GSWS FINAL

A. Pick TWO course readings of your choice from the syllabus (each from a different week), and
describe in your own words, how they inform the field of Black Popular Culture.

OR

B. What are some of the readings that illustrate a gendered analysis of Black Popular Culture?
Try to interpret the readings at the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and/or class. Use
TWO readings (each from a different week) from the course to supplement your response.

"Is Your Hair Political? by Audre Lorde"

In this piece, Audre Lorde explores the political and cultural significance of Black women's hair,
arguing that it is a profound expression of Black identity and resistance. Lorde emphasizes that
the choice of how to wear one's hair goes beyond aesthetic preferences to reflect broader
societal attitudes and pressures about race and gender. This discourse on hair illuminates the
intersection of race, gender, and personal agency within the context of Black popular culture,
highlighting how seemingly personal choices are deeply embedded in historical and cultural
narratives. The politicization of Black hair also serves as a point of resistance against dominant
beauty standards that often marginalize Black women's natural hair, fostering a reclamation of
identity and a critique of oppressive structures.

"Black Masculinities and Queerness in Moonlight"

This reading delves into the film "Moonlight" by Barry Jenkins, focusing on its portrayal of Black
masculinity and queer identity. The film challenges the conventional representations of Black
men in media by presenting a nuanced story of a young Black man grappling with his sexuality
in a society that often equates masculinity with heteronormativity and toughness. This analysis
is crucial in Black popular culture as it expands the scope of how Black men are portrayed,
promoting a more inclusive understanding of identity and masculinity. The intersection of race
and sexuality in "Moonlight" offers a unique vantage point to examine the complexities of
identity formation, social expectations, and the struggle for self-acceptance.

Intersectional Analysis: Racialized Gender Analysis

Both readings are tied by their exploration of identity and resistance within the frameworks of
race and gender. Lorde’s discussion on hair tackles the gender-specific expectations placed on
Black women, illustrating how these demands intersect with racial identities to shape the
experiences and self-perception of Black women. Meanwhile, "Moonlight" addresses the
intersections of race and gender from the perspective of a queer Black man, providing insight
into the additional layers of complexity that queer Black individuals face.
 These works contribute significantly to the field of Black Popular Culture by challenging and
expanding the narratives around Black identity. They urge a reconsideration of the norms that
have traditionally dominated Black representations in media and culture, advocating for a more
diverse and inclusive portrayal that resonates with the lived realities of Black individuals across
different spectrums of gender and sexuality. Together, these readings underscore the
importance of viewing Black popular culture through lenses that recognize the interplay of
various identity factors, promoting a richer understanding of the cultural dynamics at play.

A. In Week 12, we read about the liberating resistance of Black Joy. Can you think of TWO media
texts from this course (films/ music videos/ shows) that attempt to bring this rebellion of Black
joy to fruition? Elaborate in your answer how they are able to achieve this with the help of your
observations. You can use the readings to support your argument.

OR

B. The Black body is always under surveillance: it is sexualized, demonized, and is hypervisible
and invisible at the same time. Discuss the depiction of the body with reference to TWO media
texts from the course. You can use the readings to support your argument.

"Moonlight" by Barry Jenkins

"Moonlight" presents a nuanced portrayal of the Black body through the life of Chiron, a young
Black man grappling with his identity and sexuality. The film's depiction of Chiron's body moves
from a site of vulnerability and invisibility in his youth to one of hypermasculine display in
adulthood. Throughout all stages, Chiron’s body remains under constant surveillance, shaping
his actions and his self-perception. The transformation of his body across the three chapters of
the film symbolizes the external pressures to conform to rigid notions of Black masculinity. This
portrayal underscores how the Black male body is both hypervisible—in terms of societal
expectations and stereotypes—and invisible, particularly in its emotional and psychological
needs.

Beyoncé’s "Lemonade"
Beyoncé's "Lemonade" is a visual album that explores Black female identity through rich
symbolism and powerful imagery. The album explicitly confronts the historical and
contemporary surveillance of the Black female body. In "Lemonade," the Black woman's body is
a canvas for exploring themes of empowerment, betrayal, and resilience. The depiction of Black
women in antebellum dresses alongside modern settings juxtaposes the historical exploitation
and control of Black women's bodies with their present-day reclaiming of agency and visibility.
Beyoncé uses her body both as a symbol of sexual autonomy and a tool of artistic expression,
challenging the demonization and objectification historically imposed on Black women.
 Intersectional Analysis: Racialized Gender Analysis
Both "Moonlight" and "Lemonade" offer a racialized and gendered analysis of the Black body,
addressing the layered dimensions of visibility and surveillance. "Moonlight" explores these
themes through the lens of Black masculinity and queerness, portraying the challenges faced by
Black men in reconciling their identity with societal expectations. Meanwhile, "Lemonade"
speaks to the Black female experience, highlighting the strength and vulnerability of Black
women navigating a world that often seeks to marginalize and define them.

Together, these works contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities surrounding

the Black body in media. They challenge viewers to reconsider traditional narratives and
recognize the diverse expressions of Black identity. By addressing both the hyper-visibility and
invisibility that Black individuals experience, "Moonlight" and "Lemonade" push for a more
nuanced appreciation of the pressures and potentials that shape the lives of Black men and
women in contemporary culture.

According to you, what were the TWO most interesting weeks in the course? And why?
Supplement your response with your understanding of the readings and viewings of those TWO
weeks.

Week on "Dancing in the Dark: The Public Display of Black Joy as Resistance"
This reading dives into the concept of Black joy as a form of resistance against the systemic
oppression and racial trauma that Black communities face. The notion that joy and celebration
can serve as acts of political defiance and self-affirmation is a powerful counter to the often
negative portrayal of Black life in media. This exploration is crucial because it shifts the focus
from Black suffering to resilience and empowerment through joyous expressions. The article
examines instances where Black artists and everyday individuals use dance, music, and other
forms of cultural expression to claim spaces, celebrate their identities, and forge communal
bonds. This week likely sparked discussions on how these acts of joy challenge dominant
narratives by centering Black happiness and creativity as radical acts of self-definition and
resistance.

Week on "Queen Latifah by S. Cochran"

The week focusing on Queen Latifah offers an in-depth look at her influence as a musician,
actress, and entrepreneur. Queen Latifah has been a pioneering figure in the integration of
feminism within the hip-hop genre, using her platform to address issues of gender, race, and
equality. The reading by S. Cochran likely explored her role in shaping a space for women in a
predominantly male industry, highlighting her contributions to expanding the narrative around
what it means to be a Black woman in America. Queen Latifah’s career provides a valuable case
study in the racialized and gendered analysis of Black popular culture, demonstrating how her
 work across different media challenges stereotypes and broadens the representation of Black
women as powerful, multifaceted individuals.

Intersectional Analysis
These weeks are compelling because they both address themes of visibility, representation, and
identity but through different mediums—music and public celebration. Each provides a unique
viewpoint on how Black individuals use cultural production as a space for self-expression and
social commentary. By focusing on Black joy and the multifaceted career of Queen Latifah,
these readings underscore the importance of media and cultural practices in the fight against
racial and gender stereotypes. They also highlight how Black individuals actively shape and
redefine their identities, making significant contributions to broader cultural movements and
challenging societal norms.

Together, these weeks encourage a reevaluation of the roles that joy, music, and performance
play in the ongoing discussions about race and gender in society, emphasizing the power of
culture as both a site of resistance and a source of transformative energy in the lives of Black
individuals.