Abstract
This qualitative study uses juxtapositional, intersectional and critical discourse analyses as one composite framework to assess Black female victimness and matriarchy in three Tyler Perry films. Findings exposed a transitional archetype model consisting of 5 domains (Victim, Bitterfruit, Matriarch, Forgiver and Princess) whereby victimized characters are portrayed using racist and sexist stereotypes. Additionally, rich juxtapositions in the films with regard to Black female victimness and matriarchy were also revealed. These juxtapositions play out in the transitional archetype model and reiterate a harmful racist gendered stereotype: strong, Black women (matriarchs) are not and cannot, by way of their strength, aggressiveness and violent dispositions be legitimate victims. This major finding, in addition to other findings based on the model and juxtapositional discourse analysis, expose important implications for social work practice, education and future scholarship.
Publication Date
2015
Keywords
Gender violence, Media, Women, Intersectionality, Critical discourse analysis, Stereotypes, Juxtaposition, Feminist research, Qualitative
Disciplines
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence | Gender and Sexuality | Other Film and Media Studies | Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies | Race and Ethnicity | Social Work | Women's Studies
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Elizabeth Cramer
Is Part Of
VCU Graduate Research Posters
Included in
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Work Commons, Women's Studies Commons