Kolchin use the term ‘Paternalism’ to refer to the absolute control of all spheres of an individual’s life in a manner that he/she cannot harm himself/herself in an effort to get freedom. Paternalism therefore according to Kolchin, denies an individual the freedom and authority to make a choice. (Kolchin, 23)
The slave masters therefore exercised paternalism by denying their subjects the power to make a choice over issues that affected them. The slave masters believed that their subjects were not intellectually endowed to know anything and they should always be controlled.
He gives an example of children, because of ignorance, lack experience or incapability to make sound judgment; they need protection from themselves and also from other people. The slave masters had various ways to enforce paternalism, the commonest being the use of coercion. He supposes that the slaves were short sighted, ignorant, lacked experience and so on. Paternalism according to the naivety on the side of slave-owners promoted well being while at the same time preventing harm but with a major goal of pursuing interest.
Explain ways in which slave labor as organized?
Slave labor according to Peter Kolchins was organized in various ways. This domestic servants, slave artisans, occupational slaves and slaves in manufacturing and urban jobs. Domestic servants were the cheapest and most ill treated. They did the domestic chores and also worked in the plantations. They were the most brutally treated and most exposed to harsh environmental conditions. (Jacobson 17)
The slave artisans dealt with iron smelting, wood carving and also created home appliances. This group also made farm tools and equipments which were used by domestic servants in the plantations.
Professional slaves handled complicated tasks. They worked in hospitals as nurses and they also took care of their masters. In this category also are included road constructors and maybe vet doctors. It is important to note that slaves in this category still worked for free and they were under the total control of their masters as they were subjects and slave owners exercised total authority over them. (David 11)
Then finally was the group of slaves that worked in urban centers and manufacturing industries. This group worked in industries that processed plantation raw materials. After harvesting cotton, tobacco, sugarcane or any other plantation crop for that matter, it was transported in urban centers for processing. This is where this group of slaves got employment.
In what ways do you think that antebellum slavery is similar or dissimilar to modern day prisons?
Antebellum slavery is very much similar to modern day prisons because of the following reasons;
Firstly, modern day prisons exercise total control over the life of prisoners denying them the freedom to make a choice. Every activity they engage is prescribed and permitted by the prison and wardens enforce them through coercion .
Secondly, just like antebellum slavery, prisoners also work for free for the state because they are not paid for whatever services or goods they produce within their prison cells.
2. David Walker’s Appeal to The Colored Citizens of The World.
a) What about this document could be construed as "dangerous" by slaveholders? How so?
This document could be construed as ‘dangerous’ by slaveholders. It is very radical and does not just call for the freedom of slaves but also for justice and reconciliation.
b) The slave masters must have rejected the document because it educated slaves on their rights as human beings and propelled antislavery campaign for example right to freedom and liberty.
Works cited
David Walker Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World, retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h2931t.html web date 2010
Helen Jacobson,. Up from Serfdom: My Childhood and Youth in Russia, 1804-1824.. Yale University Press. 2002
Kolchin P. "Antebellum Slavery: Organization, Control, Paternalism," in American Slavery, 1619-1877 New York: Hill and Wang, 1994
