Supply: ANNA ZIEMINSKI / Getty
This week we honor and keep in mind Sarah Baartman for our Black Historical past Month Highlight. All through historical past, Black girls’s our bodies have been objectified, exploited, and dehumanized. Few tales illustrate this painful fact greater than that of Baartman. Learn extra about her story inside.
As soon as paraded throughout Europe as a spectacle, Sarah Baartman’s story is a haunting reminder of the deep-rooted racism, misogyny, and colonial violence Black girls have endured. But, Baartman’s legacy stands as an emblem of resilience and the continuing battle for justice.
Supply: Footage from Historical past / Getty
A Life Stolen for Leisure
Born in 1770s South Africa, Sarah Baartman was a member of the Khoikhoi folks. In her early 20s, her life took a tragic flip when she was coerced into touring to Europe beneath false guarantees of wealth and alternative. Upon arrival, she was displayed in so-called “freak reveals” throughout London and Paris, the place White audiences gawked at her physique, significantly her curvaceous determine and full hips. Europeans discovered one thing so innate to Black folks to be “unique.”
Marketed because the “Hottentot Venus,” she was compelled to carry out in degrading exhibitions, the place her humanity was stripped away within the identify of leisure. She was handled as a scientific curiosity, additional dehumanized by racist scientists who used her physique as “proof” of European superiority.
Forgotten in Dying, Reclaimed in Historical past
Sarah Baartman died in 1815 at simply 26 years previous, deserted and in poverty. Even in dying, her physique was not granted dignity. Her stays have been dissected and her skeleton placed on show on the Musée de l’Homme in Paris till 1974.
For almost two centuries, her story was buried, however her legacy refused to be forgotten. In 1994, Nelson Mandela demanded her stays be returned to South Africa. It wasn’t till 2002 when she was lastly laid to relaxation in her homeland.
A Image of Resilience & Justice
Immediately, Baartman’s story is a reminder of the dehumanization Black girls have confronted, but in addition of their enduring energy. She represents the battle towards the hyper sexualization, exploitation, and objectification of Black our bodies. Her identify must be spoken, her story remembered, and her dignity honored.
As we have a good time Black Historical past Month, could we uplift Sarah Baartman’s legacy. Not simply as a sufferer of cruelty, however as an emblem of resilience, dignity, and the continuing battle for justice.
Might we always remember, Sarah Baartman.
Take a look at a viral submit shared by the Instagram account @essenceofblackculture that impressed this story right here.
Black Historical past Month Highlight: Sarah Baartman Tells A Story Of Exploitation, Resilience & Justice
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