Thick is a groundbreaking book written by Tressie McMillan Cottom that explores the lived experiences of Black women in the United States. The book delves into the various ways in which Black women are perceived and treated in society, and how these perceptions and treatments shape their experiences. Through personal anecdotes and scholarly research, Cottom challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about Black women and their place in society.
In the introduction, Cottom sets the stage for the rest of the book by discussing the various ways in which Black women are perceived and treated in society. She argues that Black women are often seen as “thick” – a term that encompasses both their physical appearance and their perceived intelligence. Cottom argues that this perception is damaging and limiting, and that it prevents Black women from being seen as fully human.
Chapter 2: The Politics of Respectability
In this chapter, Cottom explores the concept of respectability and how it impacts the lives of Black women. She argues that respectability politics are often used to police the behavior of Black women in order to make them more palatable to white audiences. Cottom also discusses the ways in which respectability can be a tool of self-preservation for Black women, as well as the limitations of respectability politics.
Chapter 3: The Performance of Race and Gender
In this chapter, Cottom explores the ways in which race and gender are performed in society, and how these performances impact the experiences of Black women. She argues that Black women are often expected to perform their race and gender in specific ways, and that this performance can be both empowering and limiting. Cottom also discusses the ways in which Black women use performance to resist oppression and reclaim their agency.
Chapter 4: The Economy of Desire
In this chapter, Cottom explores the ways in which Black women’s bodies are commodified and objectified in society. She argues that the objectification of Black women’s bodies is rooted in a long history of racism and sexism, and that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black women’s intelligence and worth. Cottom also discusses the ways in which Black women resist objectification and reclaim their bodies.
Chapter 5: The Politics of Beauty
In this chapter, Cottom explores the politics of beauty and how they impact the experiences of Black women. She argues that beauty standards are often used to police the behavior of Black women and to maintain white supremacy. Cottom also discusses the ways in which Black women use beauty as a form of resistance and self-expression, as well as the limitations of beauty politics.
Conclusion
In the conclusion, Cottom reflects on the themes of the book and the ways in which they impact the lives of Black women. She argues that the perceptions and treatments of Black women are rooted in a long history of racism and sexism, and that they perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Black women’s intelligence and worth. Cottom also discusses the ways in which Black women resist these stereotypes and reclaim their agency, and she calls for a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of Black women’s experiences.
Overall, Thick is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about Black women and their place in society. Through personal anecdotes and scholarly research, Cottom provides a nuanced and compassionate understanding of Black women’s experiences, and she calls for a more just and equitable society for all people.
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