PERCEPTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALES: AN EXAMINATION OF BLACK WOMEN‘S IMAGES IN RAP MUSIC VIDEOS A Dissertation Submitted to the Temple University Graduate Board in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY by Marquita Marie Pellerin May, 2011 Examining Committee Members: Anthony Monteiro, Advisory Chair, African American Studies Maxwell Stanford, African American Studies Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, Theater Marcia Sutherland, External Member, SUNY Albany Africana Studies ii © Copyright 2011 by Marquita M. Pellerin All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Utilizing an Afrocentric methodological framework, this dissertation research seeks to examine the general public perceptions of African American women as reflected in rap music videos, and to determine how African American females perceive the images that are presented of them in rap music videos. This study explores Black women‘s representation through analyses of top ten rap music videos from January to September 2010 and conceptualizes the effects of these representations on Black female viewers. This study also explores the reception of Black women‘s images in rap music videos as they are potentially exported to other cultures. This project is a multi-method examination including questionnaires and focus group sessions, exploring the effect of rap music video content on the representation of African American women, society‘s perceptions of African American females, and how when given an opportunity to construct their own media image, how would African women be represented. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to thank my family and friends for their support and encouragement throughout this educational process. They have inspired me in many ways. I extend particular gratitude to my partner and friend, Justin Gammage; you have been my strength and support, thank you for sustaining me. My mother, Thelma Jean Pellerin, has been an inspiration my entire life. With her loving spirit, she has taught me to be humble and patient. This dissertation is a tribute to her guidance and her life of service. Tribute must also be paid to Dr. Anthony Monteiro, who guided and supported me throughout the doctoral process. Dr. Monteiro is a dedicated and motivating mentor who has an unwavering commitment to excellence. Thank you for taking on the challenge of being my advisor and chair. Dr. Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, thank you for keeping it real with me, your honesty continues to guide me. Dr. Marcia Sutherland, your steadfast spirit and critical perspective have been of great beneficence. Dr. Maxwell Stanford, thank you for stepping up and serving on my committee. Special thanks must be granted to Temple University‘s school of Afrocentric scholars—Dr. Molefi Kete Asante and Dr. Ama Mazama—your rigorous militant commitment to the liberation of African people have been edifying and has grounded my research. To Dr. Daryl Harris, it is with sincere gratitude that I thank you for believing in and motivating me. To my university associates, I appreciate your encouragement, critical feedback, and much needed support. Thanks Tiff and Rhonda for your support. In acknowledgment of my ancestors, from Kemet to New Orleans, thank you for being way makers and for your continued presence in, and guidance throughout my life. v TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. iv LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. ix LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... xi LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS .............................................................................................. xii CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................1 Significance of Study ...................................................................................3 Research Questions ......................................................................................4 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE ..................................................................................6 Content Analysis of Rap Music Videos .......................................................6 Perceptions of Rap Music Videos ..............................................................12 The Socializing Effect of Rap Music Videos ............................................14 African American Women and Self Perception .........................................24 Photos and Descriptions to Define the Self ...............................................26 3. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................31 4. METHODS ............................................................................................................43 Part I: Description and Analysis of Rap Music Videos .............................43 Video Selection ..............................................................................43 Recruitment ....................................................................................45 Participants .....................................................................................46 Procedure .......................................................................................46 Part II: Analyzing the Effects of Viewing Rap Music Videos ...................47 Recruitment ....................................................................................47 Participants .....................................................................................47 Procedure .......................................................................................48 Part III: An Examination of Public Perceptions of African American Women ......................................................................................51 vi Questionnaire I Recruitment ....................................................................................51 Participants .....................................................................................52 Procedure .......................................................................................52 Questionnaire II Recruitment ....................................................................................53 Participants .....................................................................................53 Procedure .......................................................................................54 5. CONTENT ANALYSIS OF FOUR TOP TEN RAP MUSIC VIDEOS ...............56 Participants .................................................................................................58 Procedures ..................................................................................................58 Data Analysis .............................................................................................59 Results ........................................................................................................79 Discussion ..................................................................................................80 6. ANALYZING THE EFFECTS OF VIEWING RAP MUSIC VIDEOS ON AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALES ....................................................................82 Participants .................................................................................................85 Measures ....................................................................................................86 Data Analysis .............................................................................................97 Results ........................................................................................................99 Discussion ................................................................................................115 7. PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF BLACK WOMEN ...............................................117 Participants ...............................................................................................118 Measures ..................................................................................................120 Data Analysis ...........................................................................................122 Results ......................................................................................................126 Discussion ................................................................................................134 8. BLACK WOMEN‘S PERCEPTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN RAP MUSIC VIDEOS ...................................................................137 Participants ...............................................................................................137 Measures ..................................................................................................139 Data Analysis ...........................................................................................142 Results ......................................................................................................145 Discussion ................................................................................................153 vii 9. REDEFINED REPRESENTATIONS OF BLACK WOMANHOOD ................155 Measures ..................................................................................................156