Black masculinity in American media

Masculinity, also referenced as manhood, is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with boys and men, though it is distinct from the definition of the male biological sex, as both males and females can exhibit masculine traits. Masculine traits in Western society include strength, courage, independence, leadership, and assertiveness. Masculinity is closely associated with male roles, of which traditional or hegemonic masculinity is grouped in White culture. African American masculinity is also implicated because aspects of African American masculinity, such as sexism and homophobia, are central components of hegemonic masculinity. Masculinity socialization and formation are culturally laden and policed across multiple contexts. For African American males, the adoption of masculine attributes is simultaneously crucial for escape from various individual and institutional sources of victimization while targeting them for individual and institutional sources of victimization.^[1]

History

Black masculinity in America has been profoundly shaped by historical forces, beginning with the trauma of slavery and continuing through ongoing struggles with systemic racism and marginalization. According to cultural critic bell hooks, Black masculinity emerged in part as an adaptation to the dominant white, patriarchal norms observed during and after slavery, as Black men sought ways to assert their identities in a society that often dehumanized them.^[2] This adaptation created both a pathway to power and a set of expectations that would challenge Black men throughout American history.

Following the end of slavery in the United States, Black men faced new but complex challenges in the Reconstruction era, which saw limited gains alongside rising racial violence and restrictive laws designed to control Black bodies. Cultural theorist Stuart Hall has suggested that race in Western society has consistently functioned as a social construct designed to enforce social and economic hierarchies, influencing how Black men have been perceived in American culture.^[3] This racially coded view of Black masculinity has filtered through generations, often appearing in media representations as caricatures of either brute strength or docile servitude, stereotypes that persist and evolve today.

During the civil rights movement, Black masculinity in the media began to reflect the complexity of Black male identities in new ways, as seen in figures like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, who publicly embodied confidence, resilience, and defiance against societal norms.^[4] At the same time, portrayals of Black men in 20th-century media also began to reflect growing concerns about social justice, sometimes leaning toward caricature but also sparking discussions about Black identity and power.

The rise of hip hop in the late 20th century marked another major shift in representations of Black masculinity, as rap artists began using their music to confront issues of race, class, and masculinity head-on. By asserting control over their own narratives, Black men in hip hop helped redefine Black masculinity for modern audiences, embodying both resistance to and a reinterpretation of traditional masculinity.^[5] However, these portrayals have remained complex, as some forms of hypermasculinity in hip hop also reinforced stereotypes of aggression and violence.

Today, portrayals of Black masculinity in media continue to evolve, with more nuanced narratives that explore vulnerability, queerness, and alternative masculinity. This shift is exemplified by films like Moonlight and TV shows such as Atlanta, which address the multiplicity of Black male experiences and identities outside traditional patriarchal frameworks.

Examples

Popular media has long depicted Black masculinity in both complex and reductive ways. In film, TV, and music, portrayals have oscillated between stereotypes and more nuanced representations. Media has served as a mirror to societal perceptions, reinforcing some tropes while challenging others. By examining different portrayals across genres, we can trace how Black masculinity has evolved, reflecting broader social and cultural changes.

Portrayal of black masculinity in film & TV

The portrayal of Black masculinity in film and TV has included both empowering and problematic images. Blaxploitation films such as Shaft and Dolemite emphasized toughness and independence, creating heroic yet stereotypical Black male figures. Later, ’90s “hood” movies such as Menace II Society, Juice, and Boyz n the Hood showcased young Black men navigating violence, poverty, and identity, offering a more grounded but sometimes controversial view.

Portrayal of black masculinity in music

In the 1980s, hip hop emerged as a voice for Black communities, with groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A addressing social injustices and resistance against oppression. As the genre evolved into gangsta rap in the 1990s, artists like 2Pac and Ice-T emphasized themes of survival, resilience, and hyper-masculinity. These portrayals both challenged and reinforced specific images of Black masculinity, sparking widespread cultural and societal discussions.

Alternative masculinity

Alternative masculinity offers a different approach to Black male identity, challenging dominant notions of strength and toughness. bell hooks explores how non-traditional forms of masculinity can open space for vulnerability, creativity, and self-expression. Through a lens of alternative masculinity, Black men can resist patriarchal standards and explore a fuller range of identity, challenging the constraints imposed by society and traditional media.

Portrayal of alternative black masculinity in media

Media such as Moonlight and Atlanta depict alternative visions of Black masculinity, exploring themes like sexuality, emotionality, and vulnerability. These works push back against stereotypes, providing a nuanced portrayal of Black men. In music, artists like De La Soul, Outkast, and Tyler, the Creator represent alternative masculinity, blending creativity with introspective lyrics that defy typical narratives, encouraging new conversations on identity in Black culture.

Notable theorists

References

^ "African American Masculinity", African American Studies, Oxford University Press, 2022-08-23, doi:10.1093/obo/9780190280024-0109, ISBN 978-0-19-028002-4, retrieved 2024-10-23
^ hooks, bell (2004-08-02). We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity (0 ed.). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203642207. ISBN 978-0-203-64220-7.
^ Hall, Stuart; The Open University, eds. (2012). Representation: cultural representations and signifying practices. Culture, media and identities (Repr ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE. ISBN 978-0-7619-5432-3.
^ Dyson, Michael Eric (1993). Reflecting black: African-American cultural criticism. American culture. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 978-0-8166-2141-5.
^ Rose, Tricia (1994). Black noise: rap music and black culture in contemporary America. Music / culture (Nachdr. ed.). Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 978-0-8195-6275-3.

[1] "African American Masculinity", African American Studies, Oxford University Press, 2022-08-23, doi:10.1093/obo/9780190280024-0109, ISBN 978-0-19-028002-4, retrieved 2024-10-23

[2] s, bell (2004-08-02). We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity (0 ed.). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203642207. ISBN 978-0-203-64220-7.

[3] Hall, Stuart; The Open University, eds. (2012). Representation: cultural representations and signifying practices. Culture, media and identities (Repr ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE. ISBN 978-0-7619-5432-3.

[4] Dyson, Michael Eric (1993). Reflecting black: African-American cultural criticism. American culture. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 978-0-8166-2141-5.

[5] Rose, Tricia (1994). Black noise: rap music and black culture in contemporary America. Music / culture (Nachdr. ed.). Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 978-0-8195-6275-3.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]