Girl Fights and the Online Media Construction of Black Female Violence and Sexuality

Abstract

This article uses content analysis to examine the media construction of violence and sexuality among young Black, White, and Latina women who fight on WorldStarHipHop.com . I explore symbolic themes derived from the construction of violence through physical fighting. Findings suggest overrepresentation of depictions of Black women as perpetrators, specifically with weapon use and amount of physical violence shown. Findings also indicate racial differences in displays of nudity. Yet, these racialized images conflict with existing codes of violence in urban Black communities. This article adds new insight into the critical discourse surrounding urban Black women and new media construction of girl violence.