Radical Subjectivity
Topsy
You understand how the world works. Carefree, independent, and without influence from others, no one can force you to do anything. However, while fiercely independent, you are still full of love to share.
​Topsy is originally a stereotype from such books as Uncle Tom's Cabin or Life Among the Lowly. She describes a slave who is inhuman in appearance and acts in a terrible manner. Topsy was rebellious to her owners, until she accepted her terrible fate. Due to the popularity of these novels, Topsy spread an inaccurate and offensive image of Black children in society at that time.
Sapphire
You are tough, tireless, and efficient. Your arguments always include thoughtful analysis and strong evidence. Your toughness allows you to be rebellious, challenging authority, tradition, or history in order to do what you feel is right. You also appreciate the value of community: teamwork makes the dreamwork.
Sapphire is a stereotype about Black women. They were to represent a rude, loud, rebellious, and aggressive person. In the 19th century, Sapphire was known as “Sassy Mammy” due to her controlling nature. Usually portrayed as having power over others (similar to white slave owners), Sapphires could beat and curse the people in her community. In 20th century, the image started to change; Sapphire became known as the angry Black woman. These new Sapphires were mostly seen as wives or mothers who vocally or physically overpowered Black men.
Mammy
A kind and generous person. You seek to help and please others. You choose to be happy, even when times are tough and struggles are present.
From slavery through the Jim Crow era (1877-1966), the Mammy image served the economic, political, and social interests of White ideology and history in the U.S. The Mammy caricature was used to prove that Black women were happy with their enslavement to White families; Mammy was a central figure on Southern plantations. Today, Mammy depictions are seen as controversial, as they inaccuratly represent the experiences of slaves and provide false contempt on behalf of Black women.
Black Matriarch
You are resourceful, cunning, and creativity. You understand how to turn bad situations into good ones. You know how to adapt in new situations and aren't afraid of a challenge.
The Welfare Queen is a stereotype about Black women, representing people who are lazy and scam money from the government. Welfare Queens used welfare laws to make themselves rich. This faulty image was created to show Black women as deceptive and lazy, contrasting White work and family values at the time. Usually depicted as Black women who have children out of wedlock, consume drugs, and are not willing to work.
Jezebel
Loose, calm, and carefree; you have plenty of love to share with others. You are always laid back and totally own your sexuality. Even when in stressful situations, Jezebels prefer to stay calm and collected rather than letting their issues overwhelm them.
Jezebel is a stereotype that focuses on the sexuality of Black women. She is seductive, alluring, and beautiful, usually appearing as a hooker, dancer or mistress. This image was created at the start of slavery due to the differences between White and African clothing/culture. This stereotype prevented Black women from owning their sexuality and allowed slave owners to beat, mistreat, and rape without any guilt. Even today, the Jezebel stereotype still controls people, allowing society to socially shun sexually proud Black women.
