Sexuality In Early America

Some men abused this power though, and used it to have complete control over women’s sexuality. During this time women were susceptible to rape, because women were seen as the weaker sex. It was a dark time for women; the possibility of being raped or abused was high. In Blocks excerpt, she brings to light the numerous sexual attacks on women going on in early America. According to Block, “sexual coercion took many forms in early America.” Block starts off her argument by telling numerous stories of victims of sexual assault and rape to illustrate to readers some of the horrific behaviors men were inflicting on women during early America. The sexual attacks Block discusses were a result of social power and physical force. These stories reiterate to readers that in early America women were vulnerable to sexually coercive tactics, simple because they were women. Women were being sexual attacked by men who had no social relation with them, or men in their households, such as fathers, husbands, and masters. Men were able to get away with a lot during the 18th century; this increased their power over women, and in their efforts to further control women’s
sexuality. People ignored the sexual violence going on in early America, because that was just society thought men were supposed to act. Society turned a blind eye to the injustice going on towards women. Religious beliefs and gender ideals allowed this behavior towards women, such as women should be submissive and obedient to men, and that women should obey their husband and his needs. Verses from the bible and society’s ideas on gender qualities, underline early America tolerance of sexual attack towards women, and male dominance over women’s sexuality.
After analyzing each article there is a clear pattern being formed.
The two factors discussed play a definite role in sexuality in Early America, and caused an impact on individuals’ sexuality. Each article relates to one another in the regards to individuals not being able to express themselves, either due to gender binary and religious beliefs. Early American’s rigid ideas and strict religious beliefs affected Early Americans acceptance and understanding of sexuality. As a result of their misunderstanding and lack acceptance, Early American society tries to instill fear and societal disapproval for those that do not obey their rigid standards. This idea to instill fear through laws, society rejection, and religion is an idea, which is carried out through the 16th to 19th century and even present day
America.