The Oppositional Gaze: Black Female Spectators

In the analysis of the texts, the importance of citizenship and representation in relation to black girls and women are central topics of discussion. Although the central topics of the texts were similar, their views and commentary were very different. The realization of the lack of diversity formulated in the media concerning black women seemed to be understood, but their suggested ways to combat this unfortunate reality were vastly different. Also, the civic duties of black women and girls are defined differently within the texts. This analysis draws forth the important commentary that each of the texts highlight on the images of black women and citizenship.[MH1] In Phillip Hoose’s Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice,Hoose
She does argue that the white dominated industries of media do however allow black women to develop “critical spectatorship”. [MH9] This development of spectatorship allows black women to become critical of the images portrayed through various media outlets within their own home. This allows for true development of their own critique without feelings of judgement. It also gives them space to them to recognize the stereotypes [MH10] of black people within the white-saturated and white run media/entertainment industry. This can lead to meaningful inquiry and spark discussion. [MH11] Hooks argues that the black women’s oppositional gaze becomes a fulfillment of civic responsibility “only when individual black women actively resist (Hooks,128)”. This is in direct opposition to Cox’s argument that “protesting and playing are interconnected (Cox,141)”. Sometimes play is used as a form of resistance. Giving black women and girls a sense of common place or a space to comfortably talk about issues that may not be accepted in the mainstream society is an act of citizenship. Becoming comfortable with the things that society puts upon black women is resistance within itself. In terms of citizenship, I believe that Cox’s argument of play as an important factor in the development and practice of citizenship is an important viewpoint that should be acknowledged. [MH12] Not every woman has the platform or the resources to actively resist or identify what they are viewing. Resistance is innately rooted in play/informal social interactions with black women alike. This allows for discussion of issues within their prospective communities. [MH13] Particularly with girls, it allows them to put things that they face within their communities within their play. This subconsciously