Authors who write about marginalized populations often explore how they deal with sexual exploitation and resilience. Sexual exploitation is when someone uses their power to take advantage of another person's vulnerability for sexual gratification. Resilience means being able to recover quickly from difficulties. Marginalized populations are groups that are disadvantaged because of social, political, economic, legal, or cultural factors beyond their control. Authors can examine these topics in many ways, such as through character development, plot structure, setting, dialogue, and symbolism.
In her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," Zora Neale Hurston explores African American women's experiences of sexual exploitation and resilience during the early 20th century. The protagonist, Janie Crawford, endures multiple instances of rape and abuse before finding love with Tea Cake Woods, who teaches her to stand up for herself against oppressive men. In one scene, Janie recalls being held down by white men while they force her to perform fellatio. Afterwards, she resolves never to let anyone else do this to her again and finds strength in her own voice. Through this experience, Janie learns that she has agency over her body and can make choices for herself instead of submitting to other people's desires.
Another example is Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved." Set after the Civil War, it tells the story of a young black woman named Beloved who was born out of an act of violence between two enslaved persons. When Beloved returns to her family years later, she haunts them and terrorizes them until they must confront their past trauma. One character, Baby Suggs, explains how slavery robbed them of their humanity and turned them into objects used for sex: "Baby Suggs said, 'You cannot name me now. I am not the same man. There is no real me.'" By exploring these characters' histories and struggles, Morrison shows how sexual exploitation affects marginalized groups beyond just physical violation.
In addition to writing about specific instances of sexual exploitation and resilience, authors may explore broader societal issues related to power dynamics and systemic inequality.
In his novel "The Bluest Eye," Toni Morrison portrays a black girl's internalization of whiteness as beauty standards and its damaging effects on her self-esteem. Pecola Breedlove, the protagonist, becomes obsessed with white dolls because she believes they are superior to herself due to her dark skin color. This leads to her being raped by a neighbor boy when she tries to imitate them. While this scene does not directly address sexual exploitation, it demonstrates how racism and misogyny contribute to vulnerability among black women.
Authors can use many literary devices to explore sexual exploitation and resilience in marginalized populations. Through detailed depictions of individual experiences or larger cultural narratives, they reveal the complexities and nuances surrounding these topics while offering hope for healing and empowerment.
How do authors explore sexual exploitation and resilience in marginalized populations?
The theme of sexual exploitation is explored by authors in different ways depending on their backgrounds and perspectives. Some focus on the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that people face after being sexually abused, while others examine how it impacts individuals' relationships with themselves, others, and society as a whole. Authors also explore the various systems that facilitate and perpetuate sexual exploitation, such as power imbalances, social norms, and lack of resources.