Popular Literature Essay

Popular Literature Essay

Terry McMilan is a writer whose work is indicative of popular culture and its affect on society. She has written several works from the perspective of cultural experiences as it relates to the encounters and experiences that may be familiar to African American women. Terry McMillian work often portrays courageous and strong African American women and their attempts to find loving relationships with African American men. One piece that stands out is the book called Waiting to Exhale, which was later made into a movie.

"Waiting to Exhale" is a story about four African American women in their 30s who are inseparable together in a supportive friendship as they try to deal with their lives and in their declining hopes for finding the right man. The main characters are Bernadine, Gloria, Savannah, and Robin. They are professional, successful, working women living in the city of Phoenix. All four are independent and advancing rapidly economically and socially while "waiting to exhale" until the day they can feel comfortable in a committed relationship with the proper man. They all have a high interest in sex, while regretting the overwhelming fact most of the men they meet are arrogant, irresponsible and constantly unfaithful (Terry McMillian, 2012). However, the four women think they are doing everything possible to enact the change they seek in their lives, but stereotypes and bad habits seem to undermine their efforts and judgment in choosing partners for relationships. Through the many ups and downs, two of the women find true love and their friendship bond became stronger (Terry McMillian, 2012).

The cultural significance of the work and its economic success has been impactful. The success of the piece stands as proof that all little girls can aspire to be and achieve their dreams. Also from a cultural perspective, the works that Terry McMillian had delivered will inspire young black women for decades to come. Even though this statement may only be understood from a cultural perspective, it is easier to understand the impact of Terry McMillian literary contribution by examining the economic effectiveness of "Waiting to Exhale". While the literary impact of McMillian's novel is still up for discussion, its economic impact is unquestioned. Since its first publication in 1992, "Waiting to Exhale" has brought in more than 800,000 copies in hardcover sales; 1.75 million copies in paperback sales, including the moive-tie in release; $67 million in the United States film grosses for the first film marketed specifically to African-American women; $14 million in film grosses outside the United States; seven million copies in movie soundtrack album sales; and uncounted audiotape, cable and video sales and rentals. Writers in all genres across the world have acknowledged their debt to McMillian and her work (Osborne, n.d.).

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