Black Femininity in Media and Literature
This thesis examines the evolution of diversified representations of black femininity across
skin tones, class, ethnicity, hair textures, body shapes, neurodivergence, sexuality, and other
factors in media and literature. By reviewing a range of media and literary works, this
research aims to explore the progression of the portrayal of black women in media and
literature and how it has contributed to changes in societal perceptions. The study will focus
on black women as a whole rather than on regional classifications of black women because
black femininity is a shared experience across the globe despite specific disparities. Though
it is still key to recognize how Black African women are marginalized within the black
femininity spectrum. Through sifting through scholastic and critically analyzed material, it has
been noted that there is greater diversity and inclusivity of black femininity. Media and
literary producers are now focused on capturing the authentic and broad range of
experiences of black women. This has led to an understanding of the multiplicity and
complexity of black women's identities and how they can be represented without propagating
societal stereotypes that harm black women’s lived experiences.
The methods employed in this research include a comprehensive anatomization of scholarly
literary works such as articles, photography, and books, and passively and actively
consumed media and literature such as music, film, and novels. Through a sufficient
qualitative analysis of these works, certain patterns and motifs are observed that affirm the
evolution of black femininity representation in media and literature.
The findings of this research contribute to the acknowledgment and appreciation of the
inherent diversity of black femininity. There is a spectrum of skin tones included leading to
darker shades encompassing a portion of media and literature. Likewise, an array of hair
textures in natural form are gradually being incorporated as a way of dissenting from
Eurocentric beauty standards. It is to be noted that despite this progression, there is still an
inadequate representation of the black African woman narrative. There are gaps to be filled
in the perceived notions of not only what it means to be a Black woman but also a Black
African woman. Being black and African is not a separate entity in itself but it is significantly
different from being a black woman due to the stereotypes surrounding the continent.
This thesis seeks to synthesize how intersections between ethnicity, cultures, sexual identity,
and other factors can be harnessed to debunk stereotypes and archetypes that limit the
exploration of black femininity. By understanding traits such as Africanist and Communicator,
this analysis will delve deeper into the concept of black femininity and how it has shaped my
experiences prior to ALA, and how my perceptions have influenced my future pursuits.
My presentation will be discussing questions such as the intersections and disparities in
black femininity as a whole and taxonomically through various factors, and how media and
literary creators strive to be more inclusive and diverse in how they explore black femininity.