A Response to Slavery in the Antebellum South

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The chapter “Slavery in the Antebellum South” depicts life inside the antebellum slave market through the eyes of "soul drivers" and those they enslaved. Depending on who was asked, slaveholders were either "men of humanity" or "slave drivers". Slaves were considered nothing more than “commodities”, mere pieces of property. At the end of the day, the mutually beneficial relationship existing between the slave and his owner was one that would forever change our country.
The introduction makes mention of the masters freeing their slaves outright and in some cases, provided for manumission in their wills. I understand how that very notion could soften the opinions of abolitionists and convey the hope of freedom to slaves, should they survive their masters. It is no wonder they considered their masters “humane” even when they were given only the bare necessities, flogged, and malnourished.
Slave Trade was as big a business as Cotton itself. With demands growing for cotton, the
Necessity for supplementary slaves was evident, especially since whites refused to work in those conditions. The only way for a planter to realize profits was to yield a large harvest, but that meant the acquisition of good, strong labor. In the essay, “Human Property Bought and Sold”, Walter Johnson explains the upbringing of a dollar-fetching slave and how demands shifted with the westward expansion of slavery. Judged by the size of his feet, his height, and his shape, “growing into money” was the slaveholder’s way of measuring the potential value of his slave. While it is impossible to understand the extent of brutality the young slaves endured, it is equally as difficult to understand the experience of being sold and separated from family.
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...“Steal Away to Jesus”, and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel”, all seem to have a common theme. They all seem to relate to Biblical stories. Moreover, they are layered with multiple meanings and coded to send messages to others. These songs were lyrical expression of their hopes of Divine intervention. Now that I understand more about the meanings of these songs and others from my childhood, I feel an emotional connection and appreciate them.
Today, most people think slavery is long gone but few know the reality. More than 100 years since slavery was ruled illegal and acceptable, modern-day slavery continues to exist in one form or another all over the world. For example, in countries like Sudan, the chattel principle remains in effect.
From slavery to Civil Rights, the journey we have travelled to date is a great step toward equality but we have a long way to go.

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