The Media and Stereotypes of Black Women
Thursday, April 10, 2008

No Educational Material in Films

I watch television shows and movies solely for entertainment, not education or a sense of "Oh, so that's what they're like." I don't view films by Jackie Chan, Jet Li or Akira Kurosawa (this guy is awesome) to be educational. Interesting, yes, but nothing I'd use as historical fact.

Fanciful Suburban Drama-Comedies

I've enjoyed Parenthood, Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride 2 with Steve Martin. (Loved him in The Jerk.) Even if they are all thematically the same movie, I've never held the impression that any of them are real. (So, that's how all whites in all white suburbia live!)

One standout for me - the kitchen(s). Oh boy, talk about real estate porn! In these films, the homes are always chock full of awesome kitchen accessories. I couldn't stand my kitchen full of stuff, but I do admire these clutter nests.

What Seems True

What is true in these films is the affluent, take it all for granted, privileged nature of the characters. Those self-involved narcissists exist; I've encountered them. There's no hesitation that checks these characters. They are not inhibited by the reality that something evil and external is going to block their paths, dreams, or desires due to race and sex.

It is a great escape to watch movies and television dramas where whites in all white environment worry about mundane stuff.

Oh, if only life could be that uncomplicated for black women in America.

I liked Bringing Down the House, with Queen Latifah and Steve Martin. Queen Latifah was executive producer. I'm sure something in the script spoke to her. I winced throughout the film.

Yet what may be entertainment to me, is taken as gospel among some other groups.

Let me say this in plain English: I've met people who feel they can only relate to me based on media images of black women. I'd be really really rich if I received money for every time I heard, saw, or read what other groups in America, or the world for that matter, believed about black women. Most, if not all, of their ridiculous notions come from the Media: general entertainment (video games, books, etc), Hollywood and the advertising industry.

How it Relates to Me, A Black Woman

When I tell people I can't dance, they respond with shock. I elaborate: I can't remember dances like the Electric Slide or Bus Stop. Or any dance steps for that matter.

When I travel I get questions, which probe: What do I do for a living? We're all drug dealers and entertainers, don't cha know?

How can I afford to travel? I mugged an old white woman to get on this trip.

I've been complimented, with a note of surprise, as to how well I speak. I've even been told at different times that I "sound like a white girl."

People cross the street, clutch their purse (and babies too!), avoid my presence, and do all other wonderful sorts of things, because I am a black woman.

People who befriend me actually assume that at some point in time, I'll turn into a sassy, bossy and hotheaded sistah, and give someone a peace of my mind. Talk about a let down when I do not get mad or huffy.

What's worse are people who assume that I'm going to be their all-knowing wisdom dispensing black female wise-ass protector. Not gonna happen.

And my all time favorite: "I don't know any black women except for the [fill in the blank] show. I really liked that program." And what does that have to do with me?

Thanks For The Stereotypes!

Where else are these stupid impressions coming from, but the Media? (insert ominous music here)

Hey, I'd prefer it if the Media ignored my existence than continue to perpetrate false images masquerading as reality. Then, I can go back to watching my all white entertainment, and everyone else can too.

Labels: black women, Hollywood, media, Queen Latifah, stereotypes, Steve Martin

posted by GoldenAh
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