Today’s Bedwench | The Case of Calvin and Nova in "Queen Sugar"

Interracial relationships in media have the potential to break barriers, foster understanding, and promote inclusivity. However, not all representations are positive or aspirational. The relationship between Calvin and Nova in "Queen Sugar" serves as a prime example of this. This article delves into the problematic dynamics of their relationship, its negative impact on perceptions of Black women, and how it is antithetical to Biblical ethics.

Problematic Dynamics

Calvin and Nova's relationship is marred by adultery, secrecy, and deceit. Calvin, a married white police officer, engages in adultery with Nova, a Black journalist and activist. This relationship begins on a foundation of infidelity and deception, which are inherently destructive behaviors. The portrayal of their relationship glamorizes and normalizes adultery, sending a message that such actions are acceptable or even admirable.

Historical Parallels

Some may view the coupling of white men and Black women as a new and progressive phenomenon, indicative of modern societal advancements towards inclusivity and equality. However, this dynamic is far from new. It is ancient, rooted in historical contexts that span centuries. Biblically, we find examples such as Moses and Zipporah, and Abraham and Hagar, highlighting that such couplings have long been a part of human history. In more recent history, in the antebellum South, relationships between white men and Black women were common, though often non-consensual and deeply exploitative. These historical parallels reveal that the dynamics at play are not as progressive as they might appear but are instead reflections of longstanding and, often, complex power imbalances.

The relationship between Calvin and Nova can be viewed through the lens of historical precedents established during slavery. During that era, it was not uncommon for white men to be married to white women, whom they treated with respect, provided for, and protected. These wives were given their husbands' names and held a position of social esteem. However, these same white men often reserved for themselves Black female slaves for sexual use. These enslaved Black women were treated as less than concubines—more akin to unpaid prostitutes, with no agency, respect, or protection.

This historical dynamic mirrors the relationship between Calvin and Nova in several disturbing ways:

Power Imbalance and Exploitation: During slavery, the power imbalance between white slave owners and Black female slaves was stark. White men had complete control over the lives of their slaves, including the power to exploit them sexually without consequence. Similarly, in "Queen Sugar," Calvin, as a white police officer, holds a position of power and authority over Nova, a Black woman. This dynamic in some ways mirrors the historical exploitation of Black women by white men, perpetuating a legacy of racial and gender-based sin.

Dual Lives and Hypocrisy: White men in the antebellum South often led dual lives—one with their white wives, who were afforded social status and respect, and another with their enslaved Black slave mistresses, who were used for sexual gratification. This hypocrisy is evident in Calvin's relationship with Nova as well. He maintains his marriage to his white wife, who is unaware of his adultery, while simultaneously engaging in a secretive and morally compromised relationship with Nova. This duality reinforces the idea that Black women are second-class, existing solely for the pleasure of white men.

Dehumanization and Objectification: Enslaved Black women were dehumanized and objectified, their bodies seen as property to be used at the whim of their white male owners. This objectification is paralleled in Calvin's treatment of Nova. While he professes to care for her, ultimately, their relationship is built on a foundation of secrecy, shame, and deceit, reducing Nova to a mere object of secret desire rather than a respected partner. This dynamic perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black women being hypersexual and available for exploitation.

Emotional and Psychological Harm: The emotional and psychological harm inflicted on enslaved women by their white male owners was immense. These women were often forced into relationships devoid of love and respect, leading to deep emotional scars. Similarly, Nova's involvement with Calvin, a married man, is likely to result in emotional turmoil and self-betrayal. By engaging in this relationship, Nova is complicit in her own devaluation, echoing the historical trauma experienced by Black women during slavery.

Negative Impact on Perceptions of Black Women

The depiction of Nova in this relationship reinforces negative stereotypes about Black women. It suggests that Black women are willing to engage in morally questionable relationships, even at the expense of their dignity, morals, and self-respect. This narrative undermines the portrayal of Black women as noble and principled individuals. Furthermore, it perpetuates the trope of the "other woman," a stereotype often unfairly attributed to Black women in media. This not only diminishes the complexity and richness of Black female characters but also contributes to societal perceptions that devalue and disrespect Black women.

Biblical Perspective on Adultery and Abandonment

From a biblical perspective, adultery and abandonment are serious sins that carry significant consequences. The Bible provides clear guidance on the sanctity of marriage and the responsibilities of spouses to one another and their children.

Adultery: The Bible unequivocally condemns adultery. In Exodus 20:14, the Seventh Commandment states, "You shall not commit adultery" (ESV). Adultery is seen as a grave sin that violates the covenant of marriage and damages the trust and unity that should exist between spouses. Proverbs 6:32 further emphasizes the destructive nature of adultery: "He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself" (ESV). The act of adultery is not only a betrayal of one's spouse but ultimately is a sin against God.

Consequences of Adultery: The Bible warns of the dire consequences of adultery. In Proverbs 6:27-29, it is written, "Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished" (ESV). This passage illustrates that adultery brings inevitable harm and punishment to those who engage in it.

Abandonment: Abandoning one's spouse and children is also strongly condemned in the Bible. In 1 Timothy 5:8, it is stated, "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (ESV). This underscores the importance of fulfilling one's familial responsibilities and the severe moral failing of neglecting them.

Impact on Family: The Bible highlights the profound impact that betrayal and abandonment can have on a family. Malachi 2:14-16 speaks to the pain and injustice caused by such actions: "The Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. ... For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless" (ESV). This passage emphasizes the duty of faithfulness and the deep emotional harm caused by breaking the marital covenant.

Malachi 2:16 is particularly powerful in highlighting God's disdain for divorce and unfaithfulness: "For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless" (ESV). This verse makes it clear that abandoning one's spouse is a violent act, causing deep harm and dishonor to the perpetrator.

Consequences for Women in Idolatry

The Bible also addresses the consequences for women who engage in idolatry and unfaithfulness, often using vivid imagery to underscore the severity of their actions. In Isaiah 3:16-17, it is written: "The Lord said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the heads [making them bald] of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will lay bare their secret parts" (ESV). This passage illustrates that God's judgment on unfaithfulness and idolatry can manifest in physical and social humiliation, such as baldness and disgrace.

Physical Consequences: The reference to striking the heads with a scab can be interpreted as a form of physical affliction. In ancient times, hair was often seen as a symbol of beauty and pride, especially for women. Baldness, therefore, would be a significant mark of shame and punishment. It signifies a stripping away of vanity and pride, exposing the individual's inner disgrace.

Social Humiliation: The phrase "lay bare their secret parts" points to social humiliation. In a society that valued modesty and discretion, such exposure would be deeply humiliating. It signifies a loss of dignity and respect in the eyes of the community. This form of judgment serves as a stark warning against the dangers of idolatry and unfaithfulness.

Spiritual Consequences: Beyond the physical and social aspects, the consequences also have a spiritual dimension. The punishment reflects a broken relationship with God, who views idolatry as a severe betrayal. Just as adultery betrays the trust between spouses, idolatry betrays the covenant relationship between God and His people. The physical and social consequences serve as a tangible manifestation of the spiritual breach.

Conclusion

While media representation of interracial relationships is crucial for fostering inclusivity and understanding, it is essential that these portrayals are positive and respectful. The relationship between Calvin and Nova in "Queen Sugar" fails to meet this standard. It glamorizes adultery, perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black women, and stands in stark contrast to Christian values of fidelity, respect, and love. Moreover, it echoes historical injustices where Black women were exploited and dehumanized. The adverse effects on Calvin's wife and children further underscore the destructive nature of such relationships. As consumers of media, it is important to critically evaluate the relationships we see on screen and advocate for representations that uplift and empower all individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.