ABSTRACT
In order to be authentic, does a television program need to address relevant social issues during its tenure? Is there a larger social responsibility of the creative team behind a television show to tackle social, political, economic and environmental issues? Throughout the history of television, these questions have been raised. Ultimately, television is a medium of entertainment but also has a greater purpose to be a tool of education, to provide information, to offer social and political commentary and in many instances a mirror or window into the lives of ourselves and others. While these are undoubtedly complex questions, the short answer is yes and here are five examples featuring Black women.
The realities facing Black women in 2017 are a hybrid of dichotomies. Representationally, Black women have seen their trials and triumphs portrayed on the small screen. Television as a medium, has mirrored the advancements as well as pitfalls facing Black women often times in unison. Professional imagery reflected reality. It is important to distinguish stereotypical representation versus reality based representation. Stereotypical representation of Blacks was created to demean, demoralize and psychologically cripple a race into believing they were second class citizens. The imagery is rooted in fear and hatred of the unknown. While reality based representation is rooted in a pictorial depiction of facts. In many instances these representational distinguishes are minimal and often overlap. So a portrayal can actually be both at the same time.
