George Fitzhugh the American social theorist arguments that slavery was to the benefit of slaves and helped ensure their economic well-being is one that is far-fetched and retrogressive in every way possible. Fitzhugh argues that "the negro is but a grown up child" who according to the argument needs the social and economic protections of the institution of slavery. According to this argument, the idea of communism is projected, is a form of governance oppressive. The society views slaves in accordance to a Marxist theory of “providing according to every wants instead of every man’s input”. This thinking is flawed and to the slaves it is unacceptable. It classifies their needs as inferior to those of their masters while they are forced to work in conditions that are unconducive without regard for their safety or their well-being.
Slaves were forced to work in the plantations, and their wages were meagre. This is opposed to the notion presented by George Fitzhugh that the slaves enjoyed economic stability from the institution of slavery. Those who argued for slavery justified it as a form of trade but in a counter-argument their other alternative to the trade of slaves. Another argument against slavery was one that was drawn from the nation's founding principles that every man was created equal. Slavery had created a nation where freedom could only be gained after fleeing and joining rebel groups.
The argument that slavery was essential for economic benefits was one founded on wrong ideas. The only incentive a slave had to work on the farms of his master was only to please his master. Given a choice the slave would rather not work in his master's farms. For example, a slave would not skimp on the cotton they placed in their baskets because this would make them face fierce flogging by their masters. Some masters whipped and abused the slaves. This was dehumanizing and is totally unacceptable despite the arguments that favor such practices.
There were no laws to protect the slaves and as such slavery was not in any way acceptable to the slaves or their families. The institution of slavery put powers beyond measure on the hands of slave masters which eventual effects were that the slaves were referred to as property and as such the master could do what he deemed fit with his property.
References
Fitzhugh, George., & George Fitzhugh, Fitzhugh. (2008). Cannibals All!. Applewood Books.
Wish, H. (1938). George Fitzhugh: Conservative of the old South. Charlottesville, Va: Green Bookman.
