Abstract

The purpose of this Senior Independent Study is to understand how Black women are represented on reality television as the central cast members on white-dominated shows, specifically on The Bachelorette. Previous research focuses on Black women on Black-context reality television and as part of larger ensembles on white-context shows. This study supplements the existing body of research explored in the literature review. It is situated within media theories, theories about racial discourse on television, and theories about representations of Black women. This study explores representation, defined as racial discourses and controlling images, through a content analysis of Seasons 13 and 18, starring Rachel Lindsay and Michelle Young, respectively. This study also utilizes a content analysis of episode recap articles for each episode. It finds that the racial discourse portrayed on The Bachelorette seasons starring Black women varies but serves to restrict representation. Additionally, the Black bachelorettes are restricted by the Black lady controlling image, which diverges from previous literature. Ultimately, Black women’s representation on The Bachelorette is restricted. This indicates that the representation of Black women as lead cast members on other white-dominated reality television shows may also be restricted. Understanding this representation is important because of how reality television both reflects and influences societal views and understandings.

Advisor

Miyawaki, Michael

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Other Communication | Race and Ethnicity

Publication Date

2022

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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