“Abbott Elementary” and the Resilient Black Girl Dork: Reimaging Black Womanhood

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

“Abbott Elementary” is a workplace television comedy about a dedicated group of teachers and an aloof principal in an underfunded Philadelphia public school district. Quinta Brunson is the writer, creator, and executive producer of this mockumentary that aired in 2021 on ABC and is currently in its second season. Brunson, who also stars in the show as the second-grade teacher Janine Teagues, stated that Janine represents, “Oh, resilience. I think she’s a dork who can be perceived as weak or annoying and a lot of different things, but I think that Janine is one of the most resilient characters that comes to mind for me.” This character is a new trope that reflects the importance of representation and telling one’s own stories, namely the stories of Black women, and dispelling the myth of a monolithic collection of Black women who ascribe to antiquated notions of Black femaleness. According to Black feminist theory, Black women possess unique standpoints and realities and must also engage in self-definition through owning, creating, and sharing their narratives. These new narratives ultimately pave the way for creating new images like the Awkward Black Girl.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

US Media and Diversity Representation Dissemination and Effects

First Page

158

Last Page

181

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