In this M.A. thesis I will explore the development and meaning of the Jezebel stereotype, formed in order to control and exploit African American women. The reason I chose this topic was because the effects of it can still be seen today and are still present in everyday lives of African American women. The stereotype itself originated in slavery, over 300 years ago, and it is fascinating that the controlling images that were found then are still present today. The Jezebel stereotype portrays African American women as hypersexual beings, marking them for a life of abuse and exploitation for which they themselves are seen as the cause of. In today's world, mass media makes it easier to convey these damaging images to a large number of people, seeing as television series, the Internet, and music are such vital parts of our lives. Like every stereotype, the Jezebel one also carries with it many negative consequences, including substance abuse, depression, promiscuity and prostitution, medical and other psychological issues. The goal of this thesis is to provide a general overview of the historical reasons behind the development of this stereotype and to see how the media portrayals of African American women affect them and their decision making processes.