Where's The Love: Portrayals of African American Romantic Relationships in Media

Authors

• Christopher Johnson

Abstract

In today’s world, the media is a pervasive and influential force that has a great impact on an individual’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Given this power, it can ingrain images in a person’s mind, that when not properly monitored, can cultivate “realities” that are nonexistent or slightly distorted. This study looks to understand heterosexual romantic relationship behavior in the African American sitcom “The Game” and the potential effects it could have on viewers. Employing a content analysis, interpersonal expressions were measured between characters in this television show that reinforce positive or negative relationship behavior. It was found that there were more positive than negative expressions within “The Game,” suggesting that African Americans are being shown in a more favorable light.

Recommended Citation

Johnson, Christopher (2012) "Where's The Love: Portrayals of African American Romantic Relationships in Media," Caravel Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/caravel/vol1/iss1/5