"Damn Gina": Analyzing gender and sexuality in the romantic narratives of '90s African American television shows

Catherine Gore-Gause, Coastal Carolina University

Presentation Abstract

Choice-driven streaming platforms have made it seem as if there is more African-American leads in television by making it easier for new generations to access these older television programs, but in actuality it is the minimality of choices that forces audiences of African- American television to connect with and learn from 1990's programming. The goal of my research is to find the link between portrayals of African-American relationships within African-American television media and conformations of master narratives that marginalize people within the African American community. I conducted a content analysis of Martin, Living Single, and A Different World. I choose these shows because the main characters of these shows are composed of young African-American adults capable of having legitimate romantic relationships independent of parental guidance. The coding I chose identified narratives and portrayals through relationship type, gender identity, skin color, sexuality, acts of agency, and one's seeking for a relationship.

This paper has been withdrawn.
 
Apr 21st, 4:50 PM Apr 21st, 5:10 PM

"Damn Gina": Analyzing gender and sexuality in the romantic narratives of '90s African American television shows

Room 3

Choice-driven streaming platforms have made it seem as if there is more African-American leads in television by making it easier for new generations to access these older television programs, but in actuality it is the minimality of choices that forces audiences of African- American television to connect with and learn from 1990's programming. The goal of my research is to find the link between portrayals of African-American relationships within African-American television media and conformations of master narratives that marginalize people within the African American community. I conducted a content analysis of Martin, Living Single, and A Different World. I choose these shows because the main characters of these shows are composed of young African-American adults capable of having legitimate romantic relationships independent of parental guidance. The coding I chose identified narratives and portrayals through relationship type, gender identity, skin color, sexuality, acts of agency, and one's seeking for a relationship.

https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/ugrc/2021/fullconference/34