Brittney Harris
Age Range: 25-35
Main source of information: Social Media, Television, Newspaper
Television outlet mostly consumed: CNN
The coordinator for James Madison University’s Office of Planned Giving, Brittney Harris said the news is important because it allows her to become aware of the world around her.
“The news is information and events happening. It is important to me because it takes me out of my little bubble and learn what is happening around the world,” she said.
In regard to the way Black women are portrayed in television news, she believes there is not enough representation of Black women in the news, while Black men are portrayed in an unfavorable light.
“I think the fact that we have to discuss this shows that there isn’t enough representation of Black women in the news,” she said.
One example Harris mentioned was when there is a high honor going to a Black woman, the news reinforces implicit biases without even realizing it.
“Historically Black women are on the bottom of the barrel in all aspects. If I can remember right, when Simone Biles was on the news there was a headline that said something like Simone Biles is the best Black gymnast when in reality, she is the best gymnast, period,” Harris said.
This headline placed Biles' greatness in a racial category rather than just acknowledging her greatness. Did the news need to include "Black" as if it is an oddity for a woman of color to be successful in a white-predominant sport?
Harriss’ statement:
“As a Black woman I feel lost in television news.”