As Seen On TV: An Autoethnographic Reflection on Race and Reality Television

Abstract

Studies of reality television often overlook a first-hand, first person account of the implications that representations of race have on individuals. This autoethnographic essay discusses the multiple consciousness of a Black female scholar. Layering storied excerpts and theoretical framing the author proposes the use of an “oppositional gaze” and “oppositional reading” to interrogate and engage images and representations of Black women on reality television shows. Given the historical legacy of Black female representation and the destructive images that result, a critical awareness could ultimately alter or inform the images of Black women we see on reality television. The author urges Black women to become critical consumers of how their experiences are depicted on reality television.