Broadcasting and Rebroadcasting Black Boyhood Play in Early Childhood Education: Toward a BlackBoyCrit Media Analysis

• In Event: Black Futures and Childhoods: Imagining Liberatory Development and Education for Young Black Children

Abstract

Black boys are far too often represented unfavorably in media and popular press, which impacts how early childhood teachers negatively perceive their play styles and behaviors. Drawing on Black Critical Theory, Black Male Studies, anti-Black spatial imaginary, and employing what I term BlackBoyCrit media discourse analysis, I investigate how media and popular press broadcast Black boyhood play in two highly publicized cases. Findings reveal that media textual language reinforces anti-black misandry in social spaces, and Black boys, families, and concerned citizens leverage social media to protect Black boys’ innocence.

Author

• Nathaniel Bryan, University of Texas at Austin