Images in the media, some students believe, are fostering a false stereotypical view of the African-American society that many black students at NIU object to.

In the first of its “Knowledge Is Self” series, members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity hosted a discussion of the various stereotypes of African-Americans in music, movies and television.

Held on Monday at Stevenson South, the event focused on image and how it affects the African-American community. Various clips from the movie “Boyz ‘N the Hood” (1991) and the video by Nelly, “#1,” were shown. Afterwards, they were analyzed for their stereotypical content that ranged from blacks as uneducated and alcoholics, to a view of black women as sexual objects.

Students at the discussion expressed a variety of opinions, but all agreed that the images carried with them a negative tone that may be due to a lack of education and positive images in the media.

“When I look back at my grammar school education, I feel like I was cheated,” said Jacque Miller, sophomore physical therapy major, referring to the absence of African-American history curriculum early in his life.

The purpose of these sessions is to give those who attend a better understanding of African-Americans and the society they live in, said Edward Quinn, a senior communication major.

“We’re talking about day—to—day life,” Quinn said. “The way we look, the way we talk, how black people carry themselves and present themselves. If one person leaves here with a better understanding of themselves then I’ll be satisfied.”

Another “Knowledge Is Self” informational session is scheduled two weeks and will focus on career path, dreadlocks and braids hair styles in the workplace and other aspects of black awareness.

“Educate yourself beyond your major,” Student Association President Troy Caldwell. “Learn more about what you are and therefore become better stewards of our race.”