The Boondocks Stereotypes

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Creator Aaron McGruder’s The Boondocks is a cartoon series focused on the adventurous lives of two young brothers, Riley and Huey and their vulgar mouth grandfather, Robert “Granddad” Freeman. Some viewers have questioned whether or not the show is another stereotypical view of the black community. The brothers represent two stereotypes of young black males. Riley is the “thug” who wears cornrows, sagging pants, and has a love for the “N-word.” In contrast, Huey is the 1970s militant, whose name comes from Black Panther leader Huey Newton. Huey hates the US government and he possesses a defiant spirit. Granddad is not excluded from living out stereotypical beliefs people hold about black identity. He holds no reservations when it comes to physically disciplining children; his lust for younger women and his love for soul food are all stereotypical. He is an …show more content…
Throughout the exploration of Riley’s character one would find that he embodies the mindset of what society would expect the black male to be. For example Riley’s use of poor grammar, his homophobic and misogynist views, and his love for the “thug” lifestyle all show how this eight-year-old boy embodies the mentality that is expected of him. Furthermore using the “N-word” in every sentence, concluding that everything that he doesn’t agree with (especially the views of his brother) is “gay” and, referring to women as either “bitches” or “hoes”. To add to the list, his involvement in various crimes and the following of his “gangster” idols are all stereotypes for what black male hood entails. Some of his idols are modeled after “real life” thugs including 50 cent and Chris Brown. Despite how Riley seems to portray himself to the average viewer in the show, Riley is actually very sensible, resourceful, and street savvy. He uses what he knows to outsmart his competitor and ultimately make the best of any
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