Positive representation is a vital factor in the development of children, especially in this era where the entertainment industry is booming with “idols.” In several forms of media black women have always had a negative stereotypical stigma around them; we have continuously been labeled as the angry black character in most shows and movies. Usually possessing a pessimistic and over bearing attitude. It is necessary to create characters for both black women and children to appreciate that also encourage the reality that black women are capable of doing any and everything. There have been minimal black female characters with admirable qualities, until recently.
1. "Doc McStuffins"
Premiering in 2012, "Doc McStuffins" is an animated television show on Disney Junior which follows the medical antics of 6 year old Dottie McStuffins. Dottie is a young, African American girl who sports a lab coat and stethoscope pretending to be a doctor and attending to her ailing toys and stuffed animals. Dottie is an ambitious, caring and passionate character that little girls of all races and ages can admire. This show is an exemplary representation of the idea that all black girls are more than capable of succeeding at anything they put their mind to and reaching their dreams.
2. "Invincible Iron Man"
In early July, Marvel revealed the identity of Tony Stark's new young prodigy in the "Invincible Iron Man" comics. A 15-year-old black girl by the name of Riri Williams, hailing from Chicago and currently attending MIT on scholarship. With inspiration from Stark’s Iron Man suit, Riri designs and creates her own flying suit of armor. Williams is a character who had a hard life, but made the best of her circumstances by attending school and making a better life for herself. She is labeled as a science genius, and is totally my new role model. Not too long ago, I was reading an article that explained the disproportionate ratio of black women in the STEM fields. Personally as a STEM major, I totally appreciate this character and her abilities as a black woman.This new character appearance within comics highlights the excellence us black women possess.
3. "Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur"
Last week, the title of the smartest person in the Marvel Universal was given to 9 year old Lunella Lafayette, also known as Moon Girl, in the "Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" comics. Lunella is a super genius and a carrier of the inhuman gene. She is the literal embodiment of black girl magic; she's buddies with a freaking dinosaur for goodness sake. The best part about Lunella is that she doesn't try to fit into society's stereotypical norms. She is a smart and unique black child, and we all can take a lesson or two from her.
It is great to finally get the representation we have always needed. While these are only imaginary characters, the impact they make on so many young lives is an awesome reality.
