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Hazel B Carby The Sexual Politics Of Women's Blues Analysis

1327 Words6 Pages

Emma Carr

Read the article "The Sexual Politics of Women's Blues" by Hazel B. Carby before starting the assignment and then answer the following prompt...
Discuss, in detail, three ways the blues women achieved and inspired female autonomy while becoming cultural icons and leaders in feminism through their lyrics, attitudes and physical appearance.
The Blues Women Previous to the introduction of the Classic Blues to American Society, women were expected to remain in the passive and contained role of mother, housekeeper, and wife. With little chance to break this mold, women around the world were oppressed for centuries, forced to restrain their desires, thoughts, and idealistic lifestyles. However, with the emergence of the Blues Women, …show more content…

Cox describes her need for a man who will “love me like I like to be” and includes lines like “He needn’t eve take the lead… And I ain’t a looking for no speed,” (page 43), showing that she requires a man who will meet her needs, and not the other way around. Cox’s attitude carries through the song where she sings “Set your alarm clock papa, one hours that’s proper, Then love me like I like to be,” (page 43) and “I can’t stand no green horn lover, like a rookie going to war, With a load of big artillery, but don’t know what it’s for,” (page 43). This call for an experienced man speaks to the importance of sex for Cox, who does not have interest in anyone who will not be able to please …show more content…

Takes a hour ‘fore I get started, maybe three before I’m through. I’m a one hour mama, so no one minute papa, Ain’t the kind of man for me,” (page 44). Author Hazel V. Carby of “The Sexual Politics of Women’s Blues” describes this attitude in her own words, by writing “The articulation of the possibility that women could leave a condition of sexual and financial dependency, reject male violence, and end sexual exploitation,” (page 41) proves the point that the attitude of the Blues Women was intense, dominant, and focused on the reclamation of female

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