Final answer:
The "sexually available" narrative for black women originated from historic stereotypes like the Jezebel during slavery, perpetuated by cultural representations and racist ideologies intended to justify exploitation and uphold white supremacy. Black feminist scholars and the application of intersectionality have been crucial in countering these harmful narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The narrative of black women being "sexually available" has its roots in historic racism and the objectification of black bodies dating back to the European colonization of Africa and the transatlantic slave trade. During slavery, stereotypes such as the Jezebel were contrived, portraying black women as lascivious to justify the sexual exploitation by white men. This stereotype continued into the twentieth century, reinforced by popular culture and racist ideologies that sought to maintain white supremacy. Scholarly works, such as those by Patricia Hill Collins and E. Patrick Johnson, along with contributions by Black feminists, have been pivotal in challenging these narratives and exploring the multifaceted nature of Black sexuality.
It's important to note the stark contrast between the sexualized Jezebel and the asexual Mammy stereotype, both of which served to uphold racist structures by denying the full humanity and complexity of black women. Black feminists and sexuality scholars use the concept of intersectionality to analyze the oppression faced by individuals based on a combination of social identities, including race, gender, and sexuality.
The pathologizing of Black sexuality has been a consistent theme within American culture, and has often resulted in violence and prejudice towards Black individuals.