Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-2000

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Communication

Major Professor

C. Edward Caudill

Committee Members

Candace White, John Muldowny

Abstract

In this study, films have been reviewed since the introduction of the black mother on the silver screen to examine the evolution of this type of character throughout time. Films were divided into three eras: The Segregation Era (1900 - 1955), The Desegregation Bra (1955 - 1975), and the Post-Desegregation Era (1975 - present). Within these time frames, primary films were chosen on the basis of a black mother m a prominent role, a recognized form of critical acclaim, being set within the time period in which they were filmed, and availability to be viewed. The films chosen were Imitation of Life (1934), A Raisin In The Sun (1961), Claudine (1974), and Boyz N the Hood (1991) The mothers m these films were examined for physical characteristics, demographic information (le marital and financial status), emotional,status and treatment by others. In addition, secondary films starring black mothers were also reviewed as were Academy-award winning films featuring white mothers as points of comparison.

Upon researching the black mothers in the primary and secondary films, it becomes extremely apparent that black mothers are not well defined in the segregation era. During this time period, these women are more concerned with the white women they work for than their own lives or families. Black mothers become more well-rounded during the desegregation era, but they are still largely portrayed as domestic, poverty-stricken women who have been plagued by the ills of society. The post-desegregation era brought about more vanity in the types of professions and financial status of black mothers. However, they have less of a relationship with their children, and they garner less respect from children, their family, and often society in general Across all eras, black mothers are often portrayed as being single mothers, and their relationships with black men tend to be volatile or non-existent.

When comparing black mothers to white mothers on the silver screen, there are many notable differences. Overall, white mothers tend to be more well-rounded, have an aspiring professional career, express more emotion and opinion, and have romantic relationships in addition to their complex relationships with their children. In examining black mothers on television, the trend on the small screen varied tremendously from that of black mothers in film. Television brought about more intimate relationships between mothers and their children. The majority of women were involved in happy, loving relationships with their spouse and provided support and nurturing environments for their children. From the desegregation era to the post-desegregation era, black mothers evolved to more complex, happier, and more financially solvent women. This evolution, however, did not occur with black mothers in film. Film had its apex during the desegregation era, presenting black women who had complex, intimate relationships with their children as well as having other areas in their lives. While the post-desegregation era has produced more black mothers in film, they have returned to being two-dimensional in their parenting relationships and their children act more as plot points than important people in these women's lives

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