Image: from stupidDOPE – Boss Women Media.
In the article #BlackGirlMagic: Impact of Social Media on Black Women’s Self-Esteem, Olayinka, Gohara, and Ruffin (2021) examine how the #BlackGirlMagic movement has influenced Black women’s perceptions of beauty, self-worth, and cultural pride. The authors suggest that mainstream beauty standards have historically excluded Black women, portraying their features as undesirable while elevating Eurocentric aesthetics (Banks, 2000). The article also addresses colorism, noting that lighter skin and looser hair textures are often rewarded socially and professionally (Ryabov, 2019; Craig, 2006). Through analysis of social media trends and personal narratives, the authors show how #BlackGirlMagic fosters empowerment, mental wellness, and solidarity among Black women by affirming their beauty and achievements.
This article is highly relevant to my project, which explores how Black women navigate professional spaces while resisting pressures to conform to dominant cultural norms. The authors’ insights into beauty standards and colorism provide a critical foundation for understanding how these dynamics affect workplace identity and self-presentation. By highlighting the role of social media in affirming Black identity, the article supports my argument that cultural pride and representation are essential tools for resilience. It helps frame how movements like #BlackGirlMagic empower Black women to thrive professionally without compromising authenticity.
This week, I completed the LinkedIn Learning module Learning Cinematography: Narrative Fundamentals to support the visual development of my documentary project. The course, taught by cinematographer Bill Dill, covered essential techniques for visual storytelling, including lighting, framing, camera movement, and composition. I plan to use these tips and techniques in creating my documentary.
I’m currently taking Geoffrey Baym’s Media Institutions class, and I’m really enjoying it! I reached out to him about being one of my committee members as the class deals directly with project. I will be meeting with him after our class on Wednesday!
Source:
Boss Women Media. (2022, August 4). Black Girl Magic Digital Summit Returns to Celebrate & Inspire Women [Photograph]. stupidDOPE. https://stupiddope.com/2022/08/black-girl-magic-digital-summit-returns-to-celebrate-inspire-women/
Olayinka, J. T., Gohara, M. A., & Ruffin, Q. K. (2021). #BlackGirlMagic: Impact of the
social media movement on Black women’s self-esteem. International Journal of
Women’s Dermatology, 7(2), 171–173.
Comments