Citing a Black woman as a “Jezebel” harkens back to a history of racism and misogyny in America, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that were used to justify the systematic sexual exploitation of enslaved women. For right-wing white Christians like those addressed by Wallnau, labeling a woman as having a “Jezebel spirit” implies she poses a threat to them, depicting her as a devious and destructive figure solely intent on luring men to their downfall and seizing power.
In 2021, amidst Vice President Kamala Harris’ inauguration, two white Christian pastors publicly denounced her as a Jezebel, a sentiment that was met with defense by fellow Black Baptists, particularly Black women. This framing of a powerful woman as malicious, cunning, sexually promiscuous, and ambitious speaks more to the insecurities and powerlessness of those making the accusations rather than to the actual capabilities of the woman herself, as noted by religion scholar Lokelani Wilson.
Jessica Johnson, an assistant professor of religious studies at the College of William & Mary, delved into the implications of portraying Harris as a Jezebel, highlighting the violent undertones of such rhetoric. She pointed out the shared beliefs between Christian nationalists and white nationalists, centering around an adherence to an authoritarian figure governing the country. Referring to Harris as a Jezebel stokes fears among Christian nationalists that they may be replaced and that their destiny lies in the hands of a godless, immoral Black woman, potentially inciting violence.
Recently, Wallnau resurrected the Harris-Jezebel trope in a video that gained widespread attention after being shared by the watchdog group Right Wing Watch. The clip depicted Wallnau in a familiar setting, seated at his desk with cluttered surroundings, while scrolling through news clips of Harris and offering his commentary. This reemergence of the Jezebel narrative serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted racial and gender biases that continue to persist in society, especially within certain political and religious circles.
The perpetuation of harmful stereotypes like the Jezebel trope not only undermines the accomplishments and integrity of women in positions of power like Vice President Harris but also reflects a broader societal issue of systemic racism and sexism. It is essential to critically examine the language and narratives used to characterize individuals, especially those in influential roles, in order to challenge and dismantle these harmful ideologies and foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all.