Stripper. Porn star. Video vixen. These are the words associated with Black women in the media. As derogatory as these words may be, they are often used to describe the Black woman in the media.
In today's media, Black women are portrayed as sexual objects and not as literate persons. Elaine Richardson talks about the different social constructs that influence the literacy of an African American female. One of those constucts being the early "knowledge of the self as racially and sexually marked objects" (Richardson 675). There is a perception that young Black women construct from viewing the media. There are Black women who engage in promiscuous acts because of the attention gained or for money. However, not all women are in it for the pleasure of gaining social acceptance. There are women who seek these influences to benefit their family needs or to pay for their education. No one can assume a woman’s intention behind her activities just because her activities are not accepted in society.
Richardson also discusses a common thought that all Black women are strong/ superwomen. Black women throughout history have always been the backbone for their families and they were never able to do for themselves. This is why younger Black women are having children early because society views Black women as homemakers and child bearers. The theory of the superwoman is then played through the way the Black woman handles everyday life. She may feel the need to approach her job, raising her children, her education, and marriage with the thought of achieving perfection. No matter what is on a Black woman’s plate, she will complete her priorities by any means necessary.
People throw out distorted images of Black women; however, the truth is these perceptions play a huge role in the molding of the Black woman.
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