Sixth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

The evolution of portrayals of Black women in the media has been a hot topic in the media and popular culture. “The overabundant portrayal of the African American woman stereotype, as Jezebel in popular culture, raises serious questions concerning the state of race in America” (Littlefield, 2008, p.677). Having the opportunity to compare Black women characters in predominately Black films that celebrate African culture and heritage and that are also accepted by mainstream media and popular culture, is an analysis at least 30 years in the making. The films Coming to America and Black Panther have a great deal of similarities. In order to establish a foundation of knowledge for referral throughout this analysis, it is important to understand the settings, general backgrounds, genre, and production of both films.