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Bvuma Mercy Pheladi 2018.Pdf (2.188Mb) Black feminism: A critique of the stereotypical representations of Black women in African- American Comedy Films: A case study of selected Tyler Perry films. By MERCY BVUMA 216075132 Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the School of Arts UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL SUPERVISOR: Prof. Jean-Philippe Wade 2018 DECLARATION I, Ms. Mercy Bvuma declare as follows: That, Black Feminism: A critique of the Stereotypical Representations of Black Women in African-American Comedy Films: A case study of selected Tyler Perry films is my own work, that all sources used have been acknowledged through accurate referencing. Furthermore, I declare that the work described in this thesis has not been submitted to UKZN or other tertiary institution for purposes of obtaining an academic qualification, whether by myself or any other party. Signed Date 09 May 2018 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank God and the following people for making this study efficient: To my Lord and creator, thank you for all the blessings that thy continuously shower me with. The strength and endurance of carrying on with my studies. To Prof. Wade my supervisor. I am grateful that you took this journey with me and supported me throughout. Difficult as it was due to certain circumstances, you made this degree completely enjoyable. Thanks for the feedback and undivided support. You are the Best!! To my mom, Miriam Mosekwa-Bvuma, you have always been my pillar of strength and have always preached the gospel of education, and furthering ones’ studies. I am because of you, and will forever be grateful mom. Kealeboga Boledi! To my partner Charles Maimela, you have encouraged, motivated and supported me throughout this journey. I appreciate it, Nakhensa! To my IT friends, Massenya Fisha and Albert Mohlala, no matter how late it was, you were just a phone call away when I needed assistance in terms of ICT. Thank you both so much! To Luthando Ngema, thanks for recommending that I study with the University through the supervision of Prof. Wade, I have absolutely no regrets, and thanks for your assistance. To my many friends who have constantly encouraged me when times were tough, I am grateful. Thank you! Lastly, to my daughter Omphile Bvuma, I dedicate this degree to you. I want to inspire you so that you go out there and shine! i TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................ 0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................. i ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................. viii CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background and aims of study .............................................................................................. 1 1.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE .............................................................................................. 2 1.2.1 Feminism and film ........................................................................................................ 2 1.3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................... 3 1.3.1 Feminism ............................................................................................................................ 3 1.3.2 Black Feminism.................................................................................................................. 3 1.4 MAIN RESEARCH PROBLEM ......................................................................................... 5 1.4.1 Related Research questions: ......................................................................................... 5 1.5 METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 6 1.5.1 Research Methods......................................................................................................... 6 1.6 STRUCTURE OF DISSERTATION .................................................................................. 7 CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................... 8 REVIEWING THEORIES ADDRESSING BLACK CONCERNS .............................................. 8 2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 8 2.1.1 African –American Comedy: The History ................................................................... 8 2.1.2 Feminism: The History ............................................................................................... 11 2.1.3 The Feminist film theory ............................................................................................ 11 2.1.4 Stereotypes.................................................................................................................. 15 2.1.5 Ethnic (Cultural) and Gender Stereotypes .................................................................. 19 2.2 SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER 3 ................................................................................................................................. 21 THEORIZING BLACK FEMINISM AND CULTURE .............................................................. 21 3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 21 ii 3.1.1 Black feminist theory.................................................................................................. 21 3.1.2 Intersectionality .......................................................................................................... 23 3.1.3 Popular Culture ........................................................................................................... 26 3.2 SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 27 CHAPTER 4 ................................................................................................................................. 29 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................. 29 4.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 29 4.1.1 Research questions ..................................................................................................... 29 4.2 RESEARCH DESIGN ....................................................................................................... 30 4.2.1 Qualitative narrative analysis ..................................................................................... 30 4.3 DEFINING THE DATA-SET ........................................................................................... 31 4.3.1 Characteristics of the population ................................................................................ 32 4.4 DATA COLLECTION AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE ............................................... 32 4.4.1 Units of Analysis ........................................................................................................ 33 4.4.2 Data Analysis .............................................................................................................. 34 4.5 THEMATIC ANALYSIS .................................................................................................. 34 4.5.1 Conformability............................................................................................................ 35 4.5.2 Ethical issues .............................................................................................................. 37 4.6 CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE STUDY ................................................................. 38 4.6.1 Limitations of the study .............................................................................................. 38 4.6.2 Strength of the study ................................................................................................... 38 4.7 SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 39 CHAPTER 5 ................................................................................................................................. 40 INTERPRETATION..................................................................................................................... 40 5.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 40 5.2 SUMMARY OF THE FILMS ........................................................................................... 41 5.2.1 Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) ........................................................................ 41 5.2.2 Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) ................................................................................ 42 5.2.3 Madea Goes to Jail (2009) .........................................................................................
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