Questioning Gender

This book explores how colonial, patriarchal norms have influenced modern-day representations of African women. As colonial discourses of femininity serve to other those who don t possess one or more of the qualities deemed feminine it is expected that a women of power would be scrutinized closely, critiqued and, often, outcast. Race is a contributing factor to this othering a black woman of power is not seen as normal at all! It is this patriarchal, racist representation of a particularly powerful Caster Semenya that has catalyzed the need for this book. Using the spectacle created of the 19th Century figure, Sarah Baartman, this book explores Semenya s humiliation at the hands of modern media. It is a powerful study into how modern media has not moved towards making any changes to systems of power and still rely on a Western, patriarchal mode of representation.

Autorentext

My strong belief in the power of media and communication has been the driving force behind this particular work. I am interested in media representations of Western ideals of femininity and have based my book on this field of study. With my Masters degree cum laude, specializing in Media Studies, I have an extensive knowledge of this topic.