From a highly respected thinker on race gender and American politics a new consideration of black women and how distorted stereotypes affect their political beliefs Jezebel s lasciviousness Mammy s devotion and Sapphire s outspoken anger--these are among the most persistent stereotypes that black women encounter in contemporary American life. Hurtful and dishonest such representations force African American women to navigate a virtual crooked room that shames them and shapes their experiences as citizens. Many respond by assuming a mantle of strength that may convince others and even themselves that they do not need help. But as a result the unique political issues of black women are often ignored and marginalized. In this groundbreaking book Melissa V. Harris-Perry uses multiple methods of inquiry including literary analysis political theory focus groups surveys and experimental research to understand more deeply black women s political and emotional responses to pervasive negative race and gender images. Not a traditional political science work concerned with office-seeking voting or ideology Sister Citizen instead explores how African American women understand themselves as citizens and what they expect from political organizing. Harris-Perry shows that the shared struggle to preserve an authentic self and secure recognition as a citizen links black women in America from the anonymous survivors of Hurricane Katrina to Michelle Obama.