In many hip hop videos and other sources of entertainment, the image and body of black women undergo much exploitation for the sole purpose of producing capital gain. This act of exploitation has been going on for centuries and is becoming more and more accepted as a normal occurrence in our society.
In the literary piece “From Freak to Specimen; “The Hottentot Venus” and “The Ugliest Woman in the World”, a clear portrait of the way in which black women are objectified is developed. Sartje Baartman’s story within the text bears much oppression, and injustice. The cause of these things all derived from gender and racial discrimination that is still current factors in the way black women are currently treated.
In many magazines and forums around the country an issue that is very controversial and that has received much attention is the image of black women in hip-hop culture, and the entertainment industry in general. Many feel that the images of black women that are produced disrespect and demean black women, while others feel that it does little or no harm to the women of the black community. The harsh reality is that exploitation in our minds and culture is something that has began to be accepted.
In the text, white audiences put Sartje Baartman’s body on display as if she was an unknown creature. Many would agree that she was forced to be a part of such a horrific situation, giving right to the voluntary choices that many black women in the entertainment industry make today as a means of making profit. However, whether Sartje Baartman was forced or was voluntarily exploited for money does not change the matter that is at hand. The image of black women is being torn apart by the de-sensitivity of many black women, and the far extents that they will go to make a profit in this day and age. The article describes the white man’s intrigue with the black woman’s body as some sort of bestial desire. This form of desire influenced ill treatment and harm to be placed upon the black woman; stealing from her the very essence and pride of her womanhood.
Today it seems like many women have no self-pride. They tread the empty bounds of the lands looking for a fulfillment through their own destruction. Blindingly many black women have fallen into self slavery, a form of slavery that requires ones lack of self identity, to chain themselves to the strings of injustices that were placed upon black women centuries ago. If the image of black women is going to change, we as black women need to gain self-pride and understanding of our personal worth beyond any amount of money. A worth that can be found in building self respect, which will transfer to gaining respect from the hip hop culture and the entertainment industry as a whole.
*Visit this site for more information about Sarah Baartman:
http://icarusfilms.com/new99/hottento.html
Diana G.
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