Mammies no more

by Lisa M. Anderson

Theater and film are said to mirror society, but often they distort it. This book explores the ways in which mainstream American plays and films have reflected - and helped to reinforce - stereotypes of black women. It also shows how African American women playwrights and filmmakers have subverted those stereotypes by creating more realistic characters. While Mammies No More begins with a penetrating analysis of racism and stereotypes, it leads to an optimistic discussion of portrayals of black women on stage and screen. With an increase in accessible plays, films, and literature written by African Americans, Lisa M. Anderson suggests, mainstream America may move away from these negative depictions toward a more enlightened and realistic image of black womanhood.