Aren TIA Wom Female Slaves In The... by Deborah White uses various examples of situations regarding these characterizations from other works such as "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Jacobs, interviews, and d other historical references. Through these examples, Deborah White is able to effectively trace, through historical context, how these women fought against the assumption that all black slaves were “Jezebels” until proven otherwise. Considered highly sexual women, those who were categorized as "Jezebel" women first began due to African traditions predating their slavery and also excused "miscegenation, sexual exploitation of black women and the mulatto population ". Deborah White argues that these women faced a very unique situation because their sexual behavior could result in being treated better or worse, depending on the situation and the master; because population growth was inevitable, white men seemed to believe that this proved their "lewd and licentious behavior." Furthermore, the conditions in which these women lived "helped to imprint the image of Jezebel on the white mind", even though this environment was created by these men "who ensured that the behavior of the slaves met their expectations" . Unlike the figure of “Jezebel,” white men also created the figure of “Mama,” who was a loyal servant to the white family as well as a surrogate mother for both black and white children. This black slave position helped “endorse the service of black women in Southern households” (61). Therefore, these two characterizations had to justify the treatment reserved for black people.

Essay / Aren TIA Wom Female Slaves In The... by Deborah White uses various examples of situations regarding these characterizations from other works such as "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Jacobs, interviews, and d other historical references. Through these examples, Deborah White is able to effectively trace, through historical context, how these women fought against the assumption that all black slaves were “Jezebels” until proven otherwise. Considered highly sexual women, those who were categorized as "Jezebel" women first began due to African traditions predating their slavery and also excused "miscegenation, sexual exploitation of black women and the mulatto population ". Deborah White argues that these women faced a very unique situation because their sexual behavior could result in being treated better or worse, depending on the situation and the master; because population growth was inevitable, white men seemed to believe that this proved their "lewd and licentious behavior." Furthermore, the conditions in which these women lived "helped to imprint the image of Jezebel on the white mind", even though this environment was created by these men "who ensured that the behavior of the slaves met their expectations" . Unlike the figure of “Jezebel,” white men also created the figure of “Mama,” who was a loyal servant to the white family as well as a surrogate mother for both black and white children. This black slave position helped “endorse the service of black women in Southern households” (61). Therefore, these two characterizations had to justify the treatment reserved for black people.

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