My Name is Peaches

For Black History month, I believe it is important to discuss the marginality of black feminism. Particularly, I would like to create appropriate discourse on the cultural forms that shape sanctions of social contradictions. As we have discussed previously, the beauty standards in our modern culture set certain restraints on women to uphold a glorified image. Fey lists in her chapter "All Girls Must Be Everything," all the features we determine as "incorrect" on women's bodies. Too much of something, not enough of another: each a hold barred on sexuality and power for women. I question what divisions have been drawn historically for black women that set the pretense for body image expectations of today.

Media influences of the past such as Blues, Soul, and Motown music represents black femininity in a uniquely expressive way.  Women use artistic expression in their lyrics, powerful vocals, and ballad-like tones to typify their experience. Nina Simone's song "Four Women," discusses how stereotypes have been used to reduce and codify black women, minimizing their societal contributions and significance. Black womanhood in America, particularly in the era of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighted the legacy of slavery and exploitation. Nina Simone uses four stereotypes of black femininity to embrace distinguishing characteristics through the timing and tone of her influential piece.

"Four Women" by Nina Simone (1966)
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My skin is black

My arms are long

My hair is woolly

My back is strong

Strong enough to take the pain

inflicted again and again

What do they call me

My name is AUNT SARAH

My name is Aunt Sarah

My skin is yellow

My hair is long

Between two worlds

I do belong

My father was rich and white

He forced my mother late one night

What do they call me

My name is SAFFRONIA

My name is Saffronia

My skin is tan

My hair is fine

My hips invite you

my mouth like wine

Whose little girl am I?

Anyone who has money to buy

What do they call me

My name is SWEET THING

My name is Sweet Thing

My skin is brown

my manner is tough

I'll kill the first mother I see

my life has been too rough

I'm awfully bitter these days

because my parents were slaves

What do they call me

My name is PEACHES

In comparison to Fey's list of expectations for women today, the experience of black women was historically divided. Simone's song gradually climbs in intensity as her voice cracks with emotions. The titles of the women spelled out in all caps signify the belting tone of angst. She breaks down the images of archetypal black women as Aunt Sarah- the mammy character, Saffronia- the tragic mulatto, Sweet Thing- the Jezebel, or prostitute, and Peaches- surly, street tough, or even described as Simone herself, who has reached her boiling point. Not only is Simone educating us on these stereotypes, but she called them out intentionally to satirize negative ideas on the image of black women.  The issue of self image is increased due to the association of color identity. The black community has struggled to create positive cultural depiction, especially within Simone's context of the Black Power Era.