"She was Workin like Foreal"

The article “She was workin like Foreal” conveys in literal terms African American women in the hip hop culture dramatically working their images in society and the mass media imposing negative stereotypes on Black women as a whole. There is an interview in between the lines of the article between an individual representing for the “brothas” and other individuals opposing his representation. The interview critically illustrates how African American womens’ sexual stereotypes in mass media heavily affect our experiences and images in the world. The depicted images are strippers and video dancers in hip hop videos. This intensity of sexual imagery allow for men to degrade them by treating them like mere objects. Also the hip hop culture has an impact on the literacy and knowledge-making of these women in videos. This culture has defined these ideologies.
In the interview the individual B.E. representing for the “brothas” defends the jargon of how a woman’s actions in these videos are not degrading if it is their choice. In reality their performance not only degrades them but imposes a negative image on all Black women. Also these actions reflect the times of slavery. Women were treated like inhumane objects. They were used solely for reproduction in most cases. White men sexually abused them which gave them power over their minds and bodies. In today’s society this is still the case because of the inferiority that Black women and women in general feel. However, in the hip hop culture, women try to shift this power by redefining traditional sexual and gender performances. They believe that they have authority when they are stripping or dancing in these videos. This idea is an obvious disgrace to all African American women. Consequently, it portrays a Black woman’s image to be defined as unattractive, incompetent, and insignificant in terms of society. From a child’s perspective, there is the infamous “doll test” to see how a child views race. One would present the child with a white doll and a black doll. When asked which doll is prettier, frequently the child responds pointing to the white doll.
When exploring natural beliefs about Black women and our race as a whole, many do not usually correlate our race to having societal knowledge. We hold a negative depiction. In order to avoid these depictions and natural beliefs, we must redefine how many perceive our race in society. This will allow a direct result of positive images and stereoptypes on Black women. The title “She was Workin like Foreal” can be redefined in terms of Black women working hard in society to improve the way society portrays them and overall having societal change.