Political Humiliation Rituals

On Lizzo as a waddling humiliation ritual against historic America

At a concert Tuesday night morbidly obese black female rapper Lizzo broke out a flute and played a few notes while twerking. Although flutes and this form of ‘dancing’ are an uncommon combination, something else about her grotesque display was even more uncommon: The instrument belonged to James Madison and allegedly has not been played since 1813. Make no mistake, this bizarre display was a humiliation ritual directed at historic America. 

Humiliation rituals are concerted, often public acts designed to inflict shame and embarrassment on the less powerful. This last part is key, as no one with power would willingly subject themselves to humiliation at the hands of a weaker foe. These rituals reinforce the perception that their targets have been broken. In other words, they’re victory laps.

Examples of humiliation rituals throughout history abound. After Japan folded in World War II, its military leaders boarded the USS Missouri to sign the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. When the Japanese delegation arrived, they had to pass by eight sailors, who each stood well over 6 feet. This was a deliberate act, designed to project strength and humiliate the much shorter Japanese. 

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