Date

4-26-2024

Department

School of Communication and the Arts

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)

Chair

Sandra Romo

Keywords

Black culture, Black Twitter, CTDA, cultural studies, fandom, popular culture, The Woman King, X

Disciplines

Communication

Abstract

This content analysis study aimed to understand the culture-sharing pattern of The Woman King fans on X and the film’s impact on Black popular culture. The specific problem that was addressed is the need to explore Black popular culture artifacts, such as The Woman King, to understand how Black culture is produced and reproduced by Blacks and the social commentary it creates. This qualitative dissertation was guided by cultural studies and fandom theories and employed a Critical Technocultural Discourse Analysis (CTDA) to analyze 1,469 public posts on X during the film's opening weekend and a content analysis of the film. Results from this study indicated audience reactions showed a predominantly positive engagement, with fans celebrating the representation of Black characters, particularly Black women, fostering pride and empowerment within the Black community. However, critical discussions between fans and anti-fans underscore the complexity of audience dynamics and emphasize the importance of acknowledging dissenting voices. X served as a crucial space for Black audiences to engage, share thoughts, and build a sense of community around the film. Trending hashtags and fan rituals contribute to the film's cultural resonance, enhancing its visibility and fostering discussions that provide a holistic understanding of its impact on Black popular culture. Film discussions extended beyond reactions to explore diverse interpretations, cultural significance, and the complex relationship between media, identity, and discourse. This study contributed to the limited scholarly research on Black popular culture artifacts created for Black audiences and its Black fandom.

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