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Degree

Master of Arts, Miami University, Mass Communication, 2010.

Abstract

Media and society have always shared a mutual fascination in regard to gang life, especially through the use of “hood” films like Menace II Society. Stereotypical images of African American youth continue to exist and are extremely prevalent within this film. Over the years, African American youth seem to be depicted less and less in versatile roles, if depicted at all in Hollywood films, and is an issue that requires further examination. Through the use of frame analyses with social comparison theory as the theoretical base, this research examines messages regarding drugs/crime, family, and education and possible interpretations based on this film. Furthermore, this research discusses the possible impact these messages may have on youths’ self-perceptions. Results indicate that crime/violence tends to be seen as a form of power, drugs as a form of wealth, the black family as resilient and non-traditional in its family structure, and education as insignificant.

Subject Headings

African Americans; Communication; Education; Families and Family Life; Film Studies

Keywords

African-American youth; Family; Education; Self-perception; Social Comparison Theory; Drugs/Alcohol; Crime; Films

Committee / Advisors

Bruce Drushel, Dr (Committee Chair)
Dr. Ronald Scott (Committee Member)
Dr. Susan Mosley-Howard (Committee Member)

Pages

69p.

Document number: miami1294519752
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1294519752

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