A Collaborative Effort Towards Social Change: Understanding Media’s Influence on African American Fathers of Young Children

Abstract

University of Washington Abstract A Collaborative Effort Towards Social Change: Understanding Media’s Influence on African American Fathers of Young Children Lindsey Wilson Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Holly Schindler College of Education African American family literature has confirmed the active role Black fathers play in their families and communities. Yet, African American fathers have historically been portrayed in unfavorable manners through a deficit-based narrative. Frequently described as “absent,” “deadbeats,” “nonresidential,” or “irresponsible,” these fathers’ voices are rarely brought to the table. Media has been said to contribute to this crisis through its stereotypical images; yet, little is known about the effects that media has on these Black fathers’ roles. Through three qualitative, semi-structured focus groups, this study explores the messages that Black fathers have received about themselves from televised media (television shows, news channels, sitcoms, movies, and commercials). Results suggest that Black fathers believe that media in less likely to portray them positively and more likely to portray them in negative or stereotypical ways. Acknowledging that media presents an incomplete picture of Black fatherhood, fathers reported that their relationships with their own fathers, social fathers, life experiences, and navigating barriers have been key factors in understanding their roles. Finally, participants desired for media to portray them for who they truly were, active Black fathers who were stable in their families, engaged in their communities, and willing to make sacrifices for their children. Keywords: fathers, media, race, fatherhood, African American, television, representation