Representation of Black Women in Film: A Critical Dialogue
By Regina Davis Moss
Word In Black
Black women are closely observing this year’s Oscars, recognizing that the outcomes resonate deeply within our communities.
The Impact of Portrayals: “One Battle After Another” vs. “Sinners”
The stark differences between the portrayals of Black women in the leading Best Picture contenders—One Battle After Another and Sinners—have ignited fervent discussions. While we celebrate the recognition of Black excellence through actors like Teyana Taylor and Wunmi Mosaku, the significance of these portrayals transcends awards.
How Black women are depicted on screen influences societal beliefs about our worth, shaping perceptions that affect policies, funding decisions, and the seriousness with which our pain is acknowledged.
Hollywood’s Long History of Harmful Tropes
Historically, the film industry has perpetuated damaging stereotypes about Black women, including the Jezebel and the Angry Black Woman. These narratives are harmful and far-reaching, influencing societal attitudes and underpinning policy decisions that often disadvantage Black women.
The divisive character of Perfidia in One Battle After Another exemplifies this struggle. While Teyana Taylor’s performance showcases remarkable complexity, the character embodies troubling tropes: hypersexuality, betrayal, and abandonment. Perfidia’s reckless actions and her portrayal as an unfit mother evoke harmful stereotypes that fuel public perception.
A Contrast with Authentic Representation
In stark contrast, Wunmi Mosaku’s portrayal of Annie in Sinners resonates with a sense of authenticity and empowerment. Annie’s characterization as a Hoodoo practitioner and community leader is celebrated by audiences, especially Black women, who see a rich narrative that reflects genuine struggles, including the profound loss of her infant.
Annie’s journey contrasts sharply with Perfidia’s as it examines the harsh realities faced by Black mothers, who experience disparities in maternal health outcomes. This authentic representation catalyzes empathy, understanding, and a call for systemic change.
Why Representation Shapes Policy
The stakes of representation extend beyond cinema. As Black women navigate alarming maternal mortality rates, filmic portrayals of us as irresponsible further entrench negative narratives that justify detrimental policy choices. Limited representations contribute to an environment where our lives are undervalued and policy initiatives fail to address our needs.
Black Women as Influential Audiences
Despite constituting just 14 percent of the U.S. population, Black women hold significant sway over the film industry’s economic viability. Our attendance habits and digital engagement patterns can determine a film’s success or failure, indicating that our perspectives must be valued in the narratives presented on screen.
Who Controls the Stories?
In a landscape dominated by a handful of corporations—Disney, Netflix, Comcast, and others—the narratives about Black women are often dictated by those who lack lived experiences similar to ours. As the president and CEO of In Our Own Voice, I emphasize that Black women must reclaim narrative control and articulate our stories authentically.
Building Narrative Power for Justice
To counter harmful tropes, I launched the Narrative Power for Justice Initiative, aimed at amplifying Black women’s voices in storytelling and policy influence. Empowering us to tell our own stories not only reshapes cultural narratives but catalyzes impactful, justice-oriented change.
The Stakes of Oscar Night
The Oscars on March 15 loom large for Black women. The recognition of films holds the potential to validate our experiences and shape societal beliefs about our identities and capabilities. As we engage in this moment, we are mindful of the narratives that either uplift or undermine us.
Dr. Regina Davis Moss is a narrative strategist and reproductive justice advocate, committed to elevating the voices and stories of Black women.
