The Jezebel stereotype (1630s- ) is one of the main ways white Americans look at black women. It is why so many whites think black women are loose, immoral and oversexed.
Jezebel, named after an evil queen in the Bible, is a loose woman who wants sex all the time. She’s gotta have it. Yet at the same time she uses sex to draw men in to get what she wants. Sometimes it is money. Sometimes it is to destroy them. Many whites read Anita Hill this way. She presented herself as a good Christian woman, but white people are not fooled by that. Hip hop videos and Halle Berry’s Oscar-winning performance in “Monster’s Ball” push this image of black women. Angela Bassett refused the part in “Monster’s Ball” for just this reason.
This image of black women is not based on the latest government findings or anything like that. Nor is it even a simple misunderstanding of what black women are like. Instead it is a sick and self-serving stereotype pushed by slave-masters that has not yet died out.
Slave-masters forced black slave women to sleep with them. Deep down they knew it was wrong, that it was a crime, even if the law allowed it (it did – black women were their property). But instead of telling the truth about themselves, they chose to tell a lie about black women. Black women had no way to call them on it and even white women believed it. It has lasted down to our time, finding new life in Hollywood, starting in the 1970s with blaxpoitation films, and later with hip hop in the 1990s.
Before the 1960s the stereotype was so strong that not a single white man in the South was ever thrown in prison for raping a black woman. Not one. And even now it is a hard thing to make stick.
Before the 1960s the stereotype was so sick that white people made pictures of little black girls who talked or acted like they wanted sex. It was supposed to make you laugh.
Slave-masters gave the stereotype force and life because it covered their crimes, but it did not start with them.
When white men first came to black Africa they saw half-naked women! That part of Africa did not yet have a Christian idea of modest dress. But the whites of the time drew a different conclusion: that black women were loose and wanted sex even more than men did.
So did they? Was there any truth to it? From what slave accounts we have, the slave women who had sex with their masters did it almost always out of fear, not desire.
So the Jezebel thing was a lie.
But it proved to be a useful lie, one that has since taken on a life of its own and will take a long time to root out.
See also:
- stereotype
- The Jezebel Stereotype – goes much deeper than this post. It comes from the Jim Crow museum. Riveting stuff.
- Stereotypes about black women
- The pure white woman stereotype
- Race in America
- Jim Crow
- hip hop
- Through the ages:
Thanks for writing this because this has gone on for far too long.
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Yes what happened in slavery was completely wrong. However nobody forces these women now to be loose. Halle Berry could’ve turn down the role just like Angela. White Chocolate didn’t have to bend down for Nelly and accept that credit-card to slid down her ass.
Oh and I guess white women are virgins! Ha give me a break.
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LOL.
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There is not much work out there for black actresses, so some feel they have to take what they can get. And some do not see the bigger picture, like Angela Bassett does.
But yes, they are causing more harm than good.
Sanaa Lathan always asks herself what her grandchildren will think. That is a good question.
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Unique is quite out of touch. Slavery is over in the United States, but have the scars healed from this dehumanizing system? Racisim does not exist in America? You have to ask yourself why are black women always casts as whores or welfare queens or neck-and-finger-snapping-uneducated baby mamas? Who perceives black women in this light? Why aren’t there any other roles available to black women? Unique might want to become a ltttle more informed before she makes a blatant statement like that.
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Someone else had put an end to the Jezebel stereotype of black women in the early ’70’s. Remember the Joann Little case in North Carolina? She was a 19 year old black woman who could have received the death penalty for murdering a 60 year old white guard who was trying to rape her.
Someone wrote that “White men have been raping us for 400 years. It is about time that someone put a stop to this.
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Unique doesn’t get it. There are limited roles for Black women in Hollywood or in popular culture in general. While one see white men as cable news pundits, white women as romantic objects of desire or as loving wives and mothers that are the staple of TV and movie themes, Black men and women are portrayed as violent, oversexed, argumentative, loud, extravagant without a thought in the world. Just look at music videos, Jerry Springer and Maury Povitch, the latest Hollywood Black female sex object, etc.
Stereotypes of Blacks benefit the powerful because of them, their power is neither challenged nor threatened by outsiders.
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It is Interesting to know that the stereotype of Jezebel is a manipulating and seducing spirit, unfortunately the name in our circles is used to describe a loose woman. It is taken out of context, and by the way Its time for us to hold up the beauty of all black women light, dark, brown or whatever. It seems all other races support theyre own why cant we.
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“When white men first came to black Africa they saw half-naked women!”
This is the biggest prove that it was their perversion. Because, as Bible says, Adam and Eve were naked at Eden without noticing about that (Genesis 3:10-11), only when they ate the forbiden fruit it was noticed their nudity. So, we can afirm that the only sickness was on white men “eyes”.
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Well said D&nni. They judged us at first sight using their standards, and they still do.
Christianity being one of their chief yardsticks, all the more lethal because it’s accepted by so many blacks.
In fact, it was because of their lecherous attitudes towards african women centuries ago that so many of them were killed in Africa, as such acts were viewed as abominations and sins against the earth.
Although, ever resourceful in spreading falsehood, they spread the message of the savage heathen determined to withstand their civilising mission rather than their wickedness.
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What is so sad is that some of us black women propogate this Mammy-Jezebel-Sapphire ideology when they pose semi-nude or nude in magazines, work at strip clubs copping-out saying it is for the money. We should not compromise ourselves for a fake piece of paper to buy a prada purse. It will only discontinue if we stand up and not buy into the stereotypes, and sorry, Iv’e got to day this-stop buying hip-hop music that portrays us this way-it is not a one sided issue-our own people do it to us also if not worse.Thank You.For this article.
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I just dont think the stereotypes are fair at all Black women have allways, allways gotten a bad rap! We cant do what white women do cause they are angels..Yeah right those Rich white college girls are the BIGGEST whores!!
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This is a really great post, as late as I am. Just recently blogged on this here >> http://justyougirl.blogspot.com/2009/09/oversexed-black-woman.html.
I’m glad the issue is actually being tackled as much as it is. Black women need to be cut some slack, especialy by the media.
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Never too late! Thanks for the link.
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If SOMEBODY who SHOULD would have created good roles for Black women, they video vixens wouldn’t be forced to take such jobs.
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White women are free to be the “biggest whores” because they don’t have the stereoptypes to follow them, whereas black women do. Jezebel is only applied to black women, not other races of women even if they do the same thing and that is not fair. Now I believe that the steoreotypes that follow black women may actually cause some black women to be ashamed of their sexuality. Why do you think it is easier for white women to get naked in a movie than it is for a black woman? Because black women are worried about what people will say. You think white women are worried? Nope because they have “freedom” on their side. And no I am not implying that getting naked in a movie is a marker for how one feels about her sexuality.
The only reason these stereotypes are applied to black women because it makes white men feel better about lusting after us.
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As a black woman who takes public transport in Boston, I find myself super self concious about my lips (my most noticable Jezebelian feature). I can tell men (especaiily white) are looking at them and surveying my face very intently. Maybe its the close quarters, but whatever it is it makes me uncomfortable. I no longer even take an open seat on the train. 7 times out of 10 a random white men will stand with his crotch in my face and I know when it is being done on purpose. One guy almost giggled. It is sick and annoying. For all those people who think that no one is attracted to black women you would be surprised the kind of unwanted attention and leacherous looks we get. I think a lot of times when white guys see women of color, their mind reverts to a porno they saw. One time i was sitting next to an Asian girl and the guy in front of us smirked so hard, we both knew what he was thinking.
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When I watched Monster’s Ball I found Halle’s character to be a tired, sad lonely woman. Both her and Billy Bob’s character had recently lost a child and I think she was reaching out to someone living. She felt dead. That’s is what I took away from that famous scene.
I think the taboo big deal was because it was an interracial romance. But of course people would look at that and see an “example” of a loose black woman. Anyone who saw the movie knows better.
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no disrespect to halle, but that really just ruined the whole being the first black woman to win an oscard. I’d rather not have one if that’s what you had to do to get one to be honest. That moment in history feels stolen to me.
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I feel that an Oscar should have been given to Angela Bassett for playing the role Tina Turna in “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. She did an excellent performance. I remember seeing the movie with a ex-boyfriend back in 1993. At the end of the movie, when the real Tina Turner appreared, everyone in the theater showed their appreciation by clapping.
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I think the Jezebel stereotype exist to cover up men’s attraction to black women. I mean some people might disagree with me but black women are known for their voluptuous figures and I think, instead of men taking responsibility for their lustful thoughts, they blame the women. The ” she made me do it” mentality. Also, black women are portrayed as the one you sleep with, not the one you marry. She is to be used, but not considered as a mate. It started in slavery, but unfortunately white men are not the only ones guilty. Both black and white men do this, which is why black women should be careful about jumping into bed with someone. Don’t take a man’s advances as an act of love but look at it for what is. Lust and often in a derogatory manner. Respect yourself. Remember, you are the one that suffers the most from bad decisions concerning sex. Black women, according to statistics, are more likely to get Aids, more likely to stay single, despite being in relationships for years with the same man, and more likely to raise children out of wedlock. So be smart. I wouldn’t tell you wrong. It is best to wait until marriage.
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You know, I like Halle as a actress, but Monster’s Ball? I don’t get it. I saw the movie. It was okay. I liked her in the Movie ” Presenting Dorothy Dandridge” She did a good job. Now she should have won an award for that movie.
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@ Jeri
Yes, Halle Berry did a excellent job on Dorothy Danridge. To me that was some of her best work. I did not like Monsters Ball.
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oh halle was great in dorothy dandridge that was her greatest work in my opinion
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Before the 1960s the stereotype was so sick that white people made pictures of little black girls who talked or acted like they wanted sex. It was supposed to make you laugh.
These sick white men were definitely child molesters to enjoy looking at pictures of little girls.
Before the 1960s the stereotype was so strong that not a single white man in the South was ever thrown in prison for raping a black woman. Not one. And even now it is a hard thing to make stick.
It’s sad to hear that those nasty white men raped black women and got away with it. I think I would have taken justice in my own hands.
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I watched Monster’s Ball last week for non-entertainment purposes. Watching the scenes unfold on the screen, I understand why Halle B. stated the importance of the sex scene. That was the climax of the film. I am not knocking what she did as an actress but I couldn’t help but think of this stereotype when she grunted, “Make me feel good.” I actually turned my head away from the screen for a moment out of embarrassment. I, for one, didn’t see her any differently because she is an actress and it was acting, but I am glad she won the Oscar or the respect that other people lost for her after watching the film would’ve been in vain.
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I think Angela B. should have won for her role as Tina Turner. She was definitely robbed. I hope she wins one day; she is too talented to not have one, especially since Halle B. who is no where near as talented has one, not that I’m comparing them, but let’s be real. Even her worst day Angela B is still a better actress.
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I truly honestly did not think Halle Berry’s performance in Monster’s Ball was “disgrace.” I simply see that scene as a talented actress in a daring and controversial role. But I can understand the criticisms. As for the Jezebel stereotype, we must admit that we have a large role in perpetuating that stereotype. Hip hop videos and artists are often notorious for this. The models, the artists and the people producing these videos are all equally to blame. Also insulting Ms. Berry for her role and calling her ” a white man’s whore” worsens the problem ( I am in no way saying anyone on this site has said that but this is what I commonly hear when this topic is brought up) Furthermore, I feel as more black producers and filmmakers become more visible in Hollywood the more positive portrays of black women we will see.
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I agree with you but I torn. I agree the tip drill and Halle’s turn in the Monster’s Ball are aweful.
But I am always hearing Black Women tell me they feel at the bottom on the barrel when it comes to be seen as sexy, beautiful or desirable as mates. True.
Leaving in a white dominated society almost dictates that. So as long as their are different races their will be stereotypes about them.
So which it worse being seen as a video vixen or a ugly unattractive women. I know their’s a lot of gray inbetween that should be there but they can’t see it. I don’t think you can have it both ways.
The women in the videos and I don’t mean those nasty tip drill over-the-top types . But just regular video models are beautiful women of color. So that video is seen around the world. The men know that the women in the video where picked because the artist found them attractive. So when men see it they pick up that that’s what attractive is and conscious or subconscious want what they seek out.
So there by black women are attractive. Isn’t that a benefit of a stereotype. In the same way that when if your’e a guy and you look who is good looking and famous person you get more attention.
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Listen! Everything on here that I see being talked about is called STREET HARASSMENT ie sexual harassment on the streets, a problem that afflicts ALL WOMEN OF ALL RACES around the world. The cause is male entitlement facilitated through the whore/ virgin complex, the very attitude which this article is perpetuating. As a sex worker, I find this article insulting and denegrating to say the least. Do white men look at us in this context? Yes, there are some that do ….and so do black men, Asian men, and every men. Hell, the worst harassment I get is from BLACK MEN and JEWISH MEN (who do it to ALL women). Yes, there is a history there denigrating black women by using our sexuality as the weapon, but that is the same thing that’s been used by every patriarchal society to control women’s bodies for men’s reproductive benefit by controlling our morals. In a study conducted on street harassment, all women could relate, not just black women, but, we tend to get the worst just like our own men who get hypersexualized as well (see Feministing’s article on Lil Wayne’s interview with Jimmy Kimmel.) Does that mean that black women should go around zipping up and not showing their bodies? Hell no! I heard one crazy lady in here talking about “white men staring at her lips.” Well, I got news for ya? All men – due to male entitlement – do that/ You noticed the white men more since you were staring at them more than the black dudes who were doing the same thing. All I’m saying is fight the good fight, but don’t punish yourselves and limit your freedoms – which justifies the rape mentality against women – and cover yourselves up in christian morals, the same morals that were used to enslave us. Actually the word “whore” derived from Ancient Egypt, which was a more egalitarian society and was only drugged through the dirt when white, patriarchal christianity (the version of xtianity based on the blood thirsty, enslaving, warmongering Romans) came alone and called it “immoral” since it gave power to the woman. Thank you!
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i think she did a terrific job there.black women suffered a lot especially when they were slaves.however much we are being discriminated God is there to judge so dont judge other people.
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” Lettuce versus Tender turkey dilemma” so all through out his upbringing and social conditioning his told that lettuce is good nutritious and maybe more importantly respectable. Yes son lettuce is good for you and that turkey , says uncle jim yes that golden crispy juicy looking tender turkey , no that’s bad unhealthy even worse immoral . Don’t go near it, but the truth is it’s human nature to question and so. Son begins to wonder bout this forbidden fruit , till one day he catches uncle Jim round a dark corner lustfully indulging himself in some turkey.and he’s totally at lost , so what does he do , continue to honour uncle jims words of advice that the turkey aint good while his conscience is secretly plagued by the events that unfolded on that raunchy lust fuelled thigh grabbin night he saw uncle jim do the feared but deeply thought about act of tasting sum turkey or does he embark on his own journey of exploration? And decide to taste this taboo turkey , question is what will his response be , stereotypical.” the turkey made mee do it, and is tempting or evil?…or does he step out and break the mould society fashioned around him , and say,” that turkey is not all bad contrary to pop belief , it’s damn tasty fills up the tummy and no shame ” To all the white men who’ve had relations with our more than capable sisters and have had the conviction and moral fibre to stand up and say she’s black but I wasn’t looking at that , she can raise a family, a supporting morally strong and upright woman who has so much to offer as a partner mother and if you were wondering bout the bedroom , I am sorry that confidential I married a dignified woman , ………………………………………………………………… Yeah an be fore all y’all haters starry accusing me of equating woman to meat or some other uncivilized and derog category, catch your breath an relies you’ve missed the point
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well of course it hard for black women, to get movie roles; i for one thing think it’s just them being all lump together. for movie parts, and the ‘STRIP CLUB’ doesn’t help google ‘t-pain’
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Uh 33.4% of white women who were raped in 2008 were raped by black men; that’s double their population rate. Very few black women are raped by white men. Seriously some years its zero. Black women are simply not attractive. And white women are the primary victims of race related rape look at the gang rapes in Sydney.
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@James
Very few black women are raped by white men. Seriously some years its zero. Black women are simply not attractive.
My goodness James. Worryingly your post suggests that you are putting yourself into the mindset of a rapist with your comments. Honestly. The thing with RAPE is that there are many types of rapists and many different types of RAPE crime. It ranges fromt the average low down dirty rapist to date rape and even in some cases husband raping wives!
What about the other types of sexual violence including: sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape in marriage, forced marriage, and so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, trafficking and sexual exploitation and ritual abuse irrespective of whether the violence is from known or unknown perpetrators? Do your figures look at whether BW are victims of these crimes?
Unless you are of that mindset, you need to take your own opinions of BW out of the equation entirely and present facts to back up your assertions! RAPE is a serious crime – not something for YOU to use to express your narrow viewpoint.
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Thanks James. You’ve sure touched on a sad reality and a raw nerve.
And Hale Berry ought to be ashamed of herself.
But I would have done it for $10 million as well. Mind you; being and old white guy with not so good breasts; I don’t think I could have pulled it off.
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In all fairness– i would rather black women be known as Jezebels than mammies, sapphires and matriarchs.
I say this because the Jezebel meme does not strip her of her femininity. ALL women historically have been seen as using their womanly attributes to contribute to society and the building of civilizations. Jezebel should not necessarily be a bad thing for black women. Maybe it needs to be redefined.
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I agree with Ames in what I took away from the “Monster’s Ball” scene personally. But at the same time, I do find it irritating and insulting that she won for portraying that type of a character as opposed to any other roles she had done. She’s not, in my opinion, a phenomenal actress, but she has some very captivating scenes. I haven’t seen her portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge, but I will make it a point to watch the film. So, while I am glad she won an award, it is upsetting to me, as it is to peanut, that the first woman seen as Black in America to win an Oscar for best actress won it for portraying a negative stereotype of us that I desperately hope we can eradicate eventually since it is not doing us any favors as Black women.
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Reblogged this on Lala's world.
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“Whore, sexually aggresive woman… The image of the sexually aggrasive woman was one that was started to justify rape and the ownership of slave children as property.
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Mammies, sapphires, and matriarchs are not desireable. Nobody wants to just the the mules of the world like Zora Neal Hurston says. Mammies and matriarch are very asexual. Being a jezabel is not necessarily a bad thing. There needs to be some revision on that term.
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That’s messed up that little girl cartoon is sick I apologize on behalf of white people for that. there are a lot of slutty white women that’s true. I liked monsters ball though I thought it was a good movie.
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After searching google all night i finally got in…
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It would seem to most of us react bias on this issue. I speak not against Black Women’ s Sexuality but for it. Note that Black Women in America grow up much faster and mature quicker for many reasons mainly to survive. In this they also learn about Sex much faster and have less fears of intimacy. Black Women know what they want and therefore have a better chance of getting it. They are strong and survive. If White Men are more attracted to Black Women it is for respect as much as looks. Compare the figure of an average Black Woman with an Average White Woman and you will see quite a difference. I am a White Man that is happily Married to a full figured Black Woman and I for one know why Black Women are so unique.
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