It Further Promotes Black Women as Objects to Be Stared at
The “Carolina Beaumont” and the nude shots of Kardashian are very reminiscent of Hottentot Venus in the late 18th century.
Born Saartjie Baartman, Venus was working as a slave in Cape Town, South Africa, when British doctor William Dunlop happened upon her. According to Lucille Davie, author of “Sarah Baartman, At Rest at Last,” he then persuaded her to board his ship for London under false pretenses.
In Europe, Venus was used as a public sideshow for white audiences, who gawked at her because of her large rear. Humiliation and sexual abuse were routine parts of Baartman’s life.
Baartman died at 25 due to venereal disease, and even then she was dissected and her body was preserved so that she could remain on display for decades. Baartman wasn’t properly buried until 187 years after her death.
