Perception of Violence Against Black Women: A Content Analysis of Social Media Comments In Response to the Shooting of Rapper Megan Thee Stallion

The researchers will be conducting a qualitative content analysis using unsolicited public Reddit and Twitter comments to examine the responses of social media users in regards to the shooting of female rapper Megan Thee Stallion by recording artist Tory Lanez. The examination of the social media responses will provide insight on how individuals view violence against Black women. The researchers seek to understand (1) How are Black women survivors of violence perceived on Twitter and Reddit? and (2) What type of language is used when discussing the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion on social media? The researchers will perform a thematic coding process in which they will discuss common themes that emerged from the data collected by the social media comments. The qualitative study will add to the current literature by providing an intersectional approach (race and gender) to understanding the perceptions of violence against Black women.