ABSTRACT
In Chapter 6, the author explores the symbolism of gay men’s pornography that transforms Black men’s penises into dark phalluses – that is, from mundane anatomy to a powerful symbol of Black masculine sexuality. This is accomplished in gay men’s pornography through two rhetorical mechanisms. The first is preoccupation. For example, almost every video featuring Black participants made some reference to a “BBC” (big Black cock). Transforming ordinary anatomy into dark phalluses also involves a process the author refers to as dismemberment. In gay porn, this process of detachment transmutes Black men’s penises into cultural matter that fits into one or more of just three categories. When Black men’s penises became dissociated organs, consumers conceptualize and discuss them in ways that render the rest of its “owner” invisible, even useless. Producers and consumers also characterize Black men’s penises as wielded tools, often referring to specific objects of utility like “poles,” “towers,” “pipes,” and “machines.” Lastly, the sentient monster archetype is more than twice as prevalent as the other two themes combined. In contrast to the lifelessness of dissociated organs and wielded tools, sentient monsters are directly or indirectly endowed with personality and animus.
