CW: rape, sexual violence
Before the slave trade started, the Europeans were intrigued by the African culture, the small
number of clothes that they wore, which were suitable for the hot climate, and the tribal
dances which made them believe that Africans were sexually lewd.
Another factor is that the idea of Black women having a sexual appetite was used to cover
up the rape of the enslaved women by their owners.
William Smith initiated the false stereotype that Black girls and women are sexually
promiscuous with his writings about how Black women are “always trying to find ways to get
a lover”.
This also led to young Black girls who are students being viewed as less innocent than the
others. This is called adultification bias, which can lead to the Black girls not being protected
due to being seen as “more mature than the other students”.
Black women and girls worry about how they dress and have to always be conscious of how
others perceive their bodies due to the over-sexualization of Black women. The perception of Black bodies being inappropriate can develop into harassment and possibly getting fired.
We all need to understand and recognize our biases towards Black girls. They aren’t
sexually promiscuous or lewd, they’re just a group that requires more protection and that
needs their innocence to live and enjoy their childhoods.
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