In Chapter 1 of American Odysseys, Timothy Shannon and David Gellman describe the civilizations and dispel some of the myths about America and Africa before the Europeans made contact with either of those places. I found several ideas in this chapter interesting, the modern social problems that have very ancient roots.
The first is race relations and the origins of slavery. Chapter One opens with the story of an educated, runaway slave named Ayuba, who eventually earns his freedom through the kindness and generosity of Europeans who when hearing of his plight, raised money to buy his freedom and send him home to Africa. His picture was printed in London newspapers, donors sent gifts, and he visited the royal family.
Similar stories to that of Ayuba still appear on the news and social media about a person, group of people, or abused puppies that need financial support to have better lives. They …show more content…
Even though slavery ended 150 years ago in America, it is still an issue that Americans are dealing with. White people are still blamed for the ‘atrocities’ that were done to black people and the inequality that some claim still remains because of it even though only a small portion owned slaves. Americans are still making up the debt caused by slavery with things like affirmative action, and even monetary reparation.
Ayuba had been captured and taken to America against his will, but slavery was not a European concept. Africans were enslaving each other long before white merchants arrived and began shipping Africans to the New World. In Africa, slavery was an important part of the economy. The slaves produced goods and worked the land. The landowners there knew that “land without workers was worthless.” (5). When there were not enough family members for necessary work, slaves were used. They could have been captured in war, or punishment for
The first is race relations and the origins of slavery. Chapter One opens with the story of an educated, runaway slave named Ayuba, who eventually earns his freedom through the kindness and generosity of Europeans who when hearing of his plight, raised money to buy his freedom and send him home to Africa. His picture was printed in London newspapers, donors sent gifts, and he visited the royal family.
Similar stories to that of Ayuba still appear on the news and social media about a person, group of people, or abused puppies that need financial support to have better lives. They …show more content…
Even though slavery ended 150 years ago in America, it is still an issue that Americans are dealing with. White people are still blamed for the ‘atrocities’ that were done to black people and the inequality that some claim still remains because of it even though only a small portion owned slaves. Americans are still making up the debt caused by slavery with things like affirmative action, and even monetary reparation.
Ayuba had been captured and taken to America against his will, but slavery was not a European concept. Africans were enslaving each other long before white merchants arrived and began shipping Africans to the New World. In Africa, slavery was an important part of the economy. The slaves produced goods and worked the land. The landowners there knew that “land without workers was worthless.” (5). When there were not enough family members for necessary work, slaves were used. They could have been captured in war, or punishment for