Intersectional digital dynamics and profiled black celebrities

Abstract

Critical analysis of the public scrutiny of famous Black people can reveal much about race and class-related nuances of surveillance, including simultaneously marginalised and privileged social positions. Further still, given the ascent of social and digital media, discussions of surveillance must tend to how online content factors into these issues. This chapter addresses how Black celebrities’ experiences of profiling are (re)produced and (re)mediated in digital and creative spaces, which relate to self-management of their surveillance. It explores how intersectional systemic oppression, such as entwined effects of racism and sexism, influence the surveillance of Black celebrities. This work examines the media presence of individuals including Jamelia, Laura Mvula, and Solange Knowles, to interrogate how various forms of media are implicated in the constant surveillance of famous Black people.