4. The Enslaved Body: Fashion And Language

In this episode we talk to dress historian, Joy Davis about the enslaved body. Joy explains “The enslaved body can be described as both an idea and a physical construct: a beaten, scarred, oppressed, or restricted person physically and/or mentally. This has manifested itself in primary source material such as the runaway slave ad and abolitionist literature such as "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The enslaved body is a part of the larger concept of the colonial body. And while it is very important to understand the ideal body of the historical fashion moment, the colonial and enslaved body go beyond the physical form.” In our discussion, we explore the enslaved body’s representation in fashion, art, literature, and advertisements.

Just a note, this episode was recorded on Superbowl Sunday, February 7, 2016.