The main feel and direction of this article is set from the start. The authors make it clear on their stance of the ‘heroes’ in which history is written by. This is predominately based of racist attitudes in which was widespread throughout the world. The authors make the important connection and link between the slave trade and the mis conception (based off historical and generational racism) that black people were inferior and of a barbaric nature. Walter and Augustus clearly make this link between these views and the start of the slave trade. It was the idea that with the start of slavery this removed black people from their barbaric tendencies, thus controlling and strictly regulating every inch of their lives. The misconception of slaves within this article is apparent and something in which I feel must be addressed. The backgrounds and social status of black people being that of inferior prior to their enslavements, in a sense making it justifiable. The education of these individuals, as they were not intelligent, and unworthy of human respect or treatment. This all adds to the picture of the hero white man, which was depicted of the time, against the inferior, barbaric black man. This article, within the period of when it was written in 1964 in a sense speaks for itself. The ‘old school’ terminology in which is used within its writing speaks for the time, as would not be appreciated, or accepted today. Something in which stands out for me greatly within this article is idea of the ‘negro’ putting on an act. It is almost applauded for their compliance and innocence, despite its pretend efforts. This is important as you can look at in from a modern perspective today and ask the question of why. Why because of the colour of your skin should you have to dumb down intelligence and personality to obey the white man. It degrading and inhumane in the way these people were treated and the attitudes which came hand in hand with this.
RODNEY, WALTER, and EARL AUGUSTUS. “The Negro Slave.” Caribbean Quarterly 10, no. 2 (1964)
Hi Alex you are right to mention the outdated language used in this piece. You also rightly critique it for the way it seems to generalise enslaved people’s behaviour. You miss that at the start of the article the writers are attacking the myths of white slave owners. The primary evidence they use is from pro slave supporters so it fits well with what we covered in session 3. You shoud=ld mention there is limited historiography in this piece and black former slaves who wrote about their lives are not mentioned. Your summary is a little but under-length.