Student Submission CUNY Hunter College Spring 2025

Throughout the creation of my project, I was drawn to images that resonated with my own experiences and feelings when thinking back to the themes discussed in this course. These moments of personal connection were not coincidental but rather illustrative of a larger, systemic issue: the persistent and insidious nature of misogynoir in digital spaces. Misogynoir captures the specific intersection of racism and misogyny that we, as Black women face. As we examined digital media through a feminist lens, I became increasingly aware of how deeply embedded these harmful narratives are across platforms

What began as a project rooted in visual representation evolved into a deeper interrogation of the ways in which Black women are systematically targeted, dehumanized, and excluded online. I reflected on countless moments throughout the semester in which I had either witnessed or experienced misogynoir online—through memes that weaponize stereotypes, videos that mock or hypersexualize Black women, or comment sections filled with vitriol directed specifically at Black creators. The digital sphere reproduces the same oppressive systems that exist offline, if not in more amplified ways.

This course illuminated the structural components of misogynoir and helped me contextualize these digital aggressions within broader systems of oppression. It became evident that as technology increasingly integrates into every aspect of our lives, it cannot be treated as neutral. Digital platforms, algorithms, and even content moderation policies often fail to protect Black women while simultaneously amplifying harmful content that targets them. The normalization of misogynoir online reflects a dangerous cultural shift, especially in an era marked by the rise of far-right extremism and the promotion of regressive notions under the current political climate.

Understanding misogynoir as an intersectional issue has been critical. It is not enough to address sexism or racism in isolation; the unique experiences of Black women must be recognized and addressed within their specific socio-political context. Misogynoir makes visible the compounded forms of objectification, cruelty, and exclusion that occur when race and gender converge.

Addressing misogynoir in digital spaces requires both systemic and cultural interventions. One of the most immediate actions that can be taken is for non-Black individuals—particularly allies and those with platforms—to actively support Black women when they face public backlash. This support should go beyond symbolic gestures and move toward meaningful advocacy and accountability. Additionally, society at large must acknowledge the validity and urgency of the issues Black women raise. Recognition is not just a form of validation—it is a necessary step toward equity and justice.

Ultimately, this course deepened my understanding of how digital technologies can both reflect and perpetuate systemic violence. While it is disheartening to witness the scale of misogynoir online, confronting it is necessary. Awareness, solidarity, and action are essential in challenging and dismantling these digital manifestations of oppression.