The cultural representation isn't something I feel personally either, but I think that's because you and I aim to be active and objective cultural observers and we are able to by and large see past cultural representations. I think most people don't engage in observing society, and do internalise these representations if only subconsciously.
And, also like you, I don't watch the sort of TV and films that reflect those representations. However, while I hate using links to make my points for me, I'll use this link features a lot of media examples of the sort of depiction I'm talking about: http://bitchmagazine.org/post/six-annoying-women-character-tropes-in-black-romantic-comedies I'm only linking to that article for its examples, not it's assertions. I don't think the stereotype categories it names are perfect - some of them overlap and I don't think the list is exhaustive. I also think white women can often be placed in those categories, but less often and I think there are other more positive stereotypes which apply to them in addition to these. So the article itself may be flawed, but I think the examples are good.
The article also links to an essay which I've skimmed and I believe holds some academic value, but it's feminist and I think we've rather talked feminism to death already :P
I'll give the other common example of black women in music videos. They're often hyper-sexualised and removed of any distinct identity - you often see these rows of black female backing dancers who are identically dressed and who have no obvious role other than to be ornaments. It's much rarer to see white women cast in that sort of role.
I also accept that empowered, strong black women do exist. However, I don't think that necessarily combats my point. As far as I know, neither Oprah or Michelle Obama are commonly thought of as "attractive" since they present themselves asexually, uninterested in male companionship (despite the fact they both have very long and committed relationships). Tyra Banks is seen as attractive, and I would argue this is because she is an anomaly in that she's played a wide range of roles including herself which allow her to express multiple personality traits and make her seem more like a real person, breaking the stereotype.
Why are there more black men with white women than reversed?
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The cultural representation isn't something I feel personally either, but I think that's because you and I aim to be active and objective cultural observers and we are able to by and large see past cultural representations. I think most people don't engage in observing society, and do internalise these representations if only subconsciously.
And, also like you, I don't watch the sort of TV and films that reflect those representations. However, while I hate using links to make my points for me, I'll use this link features a lot of media examples of the sort of depiction I'm talking about: http://bitchmagazine.org/post/six-annoying-women-character-tropes-in-black-romantic-comedies I'm only linking to that article for its examples, not it's assertions. I don't think the stereotype categories it names are perfect - some of them overlap and I don't think the list is exhaustive. I also think white women can often be placed in those categories, but less often and I think there are other more positive stereotypes which apply to them in addition to these. So the article itself may be flawed, but I think the examples are good.
The article also links to an essay which I've skimmed and I believe holds some academic value, but it's feminist and I think we've rather talked feminism to death already :P
I'll give the other common example of black women in music videos. They're often hyper-sexualised and removed of any distinct identity - you often see these rows of black female backing dancers who are identically dressed and who have no obvious role other than to be ornaments. It's much rarer to see white women cast in that sort of role.
I also accept that empowered, strong black women do exist. However, I don't think that necessarily combats my point. As far as I know, neither Oprah or Michelle Obama are commonly thought of as "attractive" since they present themselves asexually, uninterested in male companionship (despite the fact they both have very long and committed relationships). Tyra Banks is seen as attractive, and I would argue this is because she is an anomaly in that she's played a wide range of roles including herself which allow her to express multiple personality traits and make her seem more like a real person, breaking the stereotype.