1. In the stories of Faith (African Women Writing Resistance) and Amina (Nairobi Half Life) and Maisha (Say You’re One of Them) we see the topic of female sexuality. What evidence do we see of each of these women resisting attempts to control their sexuality?
Female sexuality is often undermined and overlooked in many African cultures. These cultures disallow any semblance of promiscuity and disdain women who embrace their sexuality. In light of these overwhelming cultural affirmations, there are however women in these cultures who go against the grain and reject these holdings. They instead look at their sexuality, specifically through prostitution as a means of empowerment. This is exemplified through the depictions of Faith, Amina, and Maisha, all African women who, through prostitution, are able to feel free. Faith, a young, ambitious college woman is able to manipulate men and get what she wants through sex. Once Faith goes to college she begins to dress scandalously and associate with her roommate who uses older men for money. Faith quickly adjusts to her roommate’s lifestyle and meets her first “sugar daddy”. The Story of Faith states how: “when Chris gave her gifts and money it's not you like being paid off. After all, he was her… boyfriend. Of sorts.” Faith did not feel as …show more content…
She has a very similar mentality to Faith, but Amina views prostitution as a bridge to reach her ultimate goal, to eventually become a beautician. Amina views prostitution as just a job, and therefore, does not view her occupation as degrading. It allows her to use her body in the way that she wants and with a purpose. Her family disowned her when Amina decided to become a prostitute, but she did not let that discourage her. She does not let the views of society stop her from using her body in the way that she wants. Amina wants to create a future for herself, and prostitution awards her with the freedom to do
Female sexuality is often undermined and overlooked in many African cultures. These cultures disallow any semblance of promiscuity and disdain women who embrace their sexuality. In light of these overwhelming cultural affirmations, there are however women in these cultures who go against the grain and reject these holdings. They instead look at their sexuality, specifically through prostitution as a means of empowerment. This is exemplified through the depictions of Faith, Amina, and Maisha, all African women who, through prostitution, are able to feel free. Faith, a young, ambitious college woman is able to manipulate men and get what she wants through sex. Once Faith goes to college she begins to dress scandalously and associate with her roommate who uses older men for money. Faith quickly adjusts to her roommate’s lifestyle and meets her first “sugar daddy”. The Story of Faith states how: “when Chris gave her gifts and money it's not you like being paid off. After all, he was her… boyfriend. Of sorts.” Faith did not feel as …show more content…
She has a very similar mentality to Faith, but Amina views prostitution as a bridge to reach her ultimate goal, to eventually become a beautician. Amina views prostitution as just a job, and therefore, does not view her occupation as degrading. It allows her to use her body in the way that she wants and with a purpose. Her family disowned her when Amina decided to become a prostitute, but she did not let that discourage her. She does not let the views of society stop her from using her body in the way that she wants. Amina wants to create a future for herself, and prostitution awards her with the freedom to do