Working While Black - by Latoya T Brackett (Paperback)

About the Book

"Since the 1990s and the recent rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, there has been a rise in diverse racial representation on television. In particular, Black characters evolved and began to move away from racial stereotypes. In this collection of essays, the representation of Black characters in professional careers is examined. Commentary is also provided on the portrayal of Black people in comparison to stereotypes and the importance of representation. This work also introduces the idea of the Black-collar category to highlight the Black experience in white-collar jobs. The essays are divided into six parts based on profession and zooms in on a select number of Black characters on TV since the 1990s."-Provided by publisher"--

Book Synopsis

In recent years, there has been a rise in diverse racial representation on television. In particular, Black characters have become more actualized and have started extending beyond racial stereotypes. In this collection of essays, the representation of Black characters in professionally defined careers is examined. Commentary is also provided on the portrayal of Black people in relation to stereotypes alongside the importance of Black representation on screen. This work also introduces the idea of Black-collar, a category which highlights the Black experience in white-collar jobs. The essays are divided into six parts based on themes, including profession, and focuses on a select number of Black characters on TV since the 1990s.

Review Quotes

"This edited collection studies changes in televisual representations of African Americans, particularly in the 1990s. Focusing on that decade is meaningful because although many scholars have written about The Cosby Show and the like, overall scholarship on Black representation on TV in the 1990s is lacking. Here, essays show that the reality of Black characters on TV is more complex than simple stereotypes, as attested to by the presence of African American professionals, including African American educators, medical professionals, and businesspeople. ...The essays further touch upon the intersection of African American representation and gender representation. ...the essays showcase the experience of being Black and being professionals on television....recommended"-Choice

About the Author

LaToya T. Brackett is an assistant professor of African American studies, and a member of the Race & Pedagogy Institute's leadership team at the University of Puget Sound. She lives in Tacoma, Washington.