Frederick Douglas the Debate About

Frederick Douglas The debate about paternalism and slavery in the U.S. stems back to the early 1800s. Some individuals have strongly believed that slavery was in the "best interests" of the slaves and that slaves saw their masters in a comparable manner as children view guardians. in, Roll, Jordan, Roll, for example, Eugene D. Genovese promises a thorough examination of the slavery from different points-of-view.

However, the book leans toward this paternalistic point-of-view by noting a number of sociologists and historians who state that the situation for most slaves surpassed that of the European working class, as well as many in America at the time. This was one of the reasons slaves did not unite in a rebellion, Genovese says.

In contrast, others have viewed paternalism like the relationship between an abusive father and child, or even lower animal form, where the slaves depended totally on the slaveholders for their existence and had no control over their fate. They did not rebel because of sheer force and control. What did Frederick Douglas believe was the truth about paternalism? It is interesting to read Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave with this question in mind.

When writing his autobiography, Douglass uses a journalistic, nearly scientific, style of reporting rather than an emotional, personally involved literary approach -- although he would like to (as he notes in one place, "I wish I could commit to paper the feelings with which I beheld it."). In addition, he often relies on rhetoric and hidden layers of meaning. This more remote approach may have served him best considering he wrote this piece in 1845 when many people believed blacks should not be literate.

In addition, he had yet to gain his freedom. Given his varied and often-skeptical audience, this straightforward approach most likely was more acceptable and credible. Therefore, Douglass never blatantly says how he feels about paternalism. Instead, he gives different examples. The first chapter of the Narrative gives three instances of how slaves are considered lesser beings and at the mercy of their masters -- or the second, more negative definition of paternalism. First, slaves do not know how old they are, let alone their date of birth.

The owners do not even make up a birthday to commemorate any slave's existence. All such "inquiries on the part of a slave" are considered "improper and impertinent, and evidence of a restless spirit." Second, black children are taken early from their mothers. This is perhaps, says Douglass, "to hinder the development of the child's affection toward its mother, and to blunt and destroy the natural affection of the mother for the child." It thus makes the children more dependent on their new father (master).

Third, the description of Aunt Hester's beating paints slaves as nonhuman animals who slave owners can are allowed to treat in any way they see fit. In Chapter II, the description of the clothing and food provided to the slaves could possibly fall into the area of "best interests "or the first definition of paternalism. However, Douglass' next comments regarding lack of shoes and beds as well as the grueling daily schedule negate this positive viewpoint.

In the second chapter, Douglass mentions the chosen few who have the opportunity to live in Baltimore. These slaves, apparently, are being groomed differently than others. They are the "privileged ones" who are looked at most favorably by both whites and blacks. In addition are those "selected to do errands at the Great House Farm." Such positions exemplify how some slaves may have better lives than the poor white, or the first definition of paternalism.

Yet, at the same time, one cannot ignore Douglass' seemingly sarcastic comment, "The competitors for this office sought as diligently to please their overseers, as the office-seekers in the political parties seek to please and deceive the people." Nor is it easy to forget the songs the slaves sing on the way to the Great House that demonstrate the dehumanizing character of slavery.

Douglass states how such songs are erroneously seen by biased individuals as evidence of the slaves "contentment and happiness" and, presumably, another example of how slaves are well cared for emotionally and physically. In Chapter III, Douglass explains how some of the positive paternal thoughts have come about: Fear of retaliation. Slaves know that acting in any negative manner can possibly bring beatings or even death.

Therefore, it is not surprising that "slaves, when inquired of as to their condition and the character of their masters, almost universally say they are contented, and that their masters are kind." Further, many swayed by this prejudice, actually begin to believe that their masters are better than others. Sadly, added Douglass, this often leads to slave against slave, where each thinks he is the better because he has the "better" and kinder master. Douglass condemns those blacks who foolishly believe they are better because of their master's status.

While there is mostly natural connection among slaves, he notes, the system leads to disagreement among slaves. Masters promote one slave to betray another: For example, a traitor even tricks Douglass and prevents his first escape attempt. Nor, are slaves going to act out in any way that will call attention to themselves. This lends much credence to the above stated belief that no rebellion occurrs due to fear of retaliation and force. Mr.

Gore argued: "...if one slave refused to be corrected, and escaped with his life, the other slaves would soon copy the example." When Douglass went to Baltimore (Chapter VI), his mistress begins to teach him reading and writing. However, her husband will not agree to this. He says, it is in the best interests for a slave not to be educated.

After all, a slave will only be frustrated because it is useless information! Even Douglass admits that he "envied my fellow slaves for their stupidity," for they do not believe themselves capable of freedom nor know nothing of being treated kindly. Mr. Auld is indicative of many of the other masters in Baltimore, who treat their slaves much differently than those in the country.

In this city, most slaves are better clothed and fed, since "Every city slave-holder is anxious to have it known of him, that he feeds his slaves well; and it is due to them to say, that most of them do give their slaves enough to eat." This provides an example of the first type of.