| This study sought to examine the presence of Afrocentric discourse within Black comic strips; specifically, Aaron McGruder's, The Boondocks. Emphasis within this study was placed on: African-American Vernacular English, signifyin' and community harmony. In addition, this study sought to examine gender dynamics within the strip, with attention paid to the performance of Black masculinity and symbolic annihilation. Results of this study found that characteristics of African-American communication are used within the language of The Boondocks. Linguistic examples of African-American Vernacular English and signifyin' were more readily apparent in the data set. In addition, the results of this study found that the existence of hegemonic Black masculinity is present as The Boondocks creates a world in which females are rendered visibly absent; thus symbolically de-valuing their existence. |
