"Putting His Desire to Execution": The Dehumanization of Women of the "Other" Reflection 11

Operating in the mindset of superiority, robs one of experiencing the fullness of the beauties of life. It prevents one from being able to unpack their preconceived assumptions based on idea that they themselves believe to be correct, and see things from another perspective. Superiority undervalues the true essence of the “other”. Todorov highlights the maltreatment of the indigenous women by the Spaniards. One of the quotes that really struck and disturbed me was when the European described his encounter with an Indigenous women as him putting “his desire to execution” (49). This encouraged the mindset of the European feeling like they have the right to someone else’s body because of their superiority, which leads to pure dehumanization. It also makes me think of my experience in India being apart of the”other”.

During my time in India, I quickly learned that in Indian society women from the West Indies or Africa are stereotyped negatively; which becomes a blanketed opportunity for negative generalizations against women of African descent. The negative generalization comes from the unfortunate trend of some black female students being forced to succumb to prostitution or escorting as a means for survival. It is not because they do not desire to work and make their own income, but it’s because legally in India, it is illegal for a student to work if they are not an Indian National. This puts international students in a bind, especially if they come from a low-income socioeconomic background. However, this is not the case for all black women in India, but because it is a trend, many black women are subjected to the effects of these negative assumptions. I remember sitting in my cab, heading home from my apprenticeship and having a driver ask me if he can buy sex from me, or many men just assuming that I would be willing to sleep with them because of I am black. It was a very emotionally and mentally draining experience because I was not very supported in these situations. My only defense was a strong “NO”, which history and current times has proven doesn’t suffice in particular situations. I just count myself one of the lucky ones. The maltreatment of the indigenous women during the colonization of the Americas began a trend that continues to have a ripple effect on minority women, and the dehumanization of them