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BLACK WOMEN ARE HUMAN BEINGS, NOT PROPERTY: A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF SPIKE LEE’S 1986 AND 2017 PRODUCTIONS OF SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT

Johnson, Tonya M
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1551869687395502

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Arts, University of Akron, Communication.
The overarching purpose of this study is to mobilize Black feminism in order to deconstruct how She’s Gotta Have It’s story line paradoxically challenges and/or reinforces misogynistic and stereotypical understandings of Black women. Continuing to analyze and critique the portrayals of women of color in the media is vital because shows and films starring African-American actors and actresses are very popular amongst Black viewers (Abrams, 2012). These negative depictions of Black women in media continue to affect the way Black people, as well as American society, values, identifies and idealizes Black women in general (Francois, 2012). This study begins with a review of literature of concepts and theories regarding the representation of Black women in the media. By approaching these issues with a feminist perspective, this thesis explores the societal constructions of Black women’s experiences and sexualities in a White male dominated culture. Through a comparative analysis of the evolution between the 1986 film She’s Gotta Have It and the 2017 Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, this study assesses the representation of women of color in the Black community. Lastly, it examines the public delivery of images and messages that challenge and/or reinforce the prevailing stereotypes of African American women in film and television.
Mary Triece, PhD (Advisor)
Kathleen Clark, PhD (Committee Member)
Kathleen Endres, PhD (Committee Member)
83 p.
African American Studies; African Americans; Communication; Film Studies; Mass Media; Rhetoric
Ideal beauty standards, Blackness, Colorism, Black controlling images, Sexual Objectification, Male gratification

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Johnson, T. M. (2019). BLACK WOMEN ARE HUMAN BEINGS, NOT PROPERTY: A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF SPIKE LEE’S 1986 AND 2017 PRODUCTIONS OF SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1551869687395502

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Johnson, Tonya. BLACK WOMEN ARE HUMAN BEINGS, NOT PROPERTY: A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF SPIKE LEE’S 1986 AND 2017 PRODUCTIONS OF SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT . 2019. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1551869687395502.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Johnson, Tonya. "BLACK WOMEN ARE HUMAN BEINGS, NOT PROPERTY: A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF SPIKE LEE’S 1986 AND 2017 PRODUCTIONS OF SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT ." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1551869687395502

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1551869687395502
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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.