Drum magazine black identity contruction: Analyese of black identity.

Introduction

Drum magazine is considered one of the pioneers of documenting black journalism, as one of the oldest publication in South Africa, drum magazine has gained a variety of readers from the youth to the senior generations. The magazine began in the initial phase of the apartheid policy which saw the restriction of movement as well as  went on to oppress the dignity for the black population, as a magazine, Drum made it a point to document black people living in the urban areas near the city (townships) in the township and exposed to a new way of living. Drum also featured articles that addressed the political issues that the black population faced, in an era where other publication stayed away from writing about the struggle, Drum continued to publish the many efforts to gain emancipation and true freedom which got them in hot waters with the state in power. Even though it has enjoyed great success,  Drum cannot be exempt from portraying women in an unfavourable light compared to the male counterparts which reinforce the male gaze. Drum took a different direction post-democracy in 1994, from having a politically influenced writing to embracing the tabloid culture which has subsequently influence how black community view themselves. the standards of what is acceptable black hair are clearly evident, as black women try to negate how they want their hair to look like, the still succumb to influence of magazine covers idea of "good looking' hair. This book will trace back the evolution of Drum magazine as well as highlight issues of identity and globalisation influence towards black women. 

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