When discussing slavery's painful times, many scholars focus on general suffering. Yet, they often overlook the specific challenges black women face. These challenges arose from harmful stereotypes, which compounded the suffering of black women.

The image of black women as "sexual heathens," a term laden with prejudice, contrasts with the evolving perceptions of white women. Historically, white women's image shifted from seductive figures to pure beings. Meanwhile, the portrayal of black women remained unchanged. It was influenced by the biased perspectives of European settlers in America. These settlers perceived white women as elegant and in need of protection. At the same time, they unfairly deemed black women as lesser beings. This distorted view, encapsulating the label "sexual heathens," rationalized the mistreatment of black women by white men.

Black men suffered during these times as well. However, black women faced different challenges. Besides the grueling work on farms, black women had other burdens. Within homes, they encountered harsh treatment. They weren't seen as individuals but as mere property. The journey from Africa to America was no relief either. Many black women had to endure hardships on ships. They were often seen as objects, leading many on board to treat them in a wrong way. This maltreatment wasn’t merely physical; it affected their minds and spirits.

Understanding the past is vital. It's important to comprehend these struggles and society's perception. Only then can we aim for a future with fair treatment for all. While scholars do a lot, it's up to all of us to dig deeper and see the complete picture.