"Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise, that I dance like I've got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs"
In the wake of post-segregation and immense misogyny, Maya Angelou ventured for the metaphorical sense of her body to be comprehended as euphoric. The advocated theme coincide between being satisfyingly okay with one’s body, as well as promoting self-confidence amongst hatred. This is as her body represents a piece of flesh that should be sought after as diamonds are. Using metaphorical terms was her way of comparing her body parts to something viewed as immolating the idea of richness, wealth, and success. This was her approach to contradict the deep-rooted image placed upon her as being invaluable and unsexy. The dance that she insinuates, ultimately immolate the idea of being freed of the stereotypes and hatred that she had to grow up within. The indication of one being surprised of her confidence is based upon the image held against African American women as being unhappy and constricted in their history of torture and inhumane treatment. Ultimately this quote constitutes the awareness of overcoming and redefining oneself for the better greater.
