Title: From sexual denigration to self-respect: resisting images of Black female sexuality
Abstract: The song Respect makes me think about the myriad of images
that have been used both by ‘white’ people and Black men not
only to deny us respect but to dominate us (Franklin 1967).
Portraying Black women as sexually denigrated has been
central to the ideological justification for systems of racism,
sexism, heterosexism and class oppression. The historical
development of representations of Black women as animalistic,
diseased and licentious has contributed to our subordination
in contemporary Britain. In this chapter I discuss the
significance of the depiction of Black women as dirty, incapable
of sexual morality and unable to control our lust. In particular
I consider Black women’s own perceptions of being stereotyped
as sensuous, bestial, good in bed, loose, promiscuous,
breeders and prone to prostitution. The objectification of Black
women as creatures of sex not only influences our identity and
relationships but, I argue, is also used by ‘white’ people and
Black men to legitimize our sexual and social exploitation. I
conclude by discussing the creation of positive self-definitions
as a powerful challenge to the ways in which derogatory myths
have been oppressive for Black women. We resist negative
images by asserting our right to define our identities and to
control our sexuality.
Publication Year: 2005
Publication Date: 2005-08-04
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 11
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