Which of the following statements is not true about sexual harassment of Black women?
A Early on Black women were likely to be overrepresented in cases of sexual harassment brought against organizations, but are not currently overrepresented.
B Companies have tolerated sexual harassment in some of these cases.
C Black (and other minority) women are especially likely to be subjected to racialized sexual harassment. D Racialized harassment of Black women is likely rooted in the sexual abuse and powerlessness Black women endured as slaves.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A. Early on Black women were likely to be overrepresented in cases of sexual harassment brought against organizations, but are not currently overrepresented.
Explanation (300 words):
Statement A is not true, making it the correct answer to this question. Black women have historically been and continue to be overrepresented among victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. Studies and reports indicate that Black women experience higher rates of workplace harassment than their white counterparts. This overrepresentation is persistent and linked to both racial and gender biases that intersect to uniquely affect Black women.
Sexual harassment against Black women is often racialized, meaning it includes elements of both racism and sexism. This is captured in statement C, which is true. Racialized sexual harassment may involve stereotypes about Black women being hypersexual or aggressive—stereotypes that are rooted in centuries of oppression, especially during slavery.
Statement D is also true. The roots of sexualized violence against Black women go back to slavery in the United States, where Black women were regularly subjected to sexual exploitation by slaveholders. This abuse was both a means of control and a tool of racialized dehumanization. The legacy of this exploitation has contributed to enduring societal stereotypes and has shaped the modern experiences of sexual harassment that Black women face.
Statement B is likewise true. Many organizations have tolerated or inadequately addressed sexual harassment, especially when it involves women of color. There are cases where complaints made by Black women have been ignored, dismissed, or retaliated against, which discourages reporting and perpetuates systemic injustice.
In conclusion, statement A is false because Black women were and still are disproportionately affected by workplace sexual harassment. The enduring combination of racism and sexism creates a hostile work environment that many organizations have failed to adequately address. Understanding this intersectionality is crucial for creating equitable and safe workspaces.