Media Notes for a Holistic Image of Black Women & Culture in the Media
While there may not be a clear consensus on the issue, a number of Black women have been expressing concern with their image as portrayed by the mainstream media. Time has appeared to have brought some measure of progress, but some would argue that persistent less than favorable reports on the status of Black women, and our culture in general, prove that the media has a long way to go in terms of projecting a vision that is both holistic and positive. So as an unofficial guide to assist the media in stepping into the present day, we suggest they make a departure from their usual tactics and focus on relevant subject matter such as the following:
Black Folks in the Green Movement: In a field that seems to be widely ignored by African Americans, Majora Carter is perfect example. Founder of Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx), she’s led the way in urban sustainability, fitness and healthy food choices.
Black women of Substance in Entertainment: Many of the sisters the media chooses to highlight often wade in the shallow end of pop-culture. The media seems to ignore the population of Black women in front and behind the scenes (a la Suzanne de Passe) who possess depth while making major advancements in entertainment and deserve honorable mention.
Diaspora Affairs: The small handful of prosperous Black Americans mentioned in the media aren’t the only folks in the Diaspora who are taking care of big business. Self-made billionaires such as Mohammed Al Amoudi from Ethiopia or South Africa’s mining mogul, Patrice Motsepe are huge industry leaders worth acknowledging.
Multi-cultural Unity: Prior to her death on May 2, 2008, Mildred Loving, the woman who fought to end miscegenation laws fought for gay marriage rights. It’s an absolute fact that people of various backgrounds and sexual orientations continue to work together to achieve a common goal, and the media ought to reflect that.
Black Women Represent Worldwide: This would be a nice change of pace. Note to the media: Rather than focus on the various ways Black women’s lives are plagued with suffering, how about drawing material from real life success stories from Black women across the globe? Black Women in Europe is a fascinating favorite that will surely broaden the scope of our collective experience.
Positive Black Family Issues/Images: One example would be dramatic TV shows depicting a solid Black family – not full of ridicule, but pride, positivity and dynamism.
Let’s See More of the Unique; Less of the Clones: The occasional spotlight on more talented, and unique artists, for example, than the usual manufactured starlets would be refreshing.
Spotlight More Examples of Black Unity: Organizations such as churches, fraternities and sororities for instance are proof of Black people working in unison to make positive contributions both here and abroad.
Acknowledge Black Women in Non-Stereotypical Roles/Industries: You may have heard of Faye Wattleton, Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice, Dr. Susan Rice before, but there are many more sisters who have triumphed in politics, medicine and beyond whose contributions deserve recognition.
Show Exactly How Trouble Comes in All Shades & Colors: Black folks haven’t cornered the market on trifling, grotesque values and behavior – despite what your favorite gossip blog, or Maury Povich may frequently convey. All cultures harbor their share of scandalousness – no matter how well they conceal it (or the media chooses to ignore it).
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I see. I get annoyed with the way certain groups are portrayed, but I dont let it define me.
Live your life.
But yes it would be nice, if all sorts of black women were portrayed and not “one type”.
At the same time, theres that “type” that sells, and it sure aint what you mentioned.
Who wants to see reserved, calm black women on TV?
Ummm. I think that’s what she said. She never said one type but said different types and shades. Atleast that’s what I understood her to say.
Great piece. We have to shift the media off us and our relationship status to issues we face as whole. Not just our race but gender and community.
I like this post. Small changes make a big impact. For example, I work in TV and when possible I try to search out experts and professional black men and women who would best suite the story and also show us in a different light – one that is not often portrayed. The other day I met and interviewed a black woman who was a mountain ranger, it was awesome!
if i sat and kept thinking on how the media portrays of black women i would honestly kill myself…i decided not to care anymore…i stop watching there shows and crap..i tvo shows that make me feel good about myself as a black women… i tvo the Cosby show, a different world,Living Single, and sometimes Martin (Gina and Pam had there stuff together even though Pam was a trip lol)….we’ve been fighting for years to get them to show us in a better light but it seems as if they dont want the world to know us or see us anymore i feel like the ppl behind the camara are scared of Black women we clearly are competition when it comes to those white women that why they’ve removed us from there shows altogether unless were over weight, loud or rude (the stereotype)…i choose not to care anymore ill raise my little girls when i have children on good shows i used to watch they will see women of color in a good light…who cares if the show is 10 or 20 yrs old that’s the kind of women i want my daughters to admire when they watch tv….not bitter overly aggressive women with weight issues…im not going to dwell on the negatives anymore…im tired of feeling bad about myself im just not going to dwell on that nonsense anymore i know who i am and i know how the media feels about us so screw them…im going to do what they hate most not watch there shows and pray to God they keep losing rating and the crap comes of there networks…i read an interesting blog the other day….http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/46290249.html#cutid1…check it out!!!
Really enjoyed this piece. What we see is what we decide to see. I’m happy that a lot of people are shifting their views bc of the media obsession with the sbw hype. More and more great people are being highlighted.
While I agree with this post and feel that it is a nice sentiment, I think its a waste of time for Black people to complain about the way that the media portrays us since television should not and cannot define us as people. Secondly, I think we have to be honest here. As great as it would be to be able to turn on my television and see the things you mentioned, its never going to happen if you are waiting for the White people who currently run the media to show the different stories and experiences that Black people have to offer. They use the media that they have the largest stake in to tell their stories. Its futile to expect them to be inclusive. Why should they? The way that the machine has been run is working for them just fine. The energy needs to shift from wishing they would be more inclusive to having more Black people working behind the scenes because that is where all the decisions are being made. We get more Black people in the boardrooms and heading their own production companies, and then we will see more of our stories. Until then its just the same unresolved complaint for a different day.
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This is refreshing but Forget the media! We as black women shouldn’t sit around and obsessed over how they protray us but prove them wrong. Because for every negative image out there you can find at leat 10 images that repels that negativity. So, I say screw them at the end of the day. I’ am going to live my life for me and not buy into it because like this article points out we are involved in different things and trying to raise awareness and make a difference in other avenues in the world, so if the “mainstream” media don’t want to take note then screw them. that is why it is up to us to post and praise the difference black women and men are making in the world on avenues like Clutch, other magazines, websites, etc. until we get enough power and people in those high levels position in the media to change the concept and view of us but until then let the fools laugh and play
great insight.
but beggars, cannot be choosers.
i choose to create our OWN media. Control our images and our stories and our narratives and the music, etc that our youth are exposed to.
simply put, clutch is one of those forces.
thank you guys for your consitency and truth.
peace
A media by Black women for Black women is what we need.
The Black media is interested in A. selling product B. preying on insecurities C. selling product that prey on insecurities. The mainstream media is lazy. I see a woman like the brilliant and stunning Melissa Lacewell Harris talk about balancing activism, career, motherhood and her relationship with her S.O. or a career woman like Julianne Malveaux and her perspectives and causes. Well their no fun, so Black women = Jacque Reid and Sherri Sheppard.
omg, please don’t forget black women in fashion!