Video

Intro

In America's history, the slavery of African American's was such a large piece, lasting for centuries. While the main events are taught in classrooms and discussed more heavily, the harm towards African American women has not been taught as much. The sexual exploitation, treatment, and overall stigma of African American women faced were this way because of influence. At that time, it was mainly European American men affected people's views and beliefs. Before learning the facts, I'm sure some people know the background, but not to the extent of what occurred - humiliation, abuse, and dehumanization. By being aware, the audience will see the willpower that African American women had in these horribly tough times. Even with society against them, including other white women, they still did everything possible to make their own decisions and exert power. It's important to learn the history so nothing similar can ever happen to any race again.

Thesis:

This video was made to expose the audience to the history of African American women, especially after slavery was abolished. An analysis of this history shows that African American women were constructed as sexually immoral by the dominant society, particularly European American men. Despite social limitations, many African American women exuded agency by resisting the oppression. 

The video it is split into two parts. Part one shows and explains examples of how the white men at the time constructed African American women to have negatives, and also the effects those views had on society. Part two discusses a couple of many examples of African American women that were still able to provide agency - even when the dominant race was actively trying to push them down. The main sources for these examples comes from Paula Gidding's novel When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America, and bell hook's novel Ain't I a Woman?: Black women and feminism. Both provide similar but varying views aof the struggles that African American women overcame. 

- Stephanie and Sam

References