Lyric Okoro
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Lydia Kelow-Bennett
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Afroamerican and African Studies / LSA
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 5: 2:40 pm – 3:30 pm
Poster:
Abstract
Why is the Beyhive such an ardent fan base and what makes fans invest heavily in artists like Beyoncé? Why was the Tory Lanez trial (for shooting Megan Thee Stallion) such a heated and contentious issue on social media platforms? For many in black communities, black women celebrities are figures of empowerment, and their impacts have helped black women understand their place in the world. Their presence can instill positivity and pride into black identity, yet one of their biggest obstacles towards proper representation is misogynoir. In this project, I am examining how black men on social media platforms engage in criticism towards black women in popular culture. This criticism takes place in such a public manner on spaces and forums for a particular reason: to uphold white patriarchy by asserting misogynoir. This study looks into the influence that the Moynihan Report has on black men’s criticisms towards black women in places of power. The negative reaction towards women like Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion for exhibiting strength, sexual and bodily autonomy, and financial independence can be best understood by looking towards the foundation presented to society in the Moynihan Report. This report has shaped how Americans view black womanhood, and in turn works to assert contradictory fulfilling archetypes prompted by white patriarchy that not only black men, but all critics in public spaces view and accuse these black women of upholding. On the other side, are the writings of Black feminists who’ve spearheaded their own movement against the sexism within black nationalism and the racism within white feminism. These critics have offered a robust critique of Moynihan’s message, and advocated for other frameworks to be used in analyzing Black women’s public images.
