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Slavery of Africans in America 2007
Will what happened in the past be repetitious in the future? What does the future hold for descendants of slavery in America?
During the history of America, was the abolition of slavery ever the issue or was it always something else?
History, it is said, repeats itself. I am not sure if it does in the same exact manner but who would want to wake up on the wrong side of slavery? If nothing is done then, many of us will be in for a rude awakening. Talking about global warming.
Like the baby antelope that took up with an adult lion, it is great to see predator walking hand in hand with prey but you must know, it can not last long. Without some form of great reconciling on behalf of both sides, it is just a matter of time.
Slavery and the Civil War
When the Civil War began, neither civil rights nor voting rights for slaves were stated as goals by the North.
At first, there was pressure to do so but, strategic military concerns were valued a greater ultimate goal whereas a political and Constitutional one, was not
Ninety-five percent of slaves lived in the South.
The Supreme Court decision of 1857 in Dred Scott v. Sandford added to the controversy. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney's decision said that slaves were "so far inferior that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect", and that slaves could be taken to free states and territories. Lincoln warned that "the next Dred Scott decision" could threaten northern states with slavery.
South Carolina planter and state Senator John Townsend said that "our enemies are about to take possession of the Government, that they intend to rule us according to the caprices of their fanatical theories, and according to the declared purposes of abolishing slavery."
"Northerners came to view slavery as the very antithesis of the good society, as well as a threat to their own fundamental values and interests".
The African race "were rightfully held and regarded as an inferior and dependent race.
Sherman 's March to the sea.
Sherman therefore applied the principles of scorched earth, ordering his troops to burn crops, kill livestock, consume supplies, and destroy civilian infrastructure along their path. This policy is often also referred to as total war.
Sherman 's armies would reduce their need for traditional supply lines by "living off the land" after their 20 days of rations were consumed. Foragers, known as "bummers", would provide food seized from local farms for the Army while they destroyed the railroads and manufacturing and agricultural infrastructure of the state.
Last but not least: VII . Negroes who are able-bodied and could be of service to the several columns were taken along, but each army commander would bear in mind that the question of supplies was a very important one and that his first duty was to see to those who bore arms. ...
Thousands of slaves attempted to follow Sherman ’s army to freedom. “The day of Jubilee has come!” they exclaimed. The army discouraged, knowing they could neither feed them nor guarantee their safety. Sherman wrote, They “clustered about my horse, shouted and prayed”. Slaves were told Federal soldiers were demons and would burn them alive and drown the women and children, but they soon learned the truth. Further, not all Federal soldiers were happy about being a liberating force.
Sherman ’s army attracted more than 19,000 slaves. This army of “freedmen” worried Sherman, who feared they would eat up or become an obstacle if battle erupted. Some “able-bodied” slaves were hired on but those with families responsibilities were encouraged to stay home.
Commentary
America has excused herself by dealing with the symptoms of this dreadful disease, slavery but for whatever reasons choose not to deal with its causes.
Americans are the first to denounce and discourage mistreatment of fellow human beings. However, we refuse to recognize and openly deal with our own wick behaviors and prejudices, leaving the good to suffer with the evil.
That's why it still hurts, we don't want to talk about it, we are tired of hearing it, overlook them. Africans enslaved in America are free now. The proof is we have allowed few of them to achieved some level of success that others may believe the same, if they choose.
What more do they want, Just put the shoe on the other foot?
In this day and time, my questions to you are:
Prisoners of war, how do we treat them? Just imagine, no rules to govern their treatment.
Have the attitude of Americans changed towards slavery and its descendants, that is, blacks and whites?
When will you?
It's not hard to understand, we just don't want to understand. We are so ashamed and affraid to tell the truth. It is easier to shut up about it or ignore it and blame ourselves. It is our little secret. Domestic violence and abuse is a better excuse. For that, we will always be your slave and follow you to hell.
We praise and thank you for our progress to date because we know there is so little we can do for ourselves. Skin color, No money, No power, No choice. Well, of all the choices we have, most conflict with your efforts, imply equality and working together.
By now, how many can say, "I do not see skin color"? It is caught up some where between the eyes and the soul and burned into the mind.
Then, one day we will wake up and ask, How did this happen again? Just depends which foot the shoe is on.
I hope this helps you wake up and continue "good work" because slavery of Africans in America is everything but over. Not being able to see past skin color keeps it that way.
