Seminar in Black Women Writers
Morgan State University
College of Liberal Arts
Professor: Dr. Patricia Williams Dockery
Jezebel is sometimes used as the Bible’s example of an evil queen over time her image has been used as a racist stereotype against African American women. It is rooted in sexism and racism and paints Black women as highly sexual and manipulative throughout history.
In the Bible, Jezebel was a queen from Sidon now modern-day Lebanon, who married King Ahab of Israel. Jezebel threatened Elijah’s life, forcing him to flee in fear (1 Kings 19:1-3). Although this happened thousands of years ago this story has been tied to racist depictions of Black women. In 2 Kings 9:30, Jezebel “painted her eyes and adorned her head” before her death, which has been interpreted as her using beauty to manipulate men. This idea led to her being labeled a “whore,” even though her actions weren’t sexual.
Slaveowners used the word Jezebel stereotype to justify sexually abusing Black women, claiming they were naturally promiscuous and more tempting than white women. Even after slavery ended, the stereotype persisted, with Black women viewed as sexually available and lacking self-control.
Because Black women were rarely seen as “ladies,” a term associated with white women, they were pressured to uphold strict standards of respectability to avoid violence or discrimination. This led to community rules about how Black women and girls should dress, act, and speak in public. Today, movements like the natural hair movement and sex positivity challenge these ideas, allowing Black women to reject the Jezebel stereotype and embrace their identities.
The term “Jezebel” hasn’t disappeared. It was used as recently as 2021 when some white Southern Baptist ministers referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as a “Jezebel.” This stereotype continues to show how biblical imagery is weaponized to enforce racism and sexism.
“What if something happens to [Biden] and Jezebel has to take over?” Swofford asked in the sermon. “Jezebel Harris, isn’t that her name?”
