Exploring American Identity and the Legacy of Slavery
Black Writing: Racism, Slavery, and Religion
The Dominance of Western Civilization
Black writing on slavery, such as Phillis Wheatley’s poems and Olaudah Equiano’s narrative, highlights the dominance of Western Civilization through colonialism and slavery. These practices were justified under the guise of religion and civilization, claiming to bring enlightenment to supposedly uncivilized populations. However, the true motives were economic and political expansion, along with the spread of Christianity.
The transatlantic slave trade, known as the “trade triangle,” exemplifies the horrors of slavery. It is striking how Equiano expresses gratitude for being taken to America, believing he was saved from evil, despite the brutal reality of slavery.
Colonialism and slavery, driven by greed and a false sense of superiority, have left a lasting impact on the world. While these practices may seem like a distant past, their legacies continue to influence contemporary society.
Slave-Abolitionism: Contrasting Perspectives
The Institution of Slavery in America
Slavery, a practice that has plagued human history for centuries, was deeply embedded in the United States during the nineteenth century. Despite the nation’s founding principles of freedom and equality, slavery was legal and regulated, particularly in the southern states.
Enslaved people, especially those working in the fields, were considered inferior beings. This dehumanization was used to justify the institution of slavery. The stark contrast between the ideals of freedom and the reality of slavery is a central theme in American history.
The abolitionist movement sought to end slavery, with some northern states and California outlawing the practice. Frederick Douglass, in his autobiography, describes his escape to freedom, highlighting the hope and desperation of enslaved people seeking liberation.
Search for American Identity
The American Revolution and the Ideal of Equality
The American Revolution gave birth to a new nation and a search for a distinct American identity. Philip Freneau’s poem and J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur’s essay explore the ideals and realities of this emerging identity.
Crèvecoeur contrasts the European aristocracy with the perceived equality and liberty in America, where social mobility and opportunity were believed to be abundant. This vision of the “American Dream” presented America as a land of freedom and prosperity.
However, the reality fell short of the ideal. The genocide and displacement of Native Americans, along with the persistence of racism and inequality, contradicted the claims of a perfect society. The influence of powerful corporations and lobbies further challenged the notion of a government that truly represented the people.
An Innocent View of Slavery?
Satire as a Tool for Social Criticism
Satire has long been used to expose and critique societal injustices. Writers like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain masterfully employed satire to raise awareness and spark social change.
The opening paragraph of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” provides a powerful example of satire. Through humor and irony, Twain exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of a society that condones slavery while claiming to uphold moral values.
Satire, with its ability to entertain and provoke thought, remains an effective tool for challenging social norms and advocating for a more just and equitable world.