Sara Baartman Discussion. Sara Baartman Discussion. History Research Paper.

Sara Baartman Discussion
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Sara Baartman Discussion
The documentary “Life and Times of Sarah Baartman” provides detailed information about the journey of Sara Baartman. Baartman was born in 1789 and experienced life challenges due to her mother’s death when she was two. Her father also passed on when she was an adolescent (Parkinson, 2016). Baartman was used for exhibitions due to her large buttocks with the audience required to pay to view the unique physical features. In October 1810, Baartman won a contract with Hendrik Cesars to take part in London and Paris shows (Crais & Scully, 2010). The shows attracted many viewers due to her unique physical appearance of having large bottoms. Wealthy customers were offered Baartman to entertain them at their homes and were allowed to touch her. The private demonstration increased the income of the Europeans using Baartman's large buttocks. During the shows, Baartman faced racism and sexism from the European guests. The Baartman shows were dehumanizing and displayed a lack of respect for the black women in the community.
Baartman’s promoters used for financial gain and causing emotional trauma to Baartman. Parkinson (2016) states that the British Empire abolished salve trade in 1807 and prosecuted Baartman’s promoters. The holding of Baartman against her will was a crime but the campaigners intimidated Baartman against telling the truth. Baartman testified in favor of campaigners with fear of what will happen to her after the case. According to Crais and Scully (2010), Baartman moved to Paris in 1814 and she appeared in different shows. Baartman allowed artists and scientists to use her for their work. She died at 26 of inflammatory disease (Parkinson, 2016). However, after death, Baartman's body was preserved and used in the Paris Museum of Man. Baartman's skeleton, brain, and genitals remained in public display in Paris until 1974. Nelson Mandela, South Africa's president at the time, requested Baartman’s remains in 1994 and the French government approved the application in March 2002 (Parkinson, 2016). In August 2002, the remains of Baartman were buried in Eastern Cape Province. Several books, articles magazines, and poems have been written about Baartman’s treatment in Europe. The life of Baartman shows the extent of exploitation and suffering of black women.
Modern black womanhood has experienced cases of exploitation. Black women should be respected for the different achievements in their life. The judging of black women based on physical appearance rather than their capabilities have negatively impacted black women in society. Baartman’s struggle is relevant in today’s society as black women experience cases of racism and ignorance. The achievement of black women is ignored by people causing emotional damage to the woman. Black women are commonly distinguished due to their features and not an achievement in life. Black women find it hard to get the necessary recognition for the different good things done in society. The achievement of black women is not appreciated by society reducing the morale of the women. The unfair treatment of black women has contributed to a reduced number of ...