R. Kelly arrest sparks discussion about societal response to black victims of sexual assault

Dr. Shauntae White, a professor of women’s and gender studies at North Carolina Central University, said the images of R. Kelly in custody are a long time coming, but there is also a noticeable silence when it comes to support for the victims. She believes the problem is that his accusers are black.

“Even going back to slavery, when we have the controlling image of the Jezebel, so the loose woman who sexually entices slaveholders…we have to have that construct to justify the rape of black women and I think, from that, often times we are over sexualized,” White said.

A report published by the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality shows that adults view black girls as less innocent and less in need of nurturing and protection.

“It’s disappointing. It definitely makes us feel like black women aren’t valued in our society, and we see it often,” student Tyra Hudson said.

Hudson and fellow student Lyric Harris said they would agree that black women are viewed differently, based on observation and experience.

“I think it’s sad. I get sad. We’ve been here for so long, so many generations of black women, and we’re still getting treated less,” Harris said.

White said it’s important for people do discover and explore their personal biases when it comes to black women in this case.

“It’s almost like we’re not quite or fully human and we’re not worthy of having compassion,” White said.

Organizations on the NCCU campus have held discussions and created safe spaces for students to talk about the issue.