Sexualities Paper 1

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University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign *

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202

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Sociology

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Apr 3, 2024

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KD Samoae Dr. Zalika U. Ibaorimi GWS 202 February 10, 2024 Sexual Histories Understanding aspects of sexuality for women and how they shape current lives as well as how they have evolved from previous eras is necessary in sympathizing with the experience of women. Topics relating to sexuality are often considered taboo and shameful in current society. As forbidden as these topics may seem, they may provide self-encouragement, as Audre Lorde describes it as the erotic power, or they provide a rooted history as Jennifer Nash and Darlene Clark Hine represent the dissemblance of black women. Firstly, Audre Lorde presents a piece titled “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” in which she asserts the erotic within women and challenges the societal suppression and misunderstanding of this power. Lorde states, “The erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self, and the chaos of our strongest feelings” (Lorde 2). As Lorde underscores the profound significance of how the erotic plays a role in shaping self-awareness and emotional depth, highlighting its importance in a world led by societal constraints and expectations. One could critique Lorde’s analysis as it deserves a further nuanced consideration of privileges and discouragement from factors such as race, class and cultural background. Although all women face suppression of their erotic, to embrace the erotic as a black woman or an Arab woman is far more different than embracing the erotic as a white woman. Black women as well as Arab women are labeled as culturally disobedient, improper and “trashy” yet white women are more

likely to get away with displaying their sexuality as they cater to society’s idea of sex. Additionally, as Lorde emphasizes an important is grasping the erotic in all areas of life, one could question its practicality in a society that seeks to regulate expression of sexuality, as seen in examples such as the workplace. While the erotic may seem liberating, it is also intimidating for an individual in circumstances where a woman would want to showcase work ethic and intelligence especially in a male dominated field where they are already deemed as less. Sources of power can come from areas such as intelligence and ethics which aim to be the focus in competitive areas. Furthermore, Jennifer Nash’s text, “Black Feminine Enigmas” explores the concept of “dissemblance” utilized by black women in response to sexual violence and terror. The article engages in a broader discussion of black feminist theory as well as highlights the tension between secrecy as protection and it’s unintending stereotypes about black women. Critiquing the text involves highlighting the lack of exploration of intersectionality for race, gender and class in shaping the experience of dissemblance as a black woman. While there is an acknowledgement of the importance of the consideration of these intersecting identifies, a primary focus remains on black women as a monolithic group. A nuanced analysis would require the diverse experience of black women across several social settings as it will provide a comprehensive understanding of dissemblance as a survival strategy. By utilizing a diverse account, multiple experiences can be examined in specific settings which will better help explain the roots in this form of protection. As the original text elucidates, "Dissemblance can be described by Rita Dove’s famous phrase, 'If you can’t be free, be a mystery'" (Nash 1). Finally, Darlene Clark Hine showcases “Rape and the Inner Lives of Black Women in the Middle West” discusses the historical oppression and exploitation of black women have led to a

culture of dissemblance where an illusion of openness is utilized to shield truth from oppressors. To critique the text, there is an evident deterministic view of a black woman’s agency. As Darlene Clark Hine states, "...Black women, as a rule, developed and adhered to a cult of secrecy, a culture of dissemblance, to protect the sanctity of inner aspects of their lives" (Hine 5). Although there is an acknowledgement of resilience and resistance, there is a portrayal of black women as victims of structural forces rather than active agents shaping their futures. A nuanced analysis would provide the complex ways they navigate and resist while acknowledging their agency. In addition, the text would benefit from an explicit discussion of race, gender, and class to showcase the individual experience of oppression that in several, interconnected ways to understand the complexity. In conclusion, grasping the complexities of women's sexuality is essential for understanding their experiences and agency. Audre Lorde and Jennifer Nash's works highlight the power dynamics at play yet require nuanced consideration of intersectionality. Darlene Clark Hine's research on black women's dissemblance underscores historical oppression but could benefit from a deeper exploration of agency and intersectional experiences. By incorporating discussions of race, gender, and class, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of women's realities. Works Cited Dissemblance – Darlene Clark Hine . Healing Waters Productions. (2020, March 18). https://healingwatersproductions.com/ipv-info-and-resources/rape-and-the-inner-lives-of-black- women-in-the-middle-west/ Nash, J. (n.d.). Rape and the inner lives of black women in the Middle West | signs: ... https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/494552

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Lorde, A. (n.d.). Uses of the erotic: The erotic as power . Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50683.Uses_of_the_Erotic

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