I do not agree with George Fitzhugh’s thoughts. George Fitzhugh believes in slavery for both whites and blacks. He believes that slavery was a way to protect the slaves, like a child needs protecting by its parents. Fitzhugh believed that slave owners were protecting the slaves from harm in society. Fitzhugh says “He the Negro is but a grown up child, and must be governed as a child, not as a lunatic or criminal.”
James Henry Hammond had similar thoughts to Fitzhugh. Hammond said “Our slaves are black, of another and inferior race. That status in which we have placed them is an elevation. They are elevated from the condition in which God created them, by being made our slaves.” Hammond not only believed in slavery being a necessity, but also molested three of his nieces. Hammond was a twisted individual, he believed that blacks were a lesser race and thought that the ways in which they were being treated was better than they deserved.
I do not agree with either of these men. I believe they are both ignorant and I cannot believe they would try to justify slavery as necessary. These men believed in slavery because it was profitable to them, and because they were blinded at the time. I believe slavery is one (and continues to be one) of the worst things about this country. Everyone deserves the right to be free, then and now.
Bibliography
1. "Mudsill Theory." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h3439.html>.
2. "George Fitzhugh advocates slavery" WebCT. Dec. 2011.http://webct.dvc.edu/SCRIPT/HIST120_5179_FA11/scripts/student/serve_page.pl?1219012956+readings120_onlinea.htm+OFF+readings120_onlinea.html.
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