Week 7: Multifunctional Female Body

 

This week, I wrote a critical essay on “12 Years a Slave,” and I am still processing how a black female slave in the movie was treated. The film highlights the exploitation and suffering of Black women, the pervasive physical and psychological torture endured by slaves, and the deeply ingrained racial prejudices of the time.

One of the most disturbing representations in the film is Patsey’, who embodies the collective suffering of all enslaved African American women. Patsey's character illustrates the severe physical and sexual violence inflicted upon Black women. She was not only subjected to harsh physical labor but also exploited for sexual pleasure by her owner. This dual exploitation highlights the multifaceted abuse of the Black female body, used for both physical labor and sexual pleasure, reflecting a broader societal view of slaves as mere objects rather than human beings.

These dynamics highlight how race, gender, and free status intersect to compound the suffering and marginalization of enslaved Black women, revealing the systemic disregard for their humanity and dignity.

In addition, her character and how society treats women have made me think about the different functions the female body plays in society. I would end the blog by enlisting these three functions:

1. The female body is often utilized for physical labor, frequently under strenuous and undervalued conditions.
2. The female body is subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse, a pervasive issue that impacts women across different contexts and cultures. 
3. In addition to sexual abuse, the female body endures psychological abuse, leading to long-lasting emotional and mental health challenges.