After reading pages 382-390 in your textbook, post two comments to the prompt below:
If you were to put yourself in the position of a plantation owner during the 1850's and defend slavery, what would constitute your argument? Be sure to be thorough in your stance...
We will discuss this in class on Friday.
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Slavery is a necessity if we want to keep society operating at its best. Slavery has endured as long as man and produced great civilizations, such as ancient Greece and Rome. It is a strong force in the economy, as slaves cultivate the raw materials needed for manufacturing. If were to remove this labor source, our economy and the world’s economy would suffer. Slavery is also for the greater good of the slaves. If they were free like northern Negroes, they would have to pay for food, clothing, and shelter themselves with very little money. Why should they desire this when they are well cared for here? As a genetically inferior people, slaves need to be guided and taken care of, lest they succumb to their savage nature.
ReplyDeleteSlavery is an absolutely necessary practice. First of all, slavery is a crucial component of our economy. If we don't have slaves to work on our farms, how are we going to harvest and sell all the crops? We rely on the slaves to make our large scale farming possible. Without slaves, the entire economy of the South would collapse.
ReplyDeleteYet, economic issues are not the only reasons to keep slavery. Slaves are inferior, and if we let them free, they would run wild like the animals they are. Providing these blacks with the structure and hard work of being a slave civilizes them as much as possible. It keeps them tame and in order. Not only that, but also we slave owners put in a lot of money for these slaves. We clothe them, feed them,and shelter them, so they have no right to complain about being a slave as long as they have food on their table and a roof over their head. If we were to end slavery, the economy would be destroyed, we would have free black savages in our country, and all would be lost. Taking all this into consideration, it would be completely absurd to even contemplate putting an end to slavery.
I like how Laura brought up that there is no reason why the slaves would want freedom at all. Thinking about it, if the slaves were free, their lives wouldn't be much better than they were before. They would be unhappy people living in poverty.
ReplyDeleteslavery is needed in the south because to pay for the labor for all of thoes workers i would have to charge more for my cotton. this would either make me sell less cotton or create an inflation in the price of clothing. then people would want to find a cheaper clothing fabric and buy that instead of cotton. the destruction of the cotton market would lead to the destruction of the southern economy
ReplyDeletei think Taylor has some good reasons to be pro slavery for example the fact that they believed blacks inferior and that slavery kept them in order (however i cant say i agree with him)
ReplyDeleteAs stated above, slavery is crucial to the prosperity of the economy. Because we depend so much on the land and the amount of crops we are able produce, slavery is a way to ensure this. Also, because farming is a fickle business, we are never able to predict when times will be good, thus the basically free labor is very helpful. Also, by enslaving these people, we are doing them favors. By teaching them to be civilized and learn the ways of society, we are bettering our world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ricky about the inflated cotton prices. Without access to such cheap labor, we would have to raise the prices, causing a disasterous economic problem which could spiral into more problems.
ReplyDeleteTo preserve the people of this nation—and most importantly the people of the south—emancipation must not occur as it will create chaos amongst blacks and whites. Already, these beasts (I really don’t feel this way) demonstrate their inability to conduct themselves in society as seen in their constant stealing and immaturity. As the master, I must treat the slaves like children, as they are not capable of governing themselves.
ReplyDeleteBut even more important than the repercussions of freeing the slaves—as that shall never occur—is the financial value these blacks possess. It’s just this simple: slaves are profitable. First, they are able to tell when the field was ripe, helping during harvest time when they work 18 hours a day. Additionally, their housing that we masters gracefully provide is easy to maintain as it is a quaint one-room log cabin with a fireplace. Lastly, slaves are profitable as they breed. This helps us white men from the financial burden of buying more and more slaves.
But the idea of slavery extends beyond the white benefit. As the slave master, it is my responsibility to domesticate these uncivilized blacks. Yes, I must draw the whip, but I keep it to 15 to 20 lashes a day and only in extreme cases 100. It really must be understood that the horrors these northerners are talking about are not true. The slaves are devoted to me and they have even been able to live with dignity and joy. Their conditions—free clothing, blankets, shoes, and sufficient rest—are really not that bad. In fact, as a master, I work harder than the slaves.
But slavery is also justified because the bible supports it. As the curse that had fallen upon the son of Ham stated, servants must obey their masters. Additionally, slavery is supported historically, as inferiors have helped build Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Spanish and Portuguese colonies. Even further, slavery is legally justified as the US Constitution refused to forbid slavery in the three fifths clause, protected the overseas slave trade for 20 years, and mandated that fugitive slaves are returned across state lines. Lastly, Blacks are scientifically deficient because of cranial shape and size. They were created as an inherently inferior race and should therefore serve the superior Caucasians.
I think that both Laura's and Taylor's responses were very accurate. Laura's question, "why should they desire this..." really summed up the mentality that the masters forced themselves to believe.
ReplyDeleteAlso, many people referenced how taming the slaves benefited society. Although I know that this was something masters believed, reading this really made me think about the backwardness of masters. Sure they "domesticated" the blacks but for what good...the slaves were never released willingly into society.
Slavery is necessary for the Southern economy's survival. The crops grown in the South need a massive labor force to ensure that they are in good condition adn sold at a good price. Also with slavery we are helping these people. They used to live in a barbaric world and we took them out and allowed them to live among us. They get all their clothing and shoes and beds for free so they are not exactly in the worst posistion. We have allowed them into a world that they have never seen before and that is much better then the one they had in Africa. Slavery is also a good because it is much cheaper then the indentured servants people used to have. And they lasted much longer and we do not have to let them go after about 7 years.
ReplyDeleteIn other places slavery has helped them prosper and suceed. It is a totally necessary part of our economy. Cash crops such as cotton are very important in our economy and help to keep our country prosperous. We have discovered that our idea of indentured servants was not beneficial to the plantation owners or our country economy. Slavery is clearly the best choice as it is the cheapest way to harvest cash crops. Also, if we were to hire people to do the harvesting they would be paid very little and unable to survive on their salary. By using slaves we are guranteeing that these people will have food, clothing, and shelter which is beneficial to them.If we were to end slavery we would have many people without work and without any money to survive; as well as no body to pick the cotton which could lead to an economic depression which is not in the best interest of our country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Taylor said about slaves "running wild" if they were just set free. They are used to the world they lived in before and without us telling them what is right and wrong and how to live they would go into society and cause a problem.
ReplyDeleteSlavery is an integral part of our society and livelihoods, and outlawing it will upend everything we have learned to call traditional American values. We need to differentiate between the races and follow God's word and watch over the less fortunate in our world.
ReplyDeleteNot only are they physically less blessed but they are intellectually deficient and need our care...letting them loose like animals would only cause greater death and wreak havoc upon the streets of our towns.
To take care of my slaves well, I need their help in tending the fields so I may provide for everyone on the plantation. Without using them as workers, both of us would be left with little money or food, and they would have no idea how to fend for themselves in the world.
As I am thankful for their aid, they look to me as their father, without whom they would be alone and lost in the world. This is what you may call a symbiotic relationship, and pulling it apart would be blasphemy.
(In an attempted 19th century archaic style)
ReplyDeleteLet us first contemplate the current, and former situations of the aforesaid slaves. Yes, they are required to work for many hours on the fields, yet, would they not have to fulfill an entire day of labor to survive in their African Continent? Furthermore, such work is not unrewarded; is every slave not provided provisions, shelter, and a christian salvation? Undoubtedly, such could only be provided by a civilization as sophisticated as ours, much less the likes of tribal Africa.
Let us also inquire upon the economic repercussions of ending slavery. The cotton and agrarian economy of the south is dependent upon the services of such bonded peoples. To release them from this symbiotic labor, would severely diminish the possible yields from each field. Thus, the price of cotton would drastically increase. With this essential material becoming too expensive, abolition threatens to choke the north of the textile industries it so loves. For the mutual benefit of this nation, all of its parts, and slaves alike, slavery must continue.
I agree with Brittany that without the slaves not only would individual farms fail but the whole southern economy would be in pieces.
ReplyDeleteIn order to maintain an upstanding economy, slavery is absolutely necessary. In our nation we do not have nearly enough true citizens with such a lacking amount of pride, to perform the duties of slavery. Therefore, it is needed to acquire Africans, and put them to work. It is the only solution for truly producing the full potential of our natural resources. What Americans must understand is that slavery may be cruel, however, for the time being it is undoubtably effective in order to gain economic prosper.
ReplyDeleteVishakha mentions and incredibly valid point regarding religion. Many slave owners likely used religious interpretations to justify slavery with a sense of racial superiority. It is entirely possible that some owners convinced themselves they were performing some social justice by enslaving Africans.
ReplyDeleteI like how Ricky mentioned the the need for cheap labor and how Laura acknowledged the history of slavery.
ReplyDeleteI think Tyler brings up agood point by saying that slavery will be of no cost to our economy which in the case of a slight economic downfall could really help to keep our economy alive.
ReplyDeleteIn my life of absolute righteousness and goodness, I have failed to understand the significance of discussing a matter such as slavery. The question at hand shouldn't be what justifies slavery. Slavery itself is an entirely justifiable practice, which is exactly why the better half of these United States relies on it anyway. What we should really ask is what DOESN'T justify slavery?
ReplyDeleteTHE ANSWER IS NOTHING.
To start off, do you not see the obvious wealth and richness that surrounds every single one of my actions, down to the most mundane task of tying my shiny shoes? Can you not understand that my exploitation of these slaves creates an overall greater quality of life for excellent persons such as myself? Is not the sheer grandeur of my affluence so overwhelming that you have to shield your eyes from my piles of money for fear of having your brain melt out your ears? The truth is, that slaves make me money. I can barter for them for less than three oxen, but still get years of quality labor out of them. After that, they'll just breed like rabbits and give me some fresh workers to handle. It's a win-win situation for me.
(I really do feel this way. Loljk.)
I find that Chris M's use of the archaic 19th century dialect creates a certain image of authenticity and local color.
ReplyDeleteHis points about the economic repercussions and beliefs of racial superiority also have some substance behind them and make a compelling argument.
The justification of slavery can be found in the very roots of our nation. The constitution itself allows for slavery, and the practice has been a part of our country for almost 100 years. To abolish it would be like trying to fix something that isn't broken. Also, the slaves are inferior to our society, By feeding, clothing, and sheltering them, we are doing them a favor. It is our job to civilize them, and the only way is through the practice of slavery.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chris's point that ending slavery would not only affect the South, but the entire country as a whole. This shows that not only the Southern economy is dependent on slavery.
ReplyDeleteSlavery is a "necessary evil." Slavery plays a crucial part in southern economy. Slaves are necessary to help with harvest and the practice of agriculture. As the demand for cash crops increases the more important a large labor force is. Using slaves for free labor is a sufficient way to make profit. The economy would collapse if we had to pay them. Also we have worked much harder in order to feed and clothe our slaves. We provide the slaves with housing and make sure they are all healthy. We provide paternal guidance, restraint, and protection of a white master. If slaves were free chaos and race mixing would ensue.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, slavery is justified in the bible. It is supported in various biblical passages such as the “curse of Ham.” Slavery had always existed and great civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, as well as Spanish and Portuguese colonies in Latin America had built their grandeur on slave labor.
I like how Vishakha describes the relationship between us and the slaves as a symbiotic relationship. They provide us with labor and in return we provide them with guidance and necessities.
ReplyDeleteSimply put, slavery is profitable. Slaves are a source of easily obtainable, cheap labor, and not making use of such an available resource would only cause detriment to the economy. The institution of slavery and slave labor is the crux of the American economy. Historical hindsight has shown that slavery has always existed and thrived in both ancient civilizations and Latin American colonies, which further proves that slavery is a key component of a successful economy. Also, slaves should never be given freedom because they are not deserving of it. They are genetically inferior, as shown by scientific studies, and do not belong in superior white society as they cannot properly function. Therefore, they best belong in enslavement and servitude under whites, where they may be domesticated and learn the proper ways of the white man.
ReplyDeleteChris made a good point by mentioning how removing slavery would not only destroy the southern economy but have a negative impact on the northern economy as well. Making slavery relevant to the North strengthens the pro-slavery argument.
ReplyDeleteWithout slavery, our nation's economy would crumble. We depend on the huge labor force slavery provides in order to boost our economy. Freeing the slaves is pointless. As their masters, we provide for them food, shelter, and clothing. Without us, this inferior race would be homeless and starving on the streets because no one would want to hire a free black over a white anyway. It is of the slaves benefit to keep serving us and continue to learn from their masters the right morals and values of white culture.
ReplyDeleteI like how both Laura and Tracy brought up the points of slavery thriving in other ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, two extremely powerful empires in their time.
ReplyDeleteSlavery is an ideal on which our nation was founded. What portion of America's economy supported the American government at its earliest need? Southern agriculture. Today, we agrarians are calling upon America to allow us the right to the workforce that will keep this industry where it has always been. If slaves are taken away, the American government is abandoning the economy that was there since the beginning.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, these slaves' interests need to be thought of as well. They belong on the plantation; labor is all the know. We cannot seek only to act as the humanitarian creating equal rights, when it would not be in the best interests of everyone. Slaves do not know what to do with equal rights, they will merely crave for the life they have life for the past century. And the American government should be there to ensure that they always will have the opportunity to life that lfe.
I agree with vishakha's inclusion of spiritual justification that many slaveowners believed in. Not just as a reason to keep slavery, but they actually felt that they served as role models to the slaves, as if raising children, ironically enough.
ReplyDeleteSlavery dates back to ancient days. Not only is it Biblically justified, great ancient civilizations (such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome) were built on the physical labour of slaves.
ReplyDeleteAs a wealthy and successful plantation owner, my slaves are of great worth to me. Not only did I pay for them, I provide them shelter, food, clothing, etc. The debate as to whether or not ownership of slaves is ridiculous. Without slaves, our country would go down a path of economic turmoil. The relationship I hold with my slaves is a mutually beneficial one. In return for their hard work, I support their lifestyle and reward them. Not only so but slaves, as the inferior race, must be governed by white supremacy. We must teach the right from wrong and how to behave properly. It would be truly unfair to both parties to deprive me of my slaves.
I liked how Carly used a scientific fact from the book of how slaves are said to be “scientifically deficient.” Many focused on ancient history and the Bible but did not mention that.
ReplyDeleteI reckon than not only is slavery a necessity to this nation's economy, but it helps to civilise the negroes to bring them into our superior culture. Of course, it is obvious that slavery is the backbone of the Southern economy, but what many fail to see is how vital the southern agricultural economy is to the nation as a whole. Cotton, dyes, indigo, rice, tobacco, etc. are all harvested and supplied in this manner to fuel the materials necessarry for the economy. Without the materials of the plantations, the factories and finished goods can all be maufactered domestically thanks to our fine practises of slavery. This is what makes America a powerul country on its own; while America can harvest resources and process them all domestically, the European nations have to rely on colonies for thier raw materials. Without slavery, this would not be so and America would have to rely on colonies aswell. The blacks also are being helped in this process and should consider themselves lucky to be in such a great country. We bring them into our culture and civilise them to the normal standards of the western world.
ReplyDeleteSlavery is a necessary attribution to my life as a plantation owner. The abolitlnists do not see all the benefits being offered to the slaves and how they truly are living well under people like myself and other plantation owners. We spend hundreds of dollars on food and their vital necessities. I provide my slaves with substantial shelter, a place they can go to at the end of a hard day' work to relax and socialize. I do respect my workers however any sort of misdemeanor on their part will have to be punished. The use of a whip is not just for pleasure. It is well justified and used in a successful reward-punishment system in place on my plantation.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, slaves are crucial to the southern economy. Without their labor, my plantaton wouldn't be producing near as much cotton as I does with their assistance. The amount of slaves in southern states and the amount of work that they do, the eraication of slavery would mean devastation. Plantations like mine provide the raw materials for factories like those in the North, so a loss in labor here would result in huge economic changes.
Most obviously, slavery was necessary to keep the Southern economy (and consequently, the ENTIRE COUNTRY's economy) running. The South depended on cash crops and the "free" labor made the harvests possible.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the whites were responsible for taming the blacks in order to "save" them. They were ignorant and we had to help them learn. Someday they will thank us.
Plus, they really are better of with us then out and about, ruining society. They don't know how to function in any setting but a laboring setting because that's what they did in Africa. Putting them into the community as white citizens would only confuse them. They are better off staying here, working for their food and shelter. It's a give and take situation really.
Melinh makes a great point! Slavery helped southern individuals make money... which was good... for them anyway
ReplyDeleteMany people believe that slavery was only a big enterprise in the United States. However, Slavery has been used historically since the beginning of man. No one person has the right to take the cultural practice away from us land owners. Slavery should not be banned because slavery is needed for the manufacturing of cotton. to ban slavery would be like banning factories in the north. Cotton is the biggest cash crop in the southern economy. If southern plantation owners were no longer able to grow a cash crop like cotton anymore, the southern economy could crash and would sink into a dark depression. Slavery has became a part of southern culture. It just wouldn't be fair to take away our history and culture. This is besides the fact that the federal government doesn't have the right to interfere with state law, as stated in several supreme court decisions. So in conclusion, banning slavery would not only be wrong and unjust, but illegal and would set precedent for the federal government to be able to control any state issue.
ReplyDeleteI also liked christina's point about how slaves knew nothing about labor and would become lost if slavery was banned. this became true because after all the slaves were emancipated, they kept working for their masters for ridiculously low wages.
ReplyDelete