Greta LaFleur’s lecture explored the relationship between the environment and sexuality. She explained how sex was understood in the 18th century and how that is related to our environments. She went on to say that back then, there was an intimate relationship between the environment and humans, who were thought to be “porous envelops” based on the humoral theory that was present at the time. Carl Linnaeus’ Systema Naturae, attempted to create a taxonomy for Homo sapiens based on geography. It was thought that race was a direct product of our surroundings, and that race was a malleable thing based on where one was raised. Each taxonomy had assigned characteristics that describes their physical appearance, temperament, and, in some cases, their sexuality. This classification categorized darker skinned women as more sexually promiscuous and lighter women as more conservative with their bodies. Through this perception of race, LaFleur links together race and the perception of sexuality.
This link between race and sexuality is still seen today. The notion that darker skinned women are more sexually active than lighter skinned women is a narrative that is played out today in the media. In addition, the fetishization of asian women who are seen as exotic and reserved is also seen in popular culture. This differentiation creates divides for women of different races. Black women are often portrayed with high sex drives and are objectified my mass media, while white women are portrayed as pure and modest. In addition, certain sex acts that have also been linked with darker skin are consequently criminalized and looked down upon. Since the roots of these ideas can be traced back to the 1600’s, before we had developed vocabulary to talk about sexuality, I think it is about time to revise our perception of sexuality, particularly when in reference to race. The notion that women’s sex drive or sexual preference is based on race is archaic and outdated.
Even back in the 17th century, these narratives were being spread to the mass public through different types of literature. Barbary Captivity Narratives are stories about white sailors captured and sold on the Islamic slave trade. LaFleur brought up this form of literature as one example of mass media that perpetrates the overtly sexualized image of darker skinned women.
We see the vestiges of this today. We see how even after centuries of time, our subconscious are not able to readily separate race from sexuality. We see how we so easily conflate the two and add another dimension into the oppression of women of color.
I am curious to see if there are similar narratives about queer narratives. In modern day, we see a lack of representation in the queer community from people of color, and I find it interesting that, generally speaking, many associate being gay with sexual promiscuity, yet we don’t always associate being gay with being a person of color. I wonder why this differentiation between queer and straight sexualities and their respective relationship with race came about, and how we can work to ensure that this relationship dissolves and we created two separate identities.