Black Women's Sexual Exploitation

Paper Summary:

A paper which shows how black women have been treated as objects throughout the history of American society. Beginning from when they were brought on slave ships, black women's bodies have never been their own. Even throughout the present day, black women remain the subject of exploitation from white and black men alike. The paper includes references from movies, essays and books.

From the Paper:

"African American women were never able to fully enjoy that which made them women. The idea of demure, virginal beings has never been used to refer to their traits, by whites. Instead, throughout history, black women have been characterized as sexual predators, on the prowl , with seduction and lust on their minds. In the U.S., these beliefs have been re-designed and often disguised, but their impact is emblazed in the hearts and minds of black women. These perceptions caused deep wounds that were passed from generation to generation, much the same as hair or eye color, and as a result produced the instinctive "secret". This secret is the sexual exploitation of black women and the construction of them as sexual beings that has endured throughout American history. "Sexual abuse, assault, rape is so much a part of our history that it is a historical fact" (Dash, "Daughters of the Dust Dialogue" pg. 50). This secret has moved with us, always resurfacing and playing out in our history. Even so, black women never allowed themselves to let this limit their progress. While the story of sexual mistreatment and abuse of black women is one of pain and hurt, it also shows the intense strength and endurance of the black woman and how black women overcome this manipulation."

More papers on Black Women's Sexual Exploitation:

• Analytical Essay # 24894 : "Exploitation Of Women By Men"
• Book Review # 92574 : "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl"
• Comparison Essay # 54960 : "Male and Female Slavery in America"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: