Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise – That I dance like I’ve got diamonds -At the meeting of my thighs? – Maya Angelou, “Still I Rise”
Black women’s bodies have had a complicated relationship with the “mainstream” throughout history. In her oft-quoted poem, Maya Angelou celebrated the fact that black women could still dance and celebrate in the face of oppression that treated their bodies more like objects than works of God.
From being ostracized to dehumanized to sexualized to terrorized to commercialized to depersonalized to fantasized to demonized, it has taken years for these distinct shapes to be recognized and revolutionized for the intricately awesome creations that they are. Some say that “when God created Black Women, He was just showing off.” True or not, they are certainly unique beings – spiritually and physically.
It is undeniable that the fat distribution and muscle mass of most black women differs from that of women from other ethnic groups. Sadly, some of same the physical attributes that are now celebrated and imitated have been used to denigrate black women at certain points in history. Even Michelle Obama was not immune from criticisms of her shapely physique. In this day and age of “but we are all the same,” it is still very hard to ignore the obvious differences in the hair textures, skin tones, lip sizes and body curves of women as a whole.
“Exotic” Afrocentric features were oft the basis of curious white slave owners who sexually exploited black slave women. Sexual abuse occurred regardless of whether the women consented, whether they were married, or whether they were “of age.” They were property and were treated as such. There was no #MeToo movement in the 17th and 18th centuries. To help justify their inappropriate actions, white society characterized black slave women as lustful and hypersexual beings.
The fascination with black female shapes and genitalia was not just limited to oppressors in the United States. Sarah Baartman’s voluptuous shape was so intriguing to Europeans in the early 1800s that they ….insert side eye…. diagnosed the South African woman with a disorder called “steatopygia,” which is a medically incorrect way of saying she had a build-up of fat in her buttocks. In other words, she had a large derriere. Taken to England as a young adult, Baartman was paraded around and exploited by her handlers whose lack of concern for her soul may have contributed to her early demise at the age of 26.
Sex sells. Just take a look at the history of black female performers such as Josephine Baker, Tina Turner, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, and Lizzo. This sampling of shapely music artists have fought years of negative stereotypes of black women as lustful and hypersexual beings by literally cashing in on their physical endowments. Perhaps we are truly in the midst of a revolution as these ladies – past and present – willingly showcase(d) their talents wearing the bare minimum while gyrating and twerking for their fans.
This new revolution may not have been part of the reparations negotiations. Some may argue that modesty brings respectability. Slacks and pencil skirts have their place, but women have to have choices. Being comfortable in one’s own skin is empowering.
Imagine young black girls who have been taught to have shame and insecurity because they don’t meet the “ideal” body shape that what has traditionally been reflected on runways and fashion magazines. Seeing the success of women entertainers who look like them could be a game changer.
Confidence and independence trump exploitation. If my sexiness offends you, look away. In the words of Sojourner Truth, “And ain’t I a woman?”
-Sojourner Justice
