Ethnographic Study: “Media’s portrayal of Women of Color in reality television from a Feminist Perspective”

Focused Area

Youth-At-Risk in Urban Settings

Relevance to Focused Area

My proposal relates to Youth-At-Risk in Urban Settings in that it recognizes that there is a need for good role models for youth at risk. It also serves to enhance awareness of those in an educational/instructional setting of youth placed at risk, about the importance of having good role models that identify as women of color on television.

Primary Strand

Social & Emotional Skills

Relevance to Primary Strand

The proposal relates to "Heart": Social & Emotional Skills in that it serves to enhance the awareness that having positive women of color on television will improve the self esteem of young women and assist in cultivating a positive identity.

Brief Program Description

This presentation will serve to explore how women of color are portrayed in the media, specifically on reality television from a feminist point of view. The importance of having women of color on television in positive roles will be highlighted, so as to promote the goal of preparing the next generation of distinguished leaders.

Summary

This paper will serve to explore how women of color are portrayed in the media, specifically on reality television from a feminist point of view through an ethnographic reflective study. This presenter believes that it is extremely important that women of color are shown in a positive light in the media. Reality television has become a popular form of entertainment for young females, and I will examine the most popular reality shows on television and provide a description of how women of color are portrayed versus that of our White female counterpart. The popularity of the television show will be based on a survey given to a diverse population of both male and female participants of various ages, social status, ethnicity, and level of education.

According to Bell Hooks (2000), “Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression”. The author goes on to state that the feminist movement urged females to no longer see themselves and their bodies as the property of men, but to demand control of their sexuality, effective birth control and reproductive rights, an end to rape and sexual harassment, and to do so by standing in solidarity. Feminism however, is for everyone.”

Reality television can be described as a form of entertainment by people who agree to have their “real” lives recorded and displayed for everyone to see for a price. Reality television has turned society into voyeurs. The more venom you spit, the more popular you become and the more you get paid. If good role models are not provided for young girls, they will grow up to believe that what is seen on television is gospel, and may even begin to pattern the negative behaviors, as this behavior is seen as bringing forth the most attention. If successful women of color displaying high morals and conduct are not shown on mainstream media, our young women will no longer strive to be Lawyers, Doctors, Therapists, or Politicians; but instead aspire to be video vixens, exotic dancers, or the girlfriend of a basketball player or rapper.

Evidence

By observation of popular culture, analyzing and assessing responses to survey provided, and through interviews. Over 75% of the individuals surveyed believed that women of color were being shown negatively on reality television.

Format

Poster Presentation

Biographical Sketch

Tamaru Phillips is a doctoral candidate at Nova Southeastern University, Davie Florida in the Marriage and Family Therapy department. Ms. Phillips has also been employed in the field of Child Welfare in the state of Florida for over 10 years, working with at-risk-youth in the capacity of Case Manager, Foster Care Licensing Counselor, Child Protective Specialist and Quality Assurance.

Start Date

11-5-2015 5:45 PM

End Date

11-5-2015 6:45 PM

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Nov 5th, 5:45 PM Nov 5th, 6:45 PM

Ethnographic Study: “Media’s portrayal of Women of Color in reality television from a Feminist Perspective”

This presentation will serve to explore how women of color are portrayed in the media, specifically on reality television from a feminist point of view. The importance of having women of color on television in positive roles will be highlighted, so as to promote the goal of preparing the next generation of distinguished leaders.