Rutherford Calhoun: Stowed Away On A Slave

The book is about an African American man named Rutherford Calhoun who was stowed away on a slave ship. The following passage in the book is stated by Captain Falcon “Conflict,”... “Is what it means to be conscious. Dualism is the bloody structure of the mind. Subject and object perceiver and perceived, self and other- these ancient twins are built into the mind like stem-piece of merchantman” (Johnson, pg. 97-98). The book is about an African American man named Rutherford Calhoun who was stowed away on a slave ship. The ship was headed to Africa to brought people of the Allmuseri Tribe. The quote above means there is always conflict in mind and this relates to internalized oppression because self-hate is a conflict within you. Calhoun's journey …show more content…
Calhoun is a good man because he gave Ngonyama a key to help the slaves during the crew's mutiny in which they could be set free.Lastly, this essay will discuss how Calhoun realizes his capacity to love Baleka. Baleka is a young girl and Calhoun develops a fatherly endearment towards her. His desire to adopt Baleka as a daughter helps him overcome internalized oppression. This journey of feeling love for a child began when Calhoun met Baleka when she was 8 years old. Calhoun and Baleka developed a bond when they used to share food with one another which brought them closer. First Calhoun was on this shipped because he was afraid of commitment and settling down that all of this changed after meeting Baleka. Calhoun developed a connection for Baleka and also realized the true meaning of love. In the book it is stated by Calhoun “I’m saying is that order to raise her I shall need your help”(195). This dialogue is between Calhoun and his future wife Isadora where he is asking for her help to adopt and raise Baleka. This shows the Calhoun wanted to provide Baleka with a good life and began to realize a bigger purpose other than his