American Antebellum Slavery

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The dictionary definition of an apologist is, “one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something.” It also defines elide as to, “to leave out of consideration.” Two key terms to understand when talking about American antebellum slavery. One might put their soul at ease by the enduring thought that southern slaves were treated amicably; however, this is not the truth. Slave holders and their apologist alike wanted their fellow citizens to feel as though their slaves were conditioned to superior treatment and conditions. Eliding that free black life and slavery were synonymous...This could not be portrayed more inaccurately. Ira Berlin introduces Solomon Northup's memoir, 12 Years A Slave, depicting slaves as, “cogs in a great machine, …show more content…
Northup was a resident of New York and lived as a free black man; moreover, he was then lured to Washington with promises of making substantial money, quickly. Leaping at the opportunity to make a living for his family, he perused the Washington route; much to his dismay, he was drugged and sold into slavery. Slave hustlers literally beat the freedom from his body until he decided to surrender to his new life as a slave, Platt was deemed his slave name. Platt got to experience the luxury of slavery dining as well as the superiority of their housing, recalling, “ The majority of slaves have no knife, much less a fork...The cornmeal is mixed with a little …show more content…
Bass gave me hope in the humanity of the time, hope that everybody was not warped in the head. His words were so hopeful. He was full of wisdom and it was beautiful. Solomon describes a dialogue between Epps and Bass, “ I tell you what it is, Epps,” said Bass, “it's all wrong, sir – there's no justice nor righteousness in it. I wouldn't own a slave if I was a rich as Croesus...But this question of Slavery; what right have you to your niggers when you come down to the point.” Later on, the conversation with Epps and Bass continues, Solomon states, “Look here, Epps,” continued his companion; you can't laugh me down in that way. Some men are witty, and some ain't so witty as they think they are. Now let me ask you a question. Are all men created free and equal as the Declaration of Independence holds they are?” Bass's wisdom kept unfolding, there was comfort in his words as he confronts the evil laced in slavery, Solomon declares, “There will be a reckoning yet – yes, Epps, there's a day coming that will burn as an oven. It may be sooner or it may be later, but it's coming as sure as the Lord is just.” As the two men continued to quarrel and defend each of their stances on slavery, the words of Bass washed me in gratitude that there is some negating to such darkness. Solomon's words reign, “It would be hard for you to lose your property, to be sure, but it wouldn't be half as hard
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