, I can only imagine what it would be like to be a child in the 60’s with all the racial segregation. When watched this movie in class I kept thinking that Joanna was so delusional she acted like everything would be okay even though it was a tough time for African Americans in the 1960’s. This specific scene in the movie you can see the pluralism Dr. John and Mr. Drayton were both clearly different but were both socially equal. They were both well-known respected men of the same social standing. if this movie was based in modern times it would be completely different because now biracial couples are a common thing in our society. VCT789
Within this clip, you see Drayton and John are having a culture discussion about dancing. Both men have a different view point when it comes to dancing, or their bias to each other view point. But, within the discussion you can see they do share the same social status when it comes to dancing. Drayton says “ colored kids dance better” and John added onto it by saying “It’s our dancing and our music” referring to the culture of black people. Culture explains the ways of thinking, the ways of acting and the material that form a peoples way of life, in this clip is dancing. John seemed a lot open to hearing Drayton’s view about the non-material culture when it comes to society. The discussion does begin to go to a more serious route, when it comes to the how society will reaction towards this marriage. John knowing that society wouldn’t be so welcoming towards this union, because it wasn’t the norm in this time period. Within his thoughts, he believed that the way things were done in the past, isn’t the same way in the future. He knows the risks of this union and knowing it clearly would affect the social mobility, based by the reaction of the both families. The daughter seemed to be very neglectful of the social-interactions that she would face compared to John and the parents. John and the Father did seem to agree on this factor of the discussion. Even though, it’s not a rule or law that they shouldn’t be together or married…society would have a big issue with it, because it doesn’t follow societies guides or behavior. But, even with knowing the culture lag they will face, Johns values on the matter are very strong and he believes they still have a chance and impact the world over time. This will be considered a culture shock to everyone who sees them, members of society would react the same way the parents did. John would slowly enter into communities and would hope to be accepted by others, even though the react may not always be a good one. The talk told a slight turn when it comes to how Drayton decided to raise his daughter. She was taught to believe that her father would accept John regardless of race or ethnicity based of the work her father has done to fight injustice within his community. OMiE789
Prejudice is noticed here. The man states that his soon to be wife wishes that all their children would be the next presidents of the united states and he says he would settle for secretary of state. The father then gives him a look of dissatisfaction as though that could never happen. A person of color being a secretary of state or the president of the united states. This could maybe be interpreted as a form of racism too, however, if you have watched the entire movie I do not think that either party is racist. But both men are worried about miscegenation and the issues the couple’s children will have in the future. They also talk about how colored people can dance better than white people. The man agrees and says that the color people are who brought the dance to them the white man might be able to do the dance, but the colored people are the dance. This is a stereotype I believe saying colored people can dance better than white people. There is bias here. Although no discrimination is present in this clip I feel like the culture theory is present. They talk about many things, but it still comes down to the colored people not being good enough to be at a high-ranking authority because of the culture each grew up in. This could be because of institutional prejudice and discrimination. The time and place of this clip shows that pluralism is coming into play. Things are starting to become equal between the two races. The man is a doctor and the father is a journalist. Both have an authority roll and both are paid well. Reducing the biased opinions between the men would take years due to their culture and the society they grew up in. Before interracial marriage was accepted there was segregation between the people. Now that this is no more the beliefs of society need to be diminished into a more equally standing society or even egalitarianism should be established. Presently we have that, but think of all the things that we had to go through to accomplish egalitarianism. Even now it is not a 100% completed concept.
ReplyDelete-Slimjim789
I also noticed that both men were very highly recognized and important men. I wonder if Dr. Prentice wasn’t so highly esteemed if the acceptance level would have been different? Or, in comparison if the Draytons weren’t as powerful as they were, would the pair have matched? Both of them met in Hawaii, which probably would not have been as accessible to a lower-income family in the first place. It definitely makes you think. The divide between races in the country was getting smaller, but not the divide in class—that was very prevalent.
DeleteI also agree that their bias is implicit bias and that there was no malicious intent from either party. Now, we are much more subtle and do not say some of the words that were normal to use back then, so it seems as though they are racist when in reality that was the normal vocab and ways of thinking. Catzfuhdays789
I also saw some prejudice going on, especially when he said he would settle for them to be secretary of state, I also interpreted it as a form of racism as well. There was definitely a stereotype going on about the colored people dancing better than the white people and also like you said a little bias going on. I was wondering the same thing if the two people would have even met and been attracted to each other if one did not have the money since the girl comes from a family with money and he has a good paying job. Epic789
DeletePrejudice antics were more prevelant then racist remarks throughout the movie. This was a great film in that it showcased the idea that true love has no color. One can’t help who they fall in love with, society has just made it that much harder. Because not only do you have to consider your feelings you now have to wonder how others will perceive your relationship and how it will affect your offspring as time go on and things continue to evolve. It adds more pressure, unnecessary stress, and encourages prejudice/racist thoughts amongst people. In the end I am happy to know that everyone was open minded enough to at least hear one another out and go against social norms at the time.
Deletemummyoftwo789
I agree with you stating they both had some form or authority he was a well-known doctor and Joanna’s father was also a well know guy in their community. Joanna’s father showed a lot of bias to what their children would be like some day. She seems to have very high hoped for her children but really at the time they had no idea on how laws would change with biracial couples vct789+
DeleteThis scene powerfully illustrates the tides of social change in the twilight years after the end of racial stratification, and as the ensuing social segregation fades, the forming of a period of relative equality; a period that is alluded to, as the cultural lag, incarnated in the cohort of the previous generation, is highlighted and contrasted with the new generation. The conversation between these two men begins on topics of culture, starting with the topic of a dance. It is stated by Matt Drayton that the dance is done best by “people of color”, to the explanation of Dr. Prentice that it because of the dance’s status as a trait of African ethnicity, not race. The conversation proceeds to the topic of African-American baseball players, an example of the black minority taking part in assimilation into the largely Eurocentric American culture of the time.
ReplyDeleteBefore long, the topic becomes more serious, as the conversation shifts back to the marriage. The vocal fear of the father is the discrimination and alienation that he believes that his grandchildren will face in society. Dr. Prentice voices his understanding that Joanna has complete faith in the future of their children, seeming to lack the awareness of the deviance of their relationship, and how that would apply an ascribed status, one that could even be considered a master status, to their children. Despite the awareness that Dr. Prentice displays towards the concerns of the present, he remains optimistic about the rising tide of social change, and asserts his belief in its ability to change what their future holds.
The conversation, as a whole, bleeds with messages about discrimination and social segregation, whilst providing commentary on the state of these affairs at the time. The conversation features the contrasting points of view of optimism pointing towards potential pluralism, and pessimism pointing towards continued prejudice of interracial couples and their children. It’s important to notice Joanna’s lack of inherent bias, and see how the way she was socialized by her “Life-long fighting liberal” father who “loathes racial prejudice” to be in such a different state of mind; it seems to be a rather powerful case of an intentional subversion of cultural transmission. In any case, the reduction of inherent bias often stems from such subversion.
-SoarSore789
Thank you for your explanation about their conversation. They gave me the different understanding. Throught out their conversation, many prejudice presented in Dr. Draytons’ speech the one you point out is “African American dance very well”. It just like today, when people said white men can’t dance or “basketball only for black people”. I thought Dr. Drayton had no intend to hurt Dr. Prentice, maybe it just the simple compliment for African Amricen, maybe something to light up the mood, or random topic for the conversation moving on. Like what you said, at that period. United State is evolutioning and changing. The racism is more way serious and severe compare to today. That is also why Dr. Drayton had a difdicult time to make his decision and took a long time to organize his thought. Beside, I also like the way you said that the conversation bleed when talk about marriage with discrimination and prejudice. Their conversation just from casually to solemly. In Dr. Draytons' eyes -the man spend his whole life to fight for discrimimation- the childrens of his own daughter and the black guy are the problem.
DeleteZero789
2. To begin, the video starts off with a talk of dance and culture. Culture is a way of life and a human trait. The doctor explains that dance was a part of African American culture and that they brought it here and assimilated. We simply adopted these cultural patterns and attempt to recreate it, while they lived it.
ReplyDeleteThen, the video shifts to talk about marriage, children, and problems associated with both. Around the time the movie was released, interracial marriage was not as common as it is today. In fact, it was not even legal until two years before the release, in 1967. So, while Mr. Drayton is working to overcome racial prejudices and working towards social change, he may have implicit bias that is understandable around that time period. Culture theory claims that prejudices are learned through culture. Mr. Drayton’s culture taught him to feel a greater social distance from American Americans. In the time the movie came out there was a cultural lag, in that laws were changing for greater equality, but there was still a lot of prejudice socially. Biases are also learned through socialization processes. For example, my family, the primary agent of socialization, was extremely prejudiced against African Americans. Although I wanted to become the opposite, I still scored that I favor white skin in the implicit bias test. The mass media in that time also was a factor. Most of the shows and acts were done by white people, unlike today where there are more diverse displays. Also in the 1960s, people were more likely to hang around people of their own skin color. These peer groups are another agent of socialization that influences implicit bias. Who you hang around and distance yourself from generates a sense of belonging and not belonging internally. So, I think Mr. Drayton really does consider himself to be impartial to race and in most ways he is, but he has an implicit bias and is set in his ways. Catzfuhdays789
I accidentally posted it as not anonymous, I will repost.
DeleteTo begin, the video starts off with a talk of dance and culture. Culture is a way of life and a human trait. The doctor explains that dance was a part of African American culture and that they brought it here and assimilated. We simply adopted these cultural patterns and attempt to recreate it, while they lived it.
Then, the video shifts to talk about marriage, children, and problems associated with both. Around the time the movie was released, interracial marriage was not as common as it is today. In fact, it was not even legal until two years before the release, in 1967. So, while Mr. Drayton is working to overcome racial prejudices and working towards social change, he may have implicit bias that is understandable around that time period. Culture theory claims that prejudices are learned through culture. Mr. Drayton’s culture taught him to feel a greater social distance from American Americans. In the time the movie came out there was a cultural lag, in that laws were changing for greater equality, but there was still a lot of prejudice socially. Biases are also learned through socialization processes. For example, my family, the primary agent of socialization, was extremely prejudiced against African Americans. Although I wanted to become the opposite, I still scored that I favor white skin in the implicit bias test. The mass media in that time also was a factor. Most of the shows and acts were done by white people, unlike today where there are more diverse displays. Also in the 1960s, people were more likely to hang around people of their own skin color. These peer groups are another agent of socialization that influences implicit bias. Who you hang around and distance yourself from generates a sense of belonging and not belonging internally. So, I think Mr. Drayton really does consider himself to be impartial to race and in most ways he is, but he has an implicit bias and is set in his ways. Catzfuhdays789
I struggled for a bit on how Mr. Drayton truly felt about the situation. At first I thought that it was just going to be a shock and he would move past, but in this clip I felt it showed that while he does want to fight for the rights of black people, consider them equal citizens and help change minds of other people, he never thought something like this would happen to him or his family. I really think based on how he reacted when John told him what Joanna said regarding how they are champions for race relations, that he felt embarrassed and a little shameful. He certainly does still have an implicit bias and it shows. I also agree that just because a law changes, doesn’t mean that it’s going to change people’s mind. Even still today with all the laws concerning racism and and discrimination, we can still see the disparities in how races are treated. pmed789
DeleteThis clip from the movie “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, starts with two men from different race and ethnicity backgrounds who also share the same social status, discussing the topic of dancing. Mr. Drayton asked Dr. Prentice if he was saying “they do not have any special sense of rhythm”. They refer to black kids. He categorized all black kids. Being socialized by the agent of media, particularly, television, Mr. Drayton constructed a form of prejudice. A stereotype that black kids can dance better than white kids. Dr. Prentices explanation was because of Afrocentrism, stating “it’s our dancing” “it’s our music” “we brought it here”. The type of dance itself is a material culture of some African-American societies. Both men were bias on how blacks danced compared to whites. Being able to dance well is a natural talent you are born with, but by attaching color it could be form of social conflict. As the conversation progressed other forms of prejudice surfaced. Mr. Drayton recalled a time his sports editor told him that “negros will never be able to play baseball”. Before that time, it was the typical norm of society that African-Americans players were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues due to segregation laws. Even with their talents and abilities, African-Americans faced discrimination because of their ascribed status and social class. Mr. Drayton also discussed the change that in their present day African-Americans were playing in the Major Leagues, but he was not concerned about people’s opinions and attitudes regarding dancing and sports nor was he bothered if Dr. Prentice was able to provide for his daughter. His major concern was the interracial relationship and miscegenation. He worried about the problems that their children will have growing up in a society that was against interracial marriage. Although, Mr. Drayton could accept it some parts of society has a cultural lag. In certain parts of the world interracial marriage was not accepted and was prohibited. Dr. Prentice said Joey was very optimistic with her vision that their children could become the president and will have a cultural diverse administration. Mr. Drayton was a big influence on Joey’s socialization. He raised her to believe that everyone is equal. So, she felt her father would not have a problem with the marriage. Dr. Prentice had a pre-bias. He knew even if Mr. Drayton was a liberal who was against racial prejudice and fought against discrimination, his skin color would be the only reason Mr. Drayton would not give his approval.
ReplyDeleteGranny789
I agree too that Dr. Prentice had a pre-bias going into the relationship and into asking for permission for the marriage. His pre-bias was that the only reason that the marriage would be turned down was because of race and nothing else. He knew that he met the eligible bachelor credentials in every other category because of his education and important job being a doctor. However, because of the segregation and negative stigma around being a person of color in the 1960’s, he already determined that race would be the main issue, even before meeting his soon to be wife’s father. For all he knew the father could have actually not cared at all but it was the pre-bias that made him think otherwise.
DeleteNavajo789
I totally agree that race has nothing to do with if you can dance or not and both men were being bias to the situation. I feel that people try to attach color to a lot of talents because of certain stereotypes and it isn't right, I agree that talents is one of those things that just come naturally.
DeleteCrown789
Social stratification was still very strong in the era of this film even though there was a major push to end the racial inequality. The way that most people in the generation of this clip handled conflict was with implicit bias and this was heavily involved in racial inequality. Everyone has their own opinion and we don’t always have the facts. Regardless of our social class, we will always have our own biases and we will stand by them. It is also up to all of us to better understand the other culture that we are encountering. Specifically, in this case the father asked about the Dr.’s heritage and referred to a belief of his own, which happened to be about the Dr.’s culture. The Dr. quickly responded with a very reasonable and implicit answer. This helped the father’s cultural conformity. The father had a very good sense of cultural relativism in this situation, whereas most people in that era were extremely ethnocentric and probably would have been much different about it. Even today many people in America can have issues being multicultural.
ReplyDeleteThe point behind this clip was to prove that we can push race aside and discuss societal differences normally. The Dr. and the father could share their personal beliefs with another with no conflict.
In my opinion this clip is very powerful, it shows just how much society was changing in that time. The father was willing to let go of racism and ethnocentrism for the Dr. and the daughter. Later, the wife even shooed/fired someone for having a structurally developed racist tone in front of the Dr. This proves that the family was starting to be more excepting of the African American culture and were not having cultural lag.
ViciousAfro789
I agree. In this film at the time has very strong social stratification. But no matter what time it is, this will always occur. I enjoyed this clip. It is very powerful and shows us what it was like back in that decade with racism and their own social class. Yes, they have their own different cultures, but they are all willing to put their beliefs aside in order to make them happy. This clip goes on to discuss their differences with certain things but in all reality, their differences should not matter. Schmidt789
DeleteI agree with you that social stratification was very strong during this time and we all have our own biases. I would not say that Mr. Drayton was a racist. He was against racial prejudice and inequality, and believed in social equality for all. He socialized his daughter to believe in equality as well. This family had already accepted and understood the African American culture and maybe other cultures we did not see. They had an African-American maid who they treated like family versus an employee. There was no cultural lag, but I believe that there was social distance. The fact that Dr. Prentices ascribed status of being black was the only issue. He might have fought against racial prejudice but deep down in his subconscious he was not ready for a black man to be part of his family. Not that Mr. Drayton had any type of discrimination towards blacks he worried for his grandchildren(s) future and miscegenation. He was afraid they would be alienated from society and face unbelievable prejudice from both races.
DeleteGranny 789
Social stratification as it is defined by the permanent ranking of positions in society in terms of unequal power, prestige or privilege. I think Mr. Prentice (father) just got to believe that this is the norm and everything should be the same from the racial perspective based on his life, and that is the patter that should be follow by his son. Dr. Prentice in the other side believes in social change even if this means going again social forces and wanting to be prepared for socialization changes. This may put him in to a new social category not based in wealth but based on interracial perspectives from the reluctant society about interracial marriage because it is considered secondary deviance. Love wins this battle against social stratification and social conflict at the end. Koi789
DeleteThis movie overall was an extremely powerful and moving film that helped this generation see what society was like back when racism was a huge issue. This scene alone is a great example of racial stratification or in other words, stereotypes. Matt and John are having a discussion over how African American (colored people) can dance better or have better rhythm than whites do. Dr. John Prentice’s explanation is because of the trait of their ethnicity. They discuss their own cultures and how much different each of the two are. Later on, they go on to Mr. Matt Drayton expressing his feelings for them due to their differences in social structures between the two of them. Mr. Drayton was in culture shock because for him, this is not normal at all for two of different races to come together in intimacy. He is worried for what the future holds for them in the sense of social conflict. However, unlike race-conflict theory, Mr. John Prentice had the opportunity to get the education he needed at the time to become a doctor because of his parents. The race-conflict Theory is the approach of sociological perspective that looks at disparity and tension between people of different racial and ethnic groups. It is a way of viewing and studying people who focuses on racial inequality and conflict. But this is not what Joanna’s father is worried about. Based off of him being a doctor, he is not worried about Dr. Prentice supporting his daughter, but because of the issues they will have once people in their society realize they are together as a couple. In today’s society, it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. He also goes on to compare what it is like at that moment to back when Mr. Drayton was his age. His sports editor did not think that African Americans could ever play baseball. Which goes to show that society is changing. In a few more decades it is going to change even more but nobody knows if it is for the bad or for the good. Schmidt789
ReplyDeletePersonally, I did not catch the connection this clip of the movie made with the editor saying that a colored man would never become a baseball player. It just flew right over my head since I was not focused on that being the main topic being discussed in this part of the movie. However, I like seeing the comparison and seeing how overtime things did change. In less than one lifetime something that seemed impossible, a colored man playing baseball, happened. Recently we made another milestone with having the first colored President. So comparatively, from the movie to today we are making huge strides in the right direction in achieving social and racial equality in the United States. In smaller communities around the nation, yes, there are still issues; but as a whole country we are making efforts for equality in every way for everyone. Cassiopia789
DeleteSo true this movie shows first hand what bi-racial couples had to deal with just to be with the person that they love. In Mr. Drayton's life he lived during segregation. John has seen how society has changed and will continue to change with each generation. In today's society no one would think twice if they seen a bi-racial couple. Mr. Drayton talks about a black baseball player but we recently just had our first black president. We still deal with racism everyday but as generation go on the more it fades. -Gander789
DeleteThis short clip from the movie “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” starts off with the two men talking about which race has the best rhythm when it comes to dancing. There is a lot of prejudice and social stratification in this short clip, Mr. Drayton categorizes black people by a stereotype that black people can dance better than white kids. Dancing for black people is a cultural thing and it is a way they express themselves and their gratitude towards something. Both Mr. Drayton and Dr. Prentice had a superiority feeling when it came to the topic of dancing, also they were also bias about how each race danced compared to the other race. Dancing is a natural thing, it is either you were born with it or not, it is a talent and it takes skills to dance according to the rhythm. But when it comes to involving race and ethnicities it may cause social conflict among cultures even if it was meant in a joking way. Dr. Drayton wasn’t really worried about the dancing situation he was most worried about how the two would handle racism and negativity if they were to get married because interracial marriages weren’t popular during those years. How would they accept they racism, and if they did have kids how would their kids be treated. The idea of miscegenation did not bother Dr. Prentice at all, he might have been scared a bit but all it mattered was spending his life with someone he really loved. Also when they started talking about kids, it was more focused on social stratification, they had egotism because they were talking about high income payed jobs such as being president, secretary of state. Both men were important people, who were rich and were very well known by the public people. When you look at how they dressed, the house they lived in, it is all wealthy living. Dr. Drayton had maids to take care of the house, cook for them, and Dr. Prentice wrote a few books, was very well known among people and was smart as well. Social stratification is a way people are ranked and ordered in society/hierarchy base on wealth, income, and social status.
ReplyDeleteRia789
A good comment! What stood out to me is the concept of dancing being an ethnic trait of black culture, something that you pointed out. It is easy for people to lose sight of the difference between ethnicity and race at times, as they often overlap, but it is important to remember that neither leads to the other. The dancing part of the conversation seems to have lain the groundwork for the basis of the latter topic: the discrimination and other difficulties that Dr. Prentice’s children are believed to be destined for. What you pointed out is something that I think is very important to note in the scene: that Dr. Prentice was aware of, and fairly worried about his future, and the future of his children. Dr. Prentice is not so ignorant as to jump into this situation blindly, and the fact that he is aware of the difficulties that he may face adds value to him holding strong.
Delete-SoarSore789
I agree with you that prejudice and social stratification are throughout this short clip. I never thought of Mr. Drayton and John having a superiority feeling when discussing dance and rhythm, but it does make sense. Both of them where actively defending their race, almost like it was a competition. Mr. Drayton was very concerned as to how John and Joanna were going to handle the social bias that would be placed on their interracial marriage. He was also concerned as to how their future children treated by society. John expressed concern but he is more concerned with marrying the woman he loves no matter what the color of her skin is. John also feels that change is coming quickly and that interracial marriages will be accepted. Mr. Drayton feels that things might be changing rapidly in his back yard but not that fast in society. There definitely was discussion of the high status jobs such as president and secretary of state which is not realistic no matter what your race is.
DeleteAnimalLover789
Blog 2: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: Reducing Implicit Bias…..Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteThe clip between Mr. Drayton and John started with cultural differences. Culture is the ways of thinking, the ways of acting, and the material objects that together form a people’s way of life. Here is a perfect example of a stereotype, how people of color have more rhythm and white people. John pointed out to Mr. Drayton that people of color brought the music and the dance to this country, so of course they would have more rhythm. Culture shock is occurring as well; personal disorientation when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life. What makes sense in John’s culture is going to be different than in Joanna’s culture. Racial inequality was definitely prevalent in the example when Mr. Drayton stated that his editor for the newspaper told him that Negros would never be able to play baseball. I noticed prejudice when John and Mr. Drayton are discussing their future children. John tells Mr. Drayton that Joanna is very optimistic and thinks their children could be president of the United States. John would be happy with Secretary of State. You could tell by the look on Mr. Drayton’s face that either option where a shocking thought. Both John and Mr. Drayton agree that their children with face social biases due to the fact that they are bi-racial. Mr. Drayton is a lifelong liberal who has spent his life fighting against prejudice and discrimination. Even with that being said I think that Mr. Drayton is falling victim to what is called institutional prejudice and discrimination; bias built into the operation of society’s institutions, including schools, hospitals, the police and the workplace etc. It was defiantly evident that even through John had a great status of being a doctor unfortunately it wouldn’t matter as much as him still being a colored man. Both sets of parents are passing along what is called cultural transmission, which is the process where one generation passes culture to the next. The parents have their beliefs which are specific thought or ideas that they hold to be true. Even though Mr. Drayton is a lifelong liberal, he was still exposed to parent’s beliefs and the beliefs he developed throughout his life.
AnimalLover789
I love that. Cultural transmission. Every new generation learns culture from the one before. And as a wealthy, white, male Matt would have no choice but to pick up few overt tones of racism on his journey, because the people he was raised by and the culture he was exposed to still viewed black people as not only a minority, but people to be segregated and put down. Like many of us have to do today with new concepts, he had to unlearn problematic behavior that had already been programmed into his mind by the major Agents of Socialization, his family, his peers, and the media. Even the government, who says that it's illegal for black people to marry white people would have had an effect on his opinions and beliefs. Now he himself is an Agent of Socialization, the media, a newspaperman, and he's also a father, a family man, and a peer. He's also gaining influence from a man of the cloth, which counts as religion. Society is all around us, and it's thrilling to see which really impacted a man like Matt. He would discard his own wife's opinion, and his closest friend's, and the make or break input seems to really come from a complete stranger. Why? Perhaps because he's become so used to rebelling against the institutions around him that one that he wasn't familiar with is the only one that could get through to him. It's really interesting to think about. He's developed all his own beliefs and is stubbornly clinging to them because they are all his very own, all so radically different from those around him, or so he thought, and now he finds out that maybe he's become old, and is no longer quite as progressive as he thinks he is. It must come as quite a shock.
DeleteBuwowski222
Throughout this clip we see a use of implicit bias. The first example we see of this is when Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton are discussing dancing and music. Mr. Drayton makes the stereotype that white kids don’t dance nearly as well as them colored kids. The use of race to create segregation based on if you are a good dancer or not is to me funny. However, Dr. Prentice does explain that the reason the colored kids can do the watusi better is because of their ethnicity. That white kids can do the watusi but colored kids are the watusi, meaning the kids of color grew up with this dance in their culture and were immersed in it. So, in this case the white kids, the kids who cannot dance, can be considered the minority. The scene continues on to move on to Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton discussing the issues the children may face due to the interracial marriage is not seen highly in this time. The children are of miscegenation, the biological reproduction by partners of different racial categories. When Mr. Drayton asks Dr. Prentice what his daughter thinks about the issues they will face he states that she believes that they will all grow up to be President of the United States. With that Mr. Drayton replies with verbal and nonverbal communication, he looks down in a disapproving manner and asks what Dr. Prentice’s feelings were about it. He replies that he feels Joanna is a bit optimistic and he would settle with just Secretary of State. To that he receives a contemplating look from Mr. Drayton and the question is asked “that no matter how confident you two are I’m just a little scared?” The question is loaded with fear from institutional prejudice and discrimination, Dr. Prentice calmly replies with the fact that times are changing. The change he is talking about is Pluralism, a state in which people of all races and ethnicity are distinct but have equal social standing. Cassiopia789
ReplyDeleteThis clip from the movie “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” tackles many of the sociological problems that our country has faced since its founding: gender conflict, race conflict, class conflict, traditions, social norms, and the presentation of self to the ever-critical eye of the generalized other, or society in general.
ReplyDeleteThis clip starts out with the two men talking about dancing and how “they” or the young dancers of color, seem to have an extraordinary sense of rhythm compared to the white dancers. In saying this, he stereotypes all the dancers as good or bad depending on the color of their skin while also showing his own implicit bias. Dr. Prentice rejects this, saying the reason the dancers are good is not because of the color of their skin, but that the music and dancing is part of their heritage. My view is that anyone can be good at dancing, they just have to find the right rhythm for them.
The men then transition quickly to sports and how, in his younger years, Mr. Drayton had an editor tell him that men of color would never play professional sports. This comment really stood out to me because the current stereotype is that more athletes are non-white than ever. Our biases are as strong as ever before, but change depending on the current social times.
Mr. Drayton quickly changes topics to the possible children that the young couple might have, and what problems they might face. John is realistic about the fact that the children will have problems, but they will have the children, otherwise it couldn’t be called a marriage. My question is why must they have children to validate their marriage? I suppose during the time period, not having children would be as much a mark of deviance as marrying someone from another race. The children would have an automatic ascribed status of being biracial, which might be looked down on within a eurocentric society that traditionally has a very narrow definition of personal beauty, as opposed to a multicultural society that sees the beauty in every person.
John makes a comment that really stuck out to me. He says, “You made her, Mr. Drayton, I just met her in hawaii.” This comment really sums up how much of an influence our parents have on each of us at micro and macro levels. They teach us the basic right-vs-wrong of the world, but also how to see everything in it, and it shapes our ways of thinking all through our lives. Joey has obviously been raised to believe that there is absolutely no difference between her and her fiance. Her father, though try as he might to fight for social justice and defeating inequality, has had bias instilled in him by his parents from a very early age and it stuck with him until the end of the movie, proving that one can overcome the biases we believe in the world, but at the cost of looking deep inside oneself and examining exactly why we have those biases and how to get rid of them. Minty789
I concur with your statement inquiring about anyone finding their rhythm and being able to dance. Both Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton both grew up learning a specific set of ways on how to think, act, and what types of occupations would be achievable to them based on their race. When they change the subject to contemplate the life of Dr. Prentice and Joanna’s future children would have, both men agree that the children will experience the cruel word in their own way, but they would then symbolize hope and equality for future marriages and children. Parents truly do have a tight grip on their children and their lives, even far into their adulthood and without them even realizing it. Although Dr. Prentice did not allow himself being born a colored man slow him down with achieving what he wanted out of life like his father did, he still has the passion and love that his parents do. Joanna Drayton grew up with two parents believing she could be and do anything and they would always support and love her and Joanna looks at the world in that same way by not seeing the differences in color. Although it took some time for them to accept Dr. Prentice and Joanna’s marriage, they saw how happy it made her and they learned how to accept it and became very proud parents.
DeleteMelRich895
Implicit bias, or social cognition if you will, refers to the attitudes and stereotypes that impact our actions and understandings of certain situations. The interesting part about implicit bias in my opinion is that this all takes place in an unconscious manner. Implicit bias effects our decisions, how we act towards certain people or situations, the things we say and do and so much more without us even realizing it. We can see in this short clip that Matt Drayton, Joanna's father, is experiencing implicit bias towards the situation taking place between his daughter and John Prentice. I can see here that Mr. Drayton wants to be happy for his daughter, he does not want to be the one to have objections. However, he is looking at the bigger picture and wondering what life is going to be like for the young couple. Not only is interracial marriage illegal in seventeen states at this time, but individuals all over the country, about a hundred million as Mr. Drayton said, and probably the world, have very strong negative opinions on the subject. I feel that these outside factors are the main reason that Mr. Drayton has reservations on the matter rather than personal feelings.
ReplyDeleteA couple weeks ago, for our blogs we were assigned to take some online surveys. Those surveys helped to reveal implicit biases that individuals have on certain situations. For example, I took a survey on race and from that survey, they were able to tell me whether or not I prefer one race over the other, between blacks or whites, and if so what my preference was. Although I am kind of skeptical of these surveys and the way they get their results, my results were that I have no preference for either and I feel that is accurate. Although implicit bias takes place in the unconscious mind, it can still play a rather big part in the way we see things and behave in certain situations. These kinds of surveys can be very useful in helping us as individuals recognize what biases we have, and using that information to act more fairly in the future.White789
It is common for parents to let their children know when growing up and when learning how to navigate the real world, that they would always support any decision their child would make because they know they will end up doing phenomenal things. Joanna’s father, Matt Drayton, had inquired about Dr. John Prentice’s thoughts on their future children’s lives and how they would cope with the cultural lag that they would one-day experience because their family would be going against societies values and norms. Dr. Prentice responded by saying that he had thought about the prejudicial judgements and the many generalized stereotypes their future children would face due to being the offspring of parents involved in miscegenation. Joanna Drayton of course believes that their children will grow up to be the president of the United States, while Dr. Prentice would settle for Secretary of State. Their ideas of the future show the differences of how they were raised and what environment they were raised in based on what type of income their parents had made and also the amount of wealth within their family. Dr. Prentice’s father, Mr. Prentice, worked as a mail man assumingly making enough to cover their everyday needs, while Mr. Drayton was a successful and very liberal newspaper publisher and Mrs. Drayton is an art gallery owner, allowing their family to be considered upper-class with both parents in the work force. Although Dr. Prentice and Mr. Drayton may have similar ethnicities, there are some differences. Matt Drayton seems to experience some culture shock by witnessing the way some African American people were dancing and believes that Caucasian people cannot dance or has as much rhythm like they have. Which led them to the topic of even race has a hand in influencing their occupation, to where Mr. Drayton would not and or could not be a dog catcher and in turn would be the same for Dr. Prentice if he had the desire to be mayor. The fact that Dr. Prentice had become a doctor and had achieved that kind of white-collar job was almost deviant. Not many African American men were able to acquire that kind of role and it was very much against societies norm in the late 1900’s. This movie and this couple experiencing this type of role strain, most positively inspired people to start having hope that there was change coming, and the good kind of change for that matter. Something they could look forward to and to finally see that one day it would be possible to be with their significant other with no fear and little to no judgement.
ReplyDeleteMelRich895
My father is a lifelong fighting liberal who loathes racism and fights against discrimination. My parents will welcome you with open arms. That’s what Joanna told John. He said I’m excited to meet them. The response John received was not what he expected he wasn’t welcomed with open arms. The lady at the Gallery was flabbergasted when Joanna introduced John while looking for her mother. When they arrived to her parents she introduced John to Tilly with them being the same race I would have thought she would have been the most accepting. Tilly was outraged and took it as a cultural shock. No one of her race should act like they are higher than they are. When Christina gets home and meets John she was not as excepting as he daughter would have thought and all she can say oh your father will be home soon. She was being bias at first but then realized how much her daughter loved him and how they did not raise Joanna to be racist or discriminate. She taught her daughter to not judge a book by its cover you have to read it first. While Mr. Drayton and John are talking just laughing and talking about dancing. Mr. Drayton says is it OK no matter how confident you two are I’m still worried. He’s worried about what they will face. How will his grandchildren survive in a racist and discriminating world? John assures Matt that they will have some problems but they will deal with them. John says the world is always changing and people will adapt to the cultural shock. I will become a cultural norm. Again John is not seeing his children as colored children as he does not see himself as a colored man just a man. Mr. Drayton doesn’t see it like that because he grew up in a more segregation generation. He can’t believe what’s happening in the world let alone it’s starting in his back yard. –Gander789
ReplyDeleteCulture is a start to this video. But, first you’ll notice there’s a black man talking with a white man about dancing and how they are both Bias about the dancing rhythm each know to their own. But, both men share the same Social status when it comes to the dancing. Although their type of dancing is different if Society is looking at it, the difference in the dancing is a Material Culture in the societies. Culture explains the ways of thinking, the ways of acting and the material objects that together form a people’s way of life. Culture played throughout this entire video as it showed how people think, act, and what they own. John was open to the father about Nonmaterial culture which is the ideas created by members of society. Although society does not agree with the color difference in the couples, he was open to Progress which is a value of culture and he believed that the present is better than the past and if that meant changing people's beliefs as a society he was going to make an example out of the relationship and take the risk. John and her family were well aware of the Social-interactions by which people will act and react to their relationship and how the family relationship with others would be affected with Social mobility. Norms came into play when John and the father speak on their future. How there are rules and expectations by which a society guides behavior of its members and speaking on that the father questioned if John has ever thought about the future. John simply explained yes and that he would acknowledge and listen to people but he had a goal to change people's ways of thinking slowly. John proceeded to say he has thought about them and he acknowledged that he knows they will have some but he believes the Values could change over time. Although the future look on the two is a Culture Shock for many just like it was when the two introduced each other to their family members, they would have to slowly introduce themselves as a couple to the community and accept what others have to say about them even if it's positive or negative. Folkways would eventually override this situation as it would become a norm over time and people accept it. John and her father talked about Discrimination. John said that he only wanted to meet the parents so soon because she stated that her mom and dad were so accepting and that her dad was a strong believer and has always been against discrimination, that her parents were not Prejudice, and would welcome him with open arms.
ReplyDeleteunknownzeeha789
This scene in Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner was powerful in that Mr. Drayton was faced with the conflict at hand in the film. His liberal views are quickly challenged once the racial issue is made personal by his daughter. I find this interaction between John and Mr. Drayton to be very intense. Mr. Drayton is challenged at the core of his being. Are his liberal views just a facade to seem like a good guy? Or is he genuine in his views? It is clear that John feels for him, and understands why he may be weary of their relationship. I’m certain that in the 60’s it was not uncommon for everyone to have a strong implicit bias on race. Obviously implicit bias’ are pervasive, but as social situations are more prominent, so is one’s bias. This feeling of uncertainty within Mr. Drayton doesn’t necessarily align with his implicit bias, which causes him to essentially go crazy throughout the rest of the day. He doesn’t know how to feel! Of course, he favors his own ingroup, but wants to make John feel comfortable and his daughter happy, which only conflicts him more. His implicit bias seems to be deeply rooted in how society was during that time, and it is going to take a lot for him to break out of that. Implicit biases are barriers to growth and opportunity. This barrier almost caused a beautiful relationship to die out. Luckily at the end of it all Drayton pulled out of his deep implicit bias by being challenged personally by John’s mother. Racial implicit bias is still rooted very deeply in American culture, and unfortunately Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner is still relevant in the sociological situations it presents, despite the US law progressing. It will take a long time to overcome these bias’s and see all humans as equal, despite the color of their skin. John and Mr. Drayton are two very smart people, who were faced with an intense situation despite it appearing like a calm one.
ReplyDeleteQuinkThick789
Two lines in this were very powerful for me. 'We are the watusi', and 'Well, you made her.' The first immediately brought to mind the hot topic of cultural appropriation. Matt thought the young black dancers were just better than their white counterparts, but the truth was that they were merely dancing to music tailor made for and by them, with roots all the way back to their ancestors. Yet when I do a google search to figure out how on earth to spell 'Watusi' My image search turns up about one (1) actual black person doing the dance itself. At the time this film was made, Martin Luther King and other revolutionaries were still fighting against segregation and Jim Crow laws, but let's be honest, the struggle of any person who wasn't at the very least beige passing was very real in good ole America. Still is. John even makes a passing joke later on in the film about industrial racism, saying that he thought half the reason he got where he was may be because of people's hesitation to be perceived as racist. Indeed, John's intragenerational social mobility is amazing, considering his background in a low-income family with much lower social mobility. He has taken advantage of the meritocratic aspects of America's class system. It is part of what makes it so hard for Matt to object to anything about him but his race. He has Occupational prestige as a credible doctor, his morals and ethics line up with that of the Drayton family, and most importantly- Joanna is completely gone over him. Joanna, which is a pivotal point that both men seem to get stuck on. That is the other quote that resonated soundly with me. 'You made her.' Matt and Christine discussed it themselves, that they raised their daughter a certain way, to treat people as people, regardless of skin color. Now though, Matt is caught up in role strain. Father vs. Liberal. As a father, he wants nothing more to protect his daughter from the discrimination she and his future grandchildren would undoubtedly face. He believes firmly that the only way to do this is to prevent her from reproducing with someone from another race- or miscegenation. On the flipside, his entire life he has held a strong belief that Black men and women were completely and totally equal in every way to white men and women, and to say that a black man couldn't wed his daughter would be to say that a black man was unacceptable to him. He has never before seen himself as bigoted, never confronted his own implicit bias. The fact is, John is seeing this not only from a prejudiced perspective, or a paternal one, but also a man's justice perspective. According to Gilligan's claims, men in particular rely on a formal set of rules to define right and wrong. In Matt's era, there were still many states where the love between Joanna and John would not only be frowned upon, it would be outright criminal. Until now, Matt has lived a life of conformity, accepting both the conventional cultural goals and the means to obtain them. John and Joanna sweeping into his life with lovestruck eyes that smack of deviance unsettles him and puts him into a sort of shock. He not only has to become introspective about exactly how deep rooted his assumptions about race are, and how he himself is effecting others, like his daughter and his daughters friends. He is, after all, one of the great Agents of Socialization, the media, working in newspaper. At the core of Matt Drayton, and even at the core of John Prentice, lies one person. Joanna, and their mutual (though in my opinion unwarranted) concern for her and whatever children she and John may have. Matt especially fears the stigma that biracial children will face, that his daughter, and John, and their entire family will face. John too, has obviously weighed that possibility and found himself willing to take it on in the name of love, which I find not only courageous, but necessary.
ReplyDeleteBuwowski222
Ahh I made a typo on this! It's role conflict not role strain!
DeleteBuwowski222
This clip starts off with Mr. Dayton and Mr. Prentice talking about dancing. Mr. Dayton says how he feels the colored kids dance better than the white ones because they don’t have much rhythm, Mr. Prentice goes on to say that of course the colored kids do it better it originated from them they introduced the white kids to it. I feel that what they were saying was a stereotype and it’s also an example of social stratification, both men were being bias. The statement of black kids dancing better than the white ones or having more rhythm then them is false. I feel that it is false because I am black, and I know for sure that I can’t dance to safe my life or have any type of rhythm. They then go on to talk about a time Mr. Drayton was told by an editor that negros will never be able to play baseball. In that period it wasn’t normal for black people to be in any type of sporting league. One of the main things Mr. Dayton was worried about was the cultural lag that their future children might face being bi-racial because in that time period some states did not allow interracial marriage. Mr. Dayton and his wife raised Joey to see all people equally and to not to discriminate a person because the color of their skin, so they have a big part in her socialization. John feels that Joey is being optimistic when she says she wants her future children to be the president of the United States while he would just settle with them being secretary of state. As the years go by people will start to deal with the cultural shock of the two being married because the times were starting to change so it is likely that more interracial couples would be doing the same as them.
ReplyDeleteCrown789
I am glad you put an example of yourself in this comment. I feel like that helps show that the stereotype is incorrect. I totally agree that in the movie the parents had a lot to do with the reason Joey fell in love with a colored man. They did raise her to view everyone as equals. So, the shock that came to them should have been unfounded. I like that eventually they did see eye to eye with that situation and at the end they did get approval at least from Joey’s parents. I wasn’t aware that in that time black people were so segregated from social parties like sports. Of course, I did know that there hadn’t been any black presidents. It still seems crazy to me how far our society has come as far as segregation.
Delete- Slimjim789
I like what you had to say about not being able to dance as a colored person, I am white and the stereotype is true for me, I have no sense of rhythm whatsoever and has always been really awkward for me. Being able to make comparisons like this though makes it a lot easier to debunk the stereotypes. I also agree that how Joey's parents raised her is the reason she turned out the way she did, seeing no difference when she looks at John and thinking nothing abnormal about their situation. I say this because I feel that while raising her, although there was segregation and they themselves had their own reservations about the matter, they did not raise Joey to be racist or hateful to people of color, or anyone for that matter. I feel like the world around her also made an impact on how she saw things. I was not alive during that time but I have a feeling that if I had to see the segregation and the wrongful treatment firsthand of those who do not deserve it, I would want to be different and make changes to that kind of world as well.
DeleteI like what you had to say about not being able to dance as a colored person, I am white and the stereotype is true for me, I have no sense of rhythm whatsoever and has always been really awkward for me. Being able to make comparisons like this though makes it a lot easier to debunk the stereotypes. I also agree that how Joey's parents raised her is the reason she turned out the way she did, seeing no difference when she looks at John and thinking nothing abnormal about their situation. I say this because I feel that while raising her, although there was segregation and they themselves had their own reservations about the matter, they did not raise Joey to be racist or hateful to people of color, or anyone for that matter. I feel like the world around her also made an impact on how she saw things. I was not alive during that time but I have a feeling that if I had to see the segregation and the wrongful treatment firsthand of those who do not deserve it, I would want to be different and make changes to that kind of world as well.White789
DeleteI disagree slightly from what you said. I believe there is a basis of truth to what Prentice said in the clip, although it was stereotypical. The fact that the kids were black and thus better at dancing was Drayton’s belief. John Prentice tells them that black people have no special sense of rhythm because of their race, but because it’s a part of the culture they brought over to America, which is a part of their ethnicity. The twenty first century has different cultural norms than in the 1950s for all races. The issue with that is that black people then had more cultural ties to their past culture, where the assimilation to American values wasn’t so readily apparent. Black people were segregated for quite a while; in 1954 segregation was finally illegal. Discrimination was higher than it is today, and today colored people can mix with whites, and go wherever! But in the time, blacks go to only-blacks schools and etc. You may not have rhythm, but in the time shown, black people were more close to their ancestry and history as slaves, while we hardly think of those subjects outside of school. Papyrus789
DeleteThe implicit biases in this video are about race and what is going to happen with the kids of the interracial couple. In the video the father is trying to work out the fact that the doctor and his wife’s kids are going to have a hard time in life. The implicit bias comes into play when he assumes that his daughter is crazy because she her kids will have a chance at becoming president because they are black, and at the time that is very unlikely. However, it is implicit because it came to the father without thinking, he just assumed that since the kids are black they will not become president. Instead of thinking about the future, if given more thought the father might actually have believed it because times are changing and racial prejudices are diminishing even at the time of the movie. Racial stereotypes and implicit biases are very similar. Another point in the clip was made when the father stereotyped the “colored kids” as the better dancers, even though he was not aware that the dances they were performing were created by their culture. The doctor had to explain that they are good because they basically invented those moves and that's why they are so good. One more point in the clip that puts the wrap on implicit bias is when the father talks about having to make a decision about the marriage so quickly is unfair. He thinks it is unfair that he has to decide the fate of his daughter and soon to be black husband in one night, even though it took him half a second to quickly stereotype the kids dancing, or to let implicit bias tell him that their kids will have a rough life. This is why it is important to reduce the amount of implicit bias that people use, because it can cloud the view of the bigger picture and wrongfully stereotype people.
ReplyDeleteNavajo789
The clip that is shown is a conversation between Dr. John and Mr. Drayton. During the conversation there is a great deal of stereotypes and implicit bias on both sides of the conversation. It starts off with the two man talking about kids dancing on TV. The Dr says that it’s the colored kid’s music and they are naturally better at it because it is there music, they brought it here. This shows that he is very much aware of the cultural differences between white kids and black kids. They are better at the dancing because they were raised being exposed to it all their life. This is could also be classified as a stereotype. They then talk about how a black man could be elected as mayor of San Francisco but he couldn’t be elected as dog catcher. This is due to his socioeconomic status in that he is a wealthy, powerful white man and that he would not want to do that job. The same can be said for the black baseball player not wanting to be elected mayor. Both of these examples show just how social stratification happened back then. The conversation then takes a more serious turn with Drayton expressing concerns over how hard of a life the children will have because he knows, and allegedly fights against, rampant discrimination and prejudice in the country. Dr. John knows that his kids will face adversity but with the example set by him and Joanna, will help change minds of the cohort of people living at the time. The Dr. even makes a joke that he feels that Joanna is overly optimistic. He knows that hard times are coming for them and their children no matter what social status he has worked hard to achieve. Back then people, even his own father, still doesn’t respect the fact that he was worked his way to upper class and an achieved status. Next they talk about how accepting Joanna’s parents will be of the idea of them getting married. She told the Dr that her father has spent his life battling racism and discrimination, which you can tell that the Dr was very skeptical of exactly how accepting a multicultural family her father would be. You can even see in Drayton’s mannerisms that he knows that he should be okay with it, but since it is happening to his daughter, he is hesitant to accept it and might even be a bit embarrassed in how he has acted. -pmed789
ReplyDeleteOne thing that really stood out to me was prejudice, when the dr talked about how the daughter wanted their kids to be the president the father looks at him like he is crazy, the father already has these stereotypes on what could possibly be his future grandkids that he already thinks of them lesser because of what their race would be. He looks at him like they would have no chance to become that. By that father acting like that it really shows the racial inequality, he acts like a colored man has absolutely no chance against a white man. The video also showed that just because you are a different race you have more in common than you think. I think it was interesting to see how the father could be considered racist at first and not open to racial equality where his daughter who was raised by him is not like that, she looks at everyone like they are all the same, because we are. It was also interesting how he explained the dancing scenario, it was there culture so of course they were going to be good at it. EPIC789
ReplyDeleteImplicit bias is the prejudice and stereotype to the people in same category in unconsciously while explicit bias is the same but in consciously. In my opinion, Dr. Drayton had both of these biases. As the father, he known John is a good delegate for husband role (John is a doctor, polite, mature, and true love) but not for his daughter because of Johns' skin color. The racism is unconsciously controlling of his mind and fighting hard with his opposite feeling (support the marriage couple). Dr. Drayton's mind is also very clear about his attitude toward African American because he lived in the discrimination and segregation period in United State history. In their conversation, Dr. Drayton said the black people dance very well on the TV, and the negro never can play baseball. These statements are obviously stereotype to black people. And then he turned back to marriage topic, the mood just drops quickly. He blamed John that they are making decision too quick and gave him too little time. But John said it's not him, it is his daughter. His daughter believed Dr. Drayton will accept this marriage right away because in her eyes, Dr. Drayton is hero for against discrimination. This is irony because Dr. Drayton turn out not welcome John and unhappy for their marriage while Dr. Drayton was not expected what his teach Joanna about colorblindness now turn around and bite him. Another irony is that although Dr. Drayton is a smart, logical, wealthy, and upper-class man who realized the inequality and dehumanized in what Karl Marx referred as the race-conflict society and fight against this injustice system, can't overcome the news of his daughter marriage to the black men. No different to the nobles who against slavery but has slavery at their home. More meaningful is that both people of the couple are minorities and they be together to against this majority rule world. Another thing here is that Dr. Drayton also worried the couple children's future because they will be the miscegenation kids. It will be hard for his grandchildren to survive in this institutional prejudice and discrimination country. They can become the deviance and isolate to either races. This worriedness and the conflict between racism and father role contributed to his angry mood throughout the movie.
ReplyDeleteZero789
1. In this video John Prentis sat down and had a heart to heart conversation with Matt Drayton, Joey’s father. They both talk about many of things. For example, Mr. Drayton was commenting on how Caucasians dance compared to African Americans. John then explained that “you may do the ytutcie, but we are the ytutcie.” As they continued to laugh and talk about the differences between each other. Mr. Drayton then asked the number one question that has been bothering his mind since the moment he met John, “Do you know what kind of life your kids will have in the future?” Mr. Drayton main purpose of this whole conversation was to make Jong understand the after affects it may bring by getting married to a Caucasian woman. But John fully understood what he was getting himself into and how badly it will affect his wife and children. John understands that it won’t be easy for him and Joey let along their kids even know that it won’t be hard they both still believe that their children will grow up and be presidents of the United States. Joey’s Mother Mrs. Drayton is fully on board with them getting married but also skeptical of them continuing this journey in the future because she believes that John and Joey may end up hurt or worse. Earlier in the movie John spoke to Mr. & Mrs. Drayton and stated that he is well locked in on continuing the relationship with Joey and possibly get married but then stated that he won’t continue the relationship if they disagree with their relationship. Because he once the parent’s decision to be absolutely fair and from the heart because he also doesn’t want the family to have a bad impression on him. From this video I liked how that John and Mr. Drayton found some of their cultures alike and was able to form a small connection between the two and by forming that little bond between each other will make a huge of a difference when considering his final decision about John and Joey. However, back then any slight of positive relationship between African Americans and Caucasians was a big deal because back then was when slavery had just ended.-NIKE789
ReplyDeleteIn this little video, you can see how one man reduces the other’s implicit bias on black people. In the beginning of the video, the old man says that he’d always thought that the colored kids were better at dancing than the non-colored kids when John Prentice tells them that black people have no special sense of rhythm because of their race, but because it’s a part of the culture they brought over to America, which is a part of their ethnicity. Here the old man (Matt Drayton) shows the stereotypes he believed in that affected his understanding of people with darker skin. This very much reduced his implicit bias, or prejudice that was positive in this case. Drayton then recalls when his sport editor told him how negroes would never be able to play baseball. This shows that Drayton has lived through the times where different races were segregated, and had greater amounts of discrimination. But now a black baseball player can run for mayor, and Drayton jokes that he wouldn’t even be able to be elected dog catcher. Prentice says that the baseball player wouldn’t want to be mayor like Drayton wouldn’t want to be dogcatcher; showing their similarities in how they both just want the social mobility to be able to be in whatever position they want based on their individual skills with less of a focus on their ascribed statuses. Drayton then opens up, asking if Prentice has thought about how they’re children are going to be treated, and that despite their confidence in their futures, he’s still quite a little scared about the social stratification that’ll come about from miscegenation in a society that has a lot of racism, and how his daughter will most likely be hurt by it. By the end he asks Prentice if he thinks that giving them so little time to make a decision regarding this matter, in which Prentice replies with Joanna’s impression of her parents as heroic liberals who stand against racism and consider the races equal. In doing this, Prentice is forcing Drayton to confront the image that Joey has of him, and his own implicit bias that he wasn’t aware of before. I believe that’s the real goal of the quick decision/choice that was to be made. Especially considering that Prentice is a character that purposefully goes against the ethnic stereotypes that created the social distance that Drayton felt about black people. Here, he can either live up to Joey’s role expectations from his status as her father, or go against this marriage and hurt Joanna deeply because of his implicit biases. Drayton’s role strain is a result of his wanting to protect his daughter from the pain of prejudice, but is experiencing the pressure of letting her be happy as an adult woman.
ReplyDeletePapyrus789
I can see the Charisma in mister prentice about the way that he responded to his potential father in law about why black African American kids and black people in general are better dancers because it is their dance and it is their music and in fact they brought it here. His potential father in law also mentioned that when he was Dr. Prentice’s age he remember his sports senator saying that Negros will not be able play baseball. This is a clear example of conformity that has created a conflict about what he thinks African American people can do or can not do.
ReplyDeleteDr. Prentice’s soon to be father in law then deviate the conversation by stating that they have talked about many good things, but there is one thing they haven’t talked about and asked to Dr. Prentice; have you ever talked about the kind of problems that their kids are going to have? As clear example of content of socialization Dr. Prentice responded that yes their kids will have some problems and that he will have the kids anyway because what is a marriage without children. Then his father in law ask if that is the way his daughter feels about it. To what Dr. prentice responded that she feels that everyone of their children should president of the United Stated and will have colorful administrations being this response a perfect example of cultural change as a dependent variable. The soon to be father in law responded that doesn't matter how confident the two of them are about it he is just a little scared about it and I think this is a prefect example of differentiation, rank due to the discrimination culture about this particular cases or circumstances due to culture lag that open up to all kind of biases. Koi789
2.Sidney Poitier "predicts" Barack Obama (1967)
ReplyDeleteThe dad in this clip was very upfront about his fears of his daughter marrying a black man in 1967. Something that he definetlty considered before trying to marry his daughter. Scociogiaclly speaking I think “joey” was a little unaware of what would be lying ahead for the two of them. The racist, bigotry and plain old hate would haunt them until the day they left this earth would be something that would make or break them. Joeys dad also felt that black kids could dance better than the white kids and john said basically that white folks can do the dances but black people are the dances signifying that black people are the originators of rhythm. It’s crazy how john basically predicted that there would be a man of color in office one day. Definitely back then that was a comical thought and wasn’t even considered to be a topic of discussion. John also brought up the fact that her dad was a life long libertarian who fought for equal rights for all people and wouldn’t be phased by the fact that he was a black doctor and a decorated one at that. The thought that a black an could be a doctor, baseball player etc. wasn’t considered common at all. John also felt as if he should have known his daughter better than he did because he “made her”. Times where changed for joey’s dad but he felt they were only doing so as far as his backyard. John wanted to meet Joeys father once she told him it wouldn’t be a problem but john still wanted to seek both parent’s approval so he wouldn’t have to deal with any other issues. It was very clear that it was important to him that they approved they’re marriage because they didn’t have much time to make a decision. Since then interracial marriages are so common that most people don’t really think about all the things that john and joey had to because of it being SO common. Thankfully, we don’t have to be as careful if a person choose to marry outside they’re race. -collegekid789-
It is interesting that back then the idea of a black man in office was a comical thought. We have definitely progressed since then! Even the fact that African Americans wouldn't play baseball or be doctors was not common. I appreciate your insight into this, since i typically have a dismal view on the way our society has progressed. We truly don't think of the commonalities of today's society and how lucky we are to be where we are! I feel like it would not be an issue to marry anyone outside of my race, or even to marry someone outside my race and of the same gender. I'm glad we have progressed in 50 years! QuinkThick789
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ReplyDeleteThe dialogue began with the newspaper publisher discrediting the way white people dance comparing it to that of black people, going on further to say black people are better at dancing. A stereotype indeed, and while it was all over the television at the time, the doctor counteracted his thought process by vocally expressing that although dance originated within the African American culture, while admitting it is “our music and dance” he felt as though everyone could do the wa-tootsie dance. The implicit bias here is very obvious. Truth is everyone can dance, the difference lie with its origin and like everything else dancing too has evolved. As the two men continued their conversation about The National Baseball League and how it compared to their current job titles, the conversation made a swift shift to an even more important topic about miscegenation. “Had you given any thought to how this would affect your children”, he asked. The doctors’ immediate response was, yes, I have! Due to the publisher’s own admittance of cultural lag in regards to the subject, the couple had already deviated against social norms by dating one another. With a more realistic approach on life, Mr. Prentice looked at things on a broader spectrum, perhaps being a part of the, then younger generation allowed him to adapt to change as it is a lot more excepting amongst younger individuals as is the older population.
Becoming Secretary of State is a prestigious job but being POTUS is even better, Joanna felt this way about her future offspring with an optimistic attitude, even going on to say they would have a “colorful administration” affirming how strong she felt in her decision to marry the doctor and just how much things had changed culturally. As a mother myself we always hope for the best for our children well before they are born and throughout their lives. If they were to have any children, the ascription of their race may have affected them due to how things were during that time. However, the status that both families held would have otherwise, given the children an upper hand on better education and a chance at the “American Dream.” When a person is born into money, they are more likely to associate with others’ of the same social status, which has lead me to ask this question, if his job was blue collared would the Drayton family or Joanna still be in agreeance with them dating? There were sixteen states with anti-miscegenation laws in place, including California where this film took place. It was not until 1967(the year the film was made) that The United States Supreme Court ruled such laws unconstitutional via the Loving vs Virginia case.
mummyoftwo789
To begin with the video did start with John talking about his culture and patterns and how people maybe dance like then, but they are the culture. Just goes to show there are so many different cultures that bring so much to this country. Mr. Dayton brought up the social and racial problems that their family will have in the future. John mentioned that things were changing in the world and at the time back in the 1960 people did not believe that things would be like they are today in 2017. Joanna’s father did show bigotry and bias in this clip he was assuming their future would fail and that their quick decision was unfair. It made me think how Joanna believed that their kids would be president on day and it makes you think if they did choose to have kids all the institutional prejudice they would receive at school, I can only imagine what it would be like to be a child in the 60’s with all the racial segregation. When watched this movie in class I kept thinking that Joanna was so delusional she acted like everything would be okay even though it was a tough time for African Americans in the 1960’s. This specific scene in the movie you can see the pluralism Dr. John and Mr. Drayton were both clearly different but were both socially equal. They were both well-known respected men of the same social standing. if this movie was based in modern times it would be completely different because now biracial couples are a common thing in our society. VCT789
ReplyDeleteWithin this clip, you see Drayton and John are having a culture discussion about dancing. Both men have a different view point when it comes to dancing, or their bias to each other view point. But, within the discussion you can see they do share the same social status when it comes to dancing. Drayton says “ colored kids dance better” and John added onto it by saying “It’s our dancing and our music” referring to the culture of black people. Culture explains the ways of thinking, the ways of acting and the material that form a peoples way of life, in this clip is dancing. John seemed a lot open to hearing Drayton’s view about the non-material culture when it comes to society. The discussion does begin to go to a more serious route, when it comes to the how society will reaction towards this marriage. John knowing that society wouldn’t be so welcoming towards this union, because it wasn’t the norm in this time period. Within his thoughts, he believed that the way things were done in the past, isn’t the same way in the future. He knows the risks of this union and knowing it clearly would affect the social mobility, based by the reaction of the both families. The daughter seemed to be very neglectful of the social-interactions that she would face compared to John and the parents. John and the Father did seem to agree on this factor of the discussion. Even though, it’s not a rule or law that they shouldn’t be together or married…society would have a big issue with it, because it doesn’t follow societies guides or behavior. But, even with knowing the culture lag they will face, Johns values on the matter are very strong and he believes they still have a chance and impact the world over time. This will be considered a culture shock to everyone who sees them, members of society would react the same way the parents did. John would slowly enter into communities and would hope to be accepted by others, even though the react may not always be a good one. The talk told a slight turn when it comes to how Drayton decided to raise his daughter. She was taught to believe that her father would accept John regardless of race or ethnicity based of the work her father has done to fight injustice within his community. OMiE789
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