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.
