Pre-Depth Reading Analysis: The Nature Of Female Enslavement

In Depth Reading Analysis: The Nature of Female Enslavement According to the definition in Webster’s dictionary, slavery is defined as the submission of a person to a dominating influence. Though true, this statement does not come close to portraying the inhumane treatment African Americans were subjected to during this time period, especially as a woman. There were many gender specific differences during the enslavement period and women suffered social inferiority due to gender and race. These two traits automatically imposed a sense of ignorance and weakness to the stereotype of slave women. Being an enslaved black woman meant that your life revolved around what made your master happy. The fact was black women couldn’t worry about aspects
This name was given to female slaves who were the image of a sexual woman. She was the type of woman that had fiery sexual urges and would invite a man into her bed. As White quotes in her novel, a Jezebel was the “counter image of the Victorian lady” (White, 29). It was also said a female with this image could not control her own body and was “a person governed almost entirely by her libido” (White, 29). Because of this, black woman became the target for sexual activities by the white male. This became a convenient way for white male plantation owners to rationalize their unlawful affairs with female slaves. It was also justification for children that were a result of these relationships. These children who have a white father and black mother were often known as mullato children. As White said: “The rate of pregnancy and increase amongst blacks provided evidence for the Jezebel image” (White, 31). The Jezebel stereotype was just one-way in which African American women were subjected to during the enslavement
I had also never heard of the stereotypes of a Jezebel or a Mammy. After reading the texts, I was surprised to see just how badly female slaves were treated. Personally, I don’t believe there is any justification for the amount of wrongdoings by whites to female slaves. In my opinion, these views are completely different from what I see as right and wrong. Growing up I was taught to see people as equal and that skin color doesn’t matter. I think both these authors have very valid points. Truth be told, the life of a slave woman was often overlooked, or even forgotten about. The view of slave culture shows the influences slaves had and challenges people to look beyond the images and stereotypes and rather consider the experiences of these women. It’s not just about the ideology surrounding their lives; it’s about much more. I think both authors are shedding light on a topic often foreseen by scholars and historians. By arguing their points, both women are able to place black women in society and give them a distinct place. I think both authors would be willing to agree that instead of being just another member on a plantation, these female slaves were also women too. As White said, “Slave women were everywhere, yet nowhere” (White,