The purpose of my thesis is to examine the overall view of Black women and how these ideas have either changed or remained constant over time. My personal connection to the topic relates to the idea that Black women are often ridiculed and viewed as being one of the most targeted groups within our society. I wanted to acknowledge that although some of the stereotypes (Ex. Mammy, Jezebel) are not as common today, some images have remained constant or have evolved into different views of these women in the public eye as well as within society (Ex. Sarah Baartman compared to Nicki Minaj or the Mammy compared to the Matriarch). I would also like to examine aspects relating to how Black women are hypersexualized, yet often sexually repressed.
