Kimberly Moffitt, Associate Professor, American Studies

Dresher Center Residential Faculty Fellow, Spring 2014 

President Obama's rise to the presidency is described as a post-racial moment when America moved past its preoccupation with race and elected who Americans believed was the better candidate. Using that moment, in particular, I consider the representations of young Black males on Disney's television programming from 2009-2012. In order to do so, I have carried out a textual analysis that includes episodes of six programs featuring young Black male characters during the aforementioned timeframe. Although the textual analysis shows that Disney channels increase their representation of young Black male characters, those roles remain marginal and caricatured. To extend the exploration, I have decided to include interviews with young Black male viewers aged 7-12 years old who watch(ed) the specific television programs in an attempt to hear their voices regarding these characters and their identification with them. 

Lunch will be available from 11:30; the presentation starts at noon in the Dresher Center conference room, PAHB 216.