Abstract
This research explores the hyper-sexualisation of Black women on screen, using the Amazon Prime comedy series, Harlem, (2021) as a case study. For decades, Black women have been subjected to objectification due to made up stereotypes that were created to oppress them. These narratives have been passed from generation to generation and through the media, such narratives have continued to shape the perceptions around Black women in the modern world. The study examines the meanings within Harlem’s representations through Multi-modal Critical Discourse Analysis and audience interviews. These methods effectively bring forth the alternative narratives of
Black women’s hyper-sexuality that have been emerging from modern Black-female led television.
Ultimately, this research concluded that Harlem (2021), alongside other similar productions, offers nuanced representations of Black women’s sexuality. In doing so, the series manages to challenge harmful stereotypes through beautiful character development but also risk the reinforcement of the same stereotypes that they are trying to contest. This tension is shown through empowering elements such as ambition, confidence, friendship and success while simultaneously depicting exaggerated sexual liberation as sexual empowerment. This study tackles other contemporary media productions that portray similar storylines around Black women to highlight how these narratives are gaining traction in the media space.