1960s Southern United States - Seen Through Female Portrayals in Hollywood Movies
Author
Nørgaard, Emma Elisabeth
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2021
Abstract
This thesis examines how Hollywood depicts women in stories about the 1960s American South, using Hidden Figures (2016), Selma (2014), and Mississippi Burning (1988) as case studies. Guided by new historicism and contextualized discussions of racism, feminism, intersectionality, and Black feminist theory—and informed by concepts such as female stereotypes and the white savior narrative—the study analyzes each film’s historical and cultural features alongside its portrayal of female characters. A comparative reading across release dates spanning nearly three decades highlights changes in representation. Findings indicate a notable increase in Black female visibility from Mississippi Burning to Selma and Hidden Figures, and more complex, less stereotypical portrayals in the newer films. Nonetheless, patriarchal and white-centered structures persist: Hidden Figures and Selma reproduce elements of these frameworks and do not fully realize intersectional or Black feminist ideals. Overall, the study concludes that while Hollywood has made progress in representing Black women in films set in the 1960s South, entrenched gendered and racial power dynamics remain.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan Hollywood skildrer kvinder i fortællinger om 1960’ernes amerikanske sydstater, med Hidden Figures (2016), Selma (2014) og Mississippi Burning (1988) som casestudier. Med udgangspunkt i nyhistorisme og kontekstualiserede diskussioner af racisme, feminisme, intersektionalitet og sort feministisk teori – samt begreber som kvindestereotyper og white savior-narrativet – analyserer studiet hver films historiske og kulturelle træk og dens portrættering af kvindelige karakterer. En komparativ læsning på tværs af udgivelsesår over næsten tre årtier tydeliggør ændringer i repræsentationen. Resultaterne viser en markant stigning i synligheden af sorte kvinder fra Mississippi Burning til Selma og Hidden Figures og mere komplekse, mindre stereotype skildringer i de nyere film. Ikke desto mindre består patriarkalske og hvidt centrerede strukturer: Hidden Figures og Selma reproducerer elementer af disse rammer og realiserer ikke fuldt ud intersektionelle eller sorte feministiske idealer. Overordnet konkluderer afhandlingen, at Hollywood har gjort fremskridt i repræsentationen af sorte kvinder i film om 1960’ernes sydstater, men at indgroede kønnede og raciale magtdynamikker består.
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