I know you raised a brow at the title of this chapter. “‘The thot vs. slut?’ aren’t those two the same things?” That’s probably what you’re asking yourself. Well, yes and no. Both are slurs that are pinned against women for expressing and exercising their sexuality but if we want to examine them culturally, “slut” is usually used by White people. How often do you hear Black people call Black women “sluts?” Usually Black people opt for “thot” or “hoe.” I bring up these two slurs to bring up a point that is rather overlooked--well...ignored.
When talking about the ways women are shamed for being sexual beings we need to examine the way this beration uniquely impacts Black women as compared to white women. Yes, both groups of women are ostracized for being sexual but it would be a disservice to completely ignore the disproportionate criticism Black women are put up against.
Historically, Black women were painted as sexually deviant by white supremacist narratives. Black women were said to be “sexually immoral” and “promiscuous”--the “Jezebel” stereotype. Black women’s supposed deviant sexual nature was blamed when it was revealed that White male slave owners were sexually assaulting Black enslaved women. They did not call it what it was--rape. Instead they claimed that Black enslaved women were seducing these White men into having sex with them.
Not only were Black women demonized for their sexuality, Black women were fetishized for their bodies. Black enslaved women such as Sarah Baartman were placed on display where White people sickly poked, prodded, and “studied” their bodies. Black women’s bodies were even used, without consent, to study gynecology. Black women’s bodies were never humanized but rather mocked and made into sexual objects for the racist’s perverse pleasure.
Now, White women have also been objectified for their sexuality and bodies but when placed against Black women, their sexuality is seen as more pure--more worthy of protection. When a White woman embraces her body and sexuality, although she may be met with criticism, she is ultimately championed as a revolutionary for women’s rights. When a Black woman does the same, she is met with harsh criticism. Black women’s sexuality being regarded as deviant can still be seen today in areas such as mainstream pop culture and politics.
One example would be when Nicki Minaj posed in a thong for her single cover and was met with slander. Minaj responded to the hatred by posting photos of white models in swimwear with the caption “acceptable.” She also posted her single cover with the caption “unacceptable.” Minaj accurately pointed out how White women’s sexuality is seen as angelic and more acceptable than Black women’s. Another example can be seen in how people regard Beyoncé and her expression of her sexuality.
In 2014, Beyoncé publicly and explicitly revealed that she was a feminist. Her announcement was moreso publicized at her MTV Video Music Award performance later that year when she stood proudly in front of screen that clearly flashed “FEMINIST.” After her announcement, of course think pieces were hot and fresh the next morning. White feminists, such as Annie Lennox, placed Beyoncé’s feminism into question because Knowles twerks and is open about her sexuality.
Here’s the irony: In the same breath, White feminists claimed Miley Cyrus was a feminist for twerking at the VMA’s. Interesting, right? So, why is it that when Cyrus twerks, it’s progressive but when Beyoncé does the same, it discredits her as a feminist?
What these White feminists refuse to do is interrogate why it is that they see progress in White women championing their sexuality and the complete opposite when Black women do the same. White supremacist narratives are deeply ingrained into us, mostly without us even realizing it. White women perpetuate the “Jezebel” stereotype by seeing Black women expressing our sexuality as something that isn’t conducive to the women’s rights movement.
It is one thing to acknowledge that women are shamed for being sexual beings but it’s another to acknowledge how Black women are oftentimes placed underneath even more severe scrutiny for their sexuality. If women’s liberation is our goal, we must understand how sexism operates against women of color but specifically Black women in this instance.
Women’s liberation is not black and white. It is not simple. It is layered, complicated, and calls for nuance because women, ourselves, are complicated. In order to go forward, we must call this “Jezebel” stereotype into question and stop allowing it to thrive in today’s society and culture. It is important that if White feminists are interested in making a better community for ALL women, they must also examine their own anti-black misogynistic notions that have towards Black women’s sexuality.