Creating and Maintaining a System of Select Destruction
by Jerry Key
In 1780 a“… judge ruled slavery unconstitutional in Massachusetts
[1].” In 1777 “Vermont drafted a constitution… (that) prohibited slavery.” In 1776 the colonies had just gained their independence and the “revolutionary fervor forced American’s to confront (their)… contradiction… slavery.” From 1776 to 1806 “both (publicly and privately) people began to criticize slavery… No doubt the double standard… embarrassed many whites.”
However, the “economic incentives to maintain a servile labor force (an underclass)… overwhelmed the initial abolitionist impulse.” The main influence to seal the fate of Black’s in America was; the failure of a confederation government, the anticipation of owning the west, the creation of the cotton gin and the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 which we will examine.
“Fifty-five (white) men representing twelve states” convened in Philadelphia, Rhode Island refused to take part in 1787. Jefferson described the convention as an ‘assembly of demi-(g)ods.’ ” Washington, Hamilton and Madison were among those present and when they left, the United States Govt. (as we know it) had been formed. The rule “3/5 of a man” was created.
The populated cities of the north and the wealth from free labor in the south was a real dilemma. The south insisted that slavery continue without restraint and the 3/5 rule would allow slave owners to have more voting power. The north knowingly compromised the interest of the masses for southern cooperation The 3/5 of man rule had no inherent recognition of the personhood of Blacks; it was the bare minimum agreement between those fifty-five Whiteman - concerning southern influence. Madison said, as,” ‘great as the evil is (slavery)… dismemberment of the union would be worse.’”
Benjamin Banneker was a black astronomer and mathematician who wrote Jefferson challenging him to live up to the Declaration. Banneker wrote,” ’ How pitiable it is to reflect that you [as a slave owner] should… be… guilty of… (A) criminal act, which you professedly detested in’ the British Crown.”
[2] Banneker provided a copy of his almanac and Jefferson commented, “‘that nature has given to… Black (‘s)…, talents equal to those of the other (people).’ “
Why was American slavery so brutal and inhuman? And, why is the institution of racism more profitable today, 150 years after physical enslavement? I contend that greed and self interest led to the brutality and the longevity of racism. Racism has used skin color; gender, age, culture, social status and sexual orientation to mask its operations of greed and self fulfillment.
A system to separate people by color and/or class was built around the 3/5 rule. Scientist built theories around this rule. Historians created history to support this rule and educators created methods of teaching to reflect this rule. But, the rule was not created as a testimony to the limits of Black’s abilities –this rule was made to create financial benefits for a select few, at the expense of humanity.
[1] America Past and Present, Fourth Ed., Professional Ed.
[2] Black in America by Ethel Dennis
Creating and Maintaining a System of Select Destruction
by Jerry Key
In 1780 a“… judge ruled slavery unconstitutional in Massachusetts
[1].” In 1777 “Vermont drafted a constitution… (that) prohibited slavery.” In 1776 the colonies had just gained their independence and the “revolutionary fervor forced American’s to confront (their)… contradiction… slavery.” From 1776 to 1806 “both (publicly and privately) people began to criticize slavery… No doubt the double standard… embarrassed many whites.”
However, the “economic incentives to maintain a servile labor force (an underclass)… overwhelmed the initial abolitionist impulse.” The main influence to seal the fate of Black’s in America was; the failure of a confederation government, the anticipation of owning the west, the creation of the cotton gin and the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 which we will examine.
“Fifty-five (white) men representing twelve states” convened in Philadelphia, Rhode Island refused to take part in 1787. Jefferson described the convention as an ‘assembly of demi-(g)ods.’ ” Washington, Hamilton and Madison were among those present and when they left, the United States Govt. (as we know it) had been formed. The rule “3/5 of a man” was created.
The populated cities of the north and the wealth from free labor in the south was a real dilemma. The south insisted that slavery continue without restraint and the 3/5 rule would allow slave owners to have more voting power. The north knowingly compromised the interest of the masses for southern cooperation The 3/5 of man rule had no inherent recognition of the personhood of Blacks; it was the bare minimum agreement between those fifty-five Whiteman - concerning southern influence. Madison said, as,” ‘great as the evil is (slavery)… dismemberment of the union would be worse.’”
Benjamin Banneker was a black astronomer and mathematician who wrote Jefferson challenging him to live up to the Declaration. Banneker wrote,” ’ How pitiable it is to reflect that you [as a slave owner] should… be… guilty of… (A) criminal act, which you professedly detested in’ the British Crown.”
[2] Banneker provided a copy of his almanac and Jefferson commented, “‘that nature has given to… Black (‘s)…, talents equal to those of the other (people).’ “
Why was American slavery so brutal and inhuman? And, why is the institution of racism more profitable today, 150 years after physical enslavement? I contend that greed and self interest led to the brutality and the longevity of racism. Racism has used skin color; gender, age, culture, social status and sexual orientation to mask its operations of greed and self fulfillment.
A system to separate people by color and/or class was built around the 3/5 rule. Scientist built theories around this rule. Historians created history to support this rule and educators created methods of teaching to reflect this rule. But, the rule was not created as a testimony to the limits of Black’s abilities –this rule was made to create financial benefits for a select few, at the expense of humanity.
[1] America Past and Present, Fourth Ed., Professional Ed.
[2] Black in America by Ethel Dennis