TikTok is an online platform for short videos that has gained immense popularity among users worldwide. With its user-friendly interface and easy accessibility, it has become a hub for creators to showcase their talents, share ideas, and entertain viewers through various forms of content. Erotic expression is one such form that has gained attention on this app, but how does it intersect with racial fetishization? In this article, we will explore the relationship between these two phenomena on TikTok and discuss some examples of content that reflect this intersection.
Racial fetishization refers to the objectification of people based on their race, which can be seen in various ways, including physical appearance, culture, stereotypes, and behavior. This phenomenon has been prevalent since the colonial era, where white colonizers viewed non-white bodies as exotic and sexualized them. On TikTok, racial fetishization manifests itself through the portrayal of Black, Asian, Latinx, and Indigenous bodies as desirable objects of desire.
Videos featuring non-white dancers or models dressed in revealing clothing often generate significant engagement and views.
Erotic expression, on the other hand, refers to the use of sexually suggestive language, gestures, or images to arouse someone's sexual interest. It can be explicit or implicit, and it can take various forms, including music videos, dance challenges, comedy skits, and vlogs. While erotic expression is not new to social media platforms like TikTok, its intersection with racial fetishization makes it more complex than just a mere expression of sexuality. Many creators use this platform to promote body positivity, self-love, and inclusivity while also perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes.
One example of this intersection is the popular trend of 'big booty' videos, where users post content that glorifies large buttocks, mostly belonging to Black women. These videos are designed to appeal to viewers' sexual fantasies and are often accompanied by degrading comments about the size of the butt. Another example is the 'Asian girl' trend, which portrays Asian women as submissive and docile partners in romantic relationships. In these videos, men pretend to be foreigners who seek out Asian women for their obedience and submission.
There have been some attempts at creating more diverse and inclusive content. Some creators have used their platforms to challenge racial stereotypes through humor or satire, highlighting how problematic these portrayals can be.
One video featuring a white man dancing seductively to Afrobeats music sparked a debate on how white people appropriate African culture for their own pleasure. Similarly, another video featuring Latinx dancers reimagined traditional twerking moves to showcase cultural pride rather than sexual availability.
Erotic expression intersects with racial fetishization on TikTok because both rely on objectification and stereotyping of non-white bodies. While it may seem like harmless entertainment, such content reinforces harmful beliefs about race and gender and perpetuates systems of oppression. As social media platforms become increasingly influential in shaping our worldviews, we must hold ourselves accountable for promoting healthy attitudes towards sex, relationships, and identity.
How does erotic expression intersect with racial fetishization on TikTok?
Erotic expression is one of the most popular topics on TikTok, but it can also be one of the most controversial. The intersection between sexuality and race has always been a complex topic that often leads to misunderstandings and misconceptions. On TikTok, this intersection manifests itself through racial fetishization, which refers to the objectification of people based on their skin color.