The Evolution of Black Women in Media

The representation of Black women in the media has improved greatly in the past century. We see more Black women in television in roles that are not degrading such as Halle Bailey’s role in “The Little Mermaid.” Positive Black representation in the media is crucial because it influences not only Black people but also non-Black people in their perception of Black women.

In the early 20th century, Black women were portrayed as “mammies”, old Black maids who were devoted to their masters. Hattie McDaniel’s role in “Gone with the Wind” perfectly portrays this stereotype. Black women were also portrayed as Black “Jezebels” or promiscuous beings. We were not seen as actual human beings instead the world viewed us as entertaining caricatures.

In the late 1960s and 1970s Black exploitation movies such as Foxy Brown depicted Black women as heroines instead of promiscuous side characters, despite this change of imagery their roles still have sexual connotations attached to them. This change of imagery is influenced by the Black Power Movement during this period as Black people are embracing their African roots and taking pride in who they are.

In the 1990s Black films shifted from Blaxploitation to films displaying the harsh realities of Black people living in urban areas. Movies such as “New Jack City,” “Menace II Society” and “Boyz in the Hood” showcase the cycle of violence being repeated in poor black neighborhoods. The 90s was also an era of Black sitcom shows with Black women being the main characters. Shows such as “Moesha” and “Living Single” depict the lives of Black women.

In the modern period, we are witnessing more positive Black representation than ever. Notable movies such as “Black Panther” and “The Women King” highlight how far we have come as a society as Black women are being portrayed as strong leaders and protectors. Softer representation of Black women is seen in Disney movies like “The Princess and the Frog” and “The Little Mermaid.”