This compilation of clips from UPN/The CW’s Girlfriends (2000-2008) was uploaded to Youtube in 2011. Created by an African American woman, Mara Brock Akil, the show was a highly successful sitcom that was particularly popular during its run with African American young adult women. In this clip, the characters are depicted reacting to any number of situations with the refrain: “Oh, hell no!”

discussion

What is your reaction to the repeated use of “Oh, hell no!” What does this clip say about the representation of the black female characters in this sitcom?

If the creator of this show were white instead of an African American, would that change your perspective? Why or why not?