Graduation Year
Spring 2013
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Sociology
Reader 1
Alicia Bonaparte
Reader 2
Damien Sojoyner
Rights Information
© 2013 Joi Ward
Abstract
This study examines the youtube series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and how it challenges representations of Black women in media, television and film. I argue that the director of the series, Issa Rae challenges predominant images of Black womanhood through her character "J".
Through a historical framework I examine the mammie, jezebel, sapphire and the tragic mulatta as predominant images of Black women. I argue that these images function within oppressive institutions to maintain a social heirarchy in which Black women are inferior. Moreover, my content analysis examines how the character "J" negates these predominant images of Black womanhood through her use of rap as a coping mechanism, sexual agency and the ability to negotiate racism in the workplace
Recommended Citation
Ward, Joi, "Carving Out New Spaces of Resistance: An Analysis of the Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" (2013). Scripps Senior Theses. 208.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/208
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
