The Jezebel stereotype
HALLE BERRY, PERPETUATING THE JEZEBEL STEREOTYPE
A Jezebel is a woman who is sexually provocative and “governed entirely by libido” (Zinn and Dill 1884:267). This is one of the stereotypes that are projected unto Black women.
We’ve all seen the video girls and BF artists (Beyonce and Rihanna) who feel the need to be overtly sexualized in order to be a contender in the industry. Even Halle Berry, a some-what respected, middle aged mother in a committed relationship, felt the need, and I don’t think she was pressured, to “sex it up” onstage at a recent award show.
How can we stomp the stereotype of BW exposing their bodies, being promiscuous or degrading themselves to be considered “hot” or to be noticed?
Having more positive BW in the spotlight who value and respect their bodies and themselves enough not to expose it and/or allow it to be mishandled/mistreated publically would be a great start.
We have all heard the “there are no substantial roles for BW in hollywood” excuse by those wanting to break into the industry but if Tyler Perry is going to be the one responsible for creating black female images and putting them onscreen BW are in big trouble.
Those wanting to get into the movie making industry may want to start thinking outside the box by creating their own stories and production companies. If Mara Brock Akil and Shonda Rhimes can do it, why can’t you? Of course you can’t start at the top, so how about creating a web series/show and posting it on youtube or any of the hundreds of video sites on the internet.
Although I do not know much about Jada Pinkett Smith’s personal life and marriage I know that she has a production company, 100% Womon, and she is busy creating producing and starring in movies and tv shows about BW.
Who cares if Halle is black, white, or whatever. Why do we have to stop or have something to say JUST BECAUSE she’s a black woman (in which case she is mixed)? Nonetheless, I think this would be a much more respected article/website if you would include ALL women and not just black. I think the message would be a lot more relative, but that’s just me.
The focus of this blog is to stomp out stereotypes that *Black Women* are burdened with. I am sure there are plenty of other sites dicussing the plentiful stereotypes that White Women, Asian Women and Hispanic women face – and they would be happy to have your respect.
I believe ALL WOMAN are starting to be like unpaid ‘hos..even Miley Cyrus.. and they are starting to film girls a little ‘close together’ almost as if implying a hint of porn…sigh…but black women are still coming up short. There are not enough educated young black men to go around and were having problems forming families