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SARAH BAARTMAN
Born in 1789, Sarah Baartman was a South African female belonging to the Khoisan people who were colonised by Europe after the 16th century. Acknowledged purely from the size of her female assets, in 1810 it is said that she "willingly agreed" to be taken to Britain in the promise of becoming successful. However the intent of making money was only through the exhibiting of her body and profitable by her white captures. She performed under the name "Hottentot Venus", dancing nude in circus shows for the pleasure of onlookers.
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During this time it is believed that numerous experiments and dissections were being made on the bodies of women of colour, to make distinct comparisons to those of European women. A crucial concept which would consequently result in psychological affects and societal repercussions for women of colour. The direct objective to distinguish the idea of what constitutes "normal" to "abnormal", was a way in which to exercise a sense of power and authority.
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"In the 1800s, people in London were able to pay two shillings apiece to gaze upon her body in wonder. Baartman was considered a freak of nature. For extra pay, one could even poke her with a stick or finger. Sara Baartman's organs, genitalia and buttocks were thought to be evidence of her sexual primitivism and intellectual equality with that of an orangutan."
From Europe's sickening obsession with Sarah Baarthman's body, grew a reinforced platform for racism and sexism. Her body was seen to provoke primitive narratives to the British people. The media at that time consisted of visual imagery through caricatures and other painting styles, which often amplified and exaggerated features. In addition, creating misrepresentations and racist ideologies about Baarthman's culture and people of colour in general.
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By engaging with these contexts and relating them to our modern day, it is obvious that in some parts of society these factors still exist, only not such conscious extremes. The subject of "fascination" with the black female body still occurs within our daily politics, whether through social media, sport, music and body commodification. A deep rooted ideal of recognising the "other" but only celebrating contrasting values when placed upon yourself. This can be acknowledged through Sarah Baartman's life through Europe when the fetishized desire of Baarthman's body by white men was noticed by white females. Sparking jealousy and cultural conflict. Identifying these constructs isn't difficult when you compare the experience of Baartman's body being used as property for entertainment.
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This degrading notion of a young black women being taught that inferiority was all she possessed and that according to the size of large breasts and buttocks she was oversexed, was demonstrated unapologetically through her mistreatment by Europeans. Baarthman's story illustrates the idea of black female sexuality being at the precise focus of discussion solely in the subject of sex and objectification. Reflective in our current society where being referred to such reducibility is a result of historical experiences of scopophilia within the black community and a control over dignity.
The Story of Sarah Baartman by Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere
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