What is buck breaking?

"Buck breaking" is a term referring to a brutal and violent form of sexual assault and torture, particularly associated with the history of racial violence against Black men in the American South. It's crucial to understand that this is not a euphemism or a mild term; it describes a horrific act of dehumanization.

The details of buck breaking vary depending on the accounts, but the core element is the forced sexual violation and humiliation of a Black man, often in front of others, to assert dominance and enforce racial hierarchy. The act aimed to break the man's spirit, masculinity, and any resistance to white supremacy. This could involve various forms of sexual violence, physical torture, and psychological abuse.

It's important to note that:

• Accounts are often unreliable due to the trauma and secrecy surrounding the events. Many victims never reported the crimes, and reliable documentation is scarce.
• The exact prevalence is unknown. The very nature of the crime ensured it was kept hidden and rarely prosecuted.
• It's not just a historical event. While it's heavily associated with the Jim Crow era, similar acts of sexual violence and control persist as forms of hate crimes today.

The term "buck" itself is a derogatory and dehumanizing term for a Black man, further highlighting the racist context of this horrific crime. Understanding buck breaking requires acknowledging the brutal realities of systemic racism and the lasting trauma inflicted upon its victims. It's a stark example of the power dynamics and violence used to maintain white supremacy. Researching this topic requires sensitivity and awareness of the potential for triggering content.