The Simultaneous Invention of Racism and Slavery - Book Report/Review Example

of the of the Concerned June 25, 2009 American History A1: An in-depth analysis of the abominable institution of slavery establishes beyond doubt that racism happened to be a natural and pragmatic precursor to a formal recognition of the institution of slavery. Though the Western proponents of slavery conclusively attributed their origins to a superior civilization, it became imperative for them to come out with a plausible and valid justification of slavery. Slavery being a sub-human institution, it was a must for the slave dealers to dehumanize their helpless ware so as to establish slavery and slave trading as a just and valid institution and commercial endeavor.

The Western businesspersons venturing for the first time in Africa found the Africans to be very different from them in the sense that they looked different, they adhered to seemingly pagan and non-Christian religions and they did not qualify the so-called Western notions of sophistication (Jordan, 1). Hence, the initial prejudices and biases against the Africans, which eventually crystallized into slavery had their origins in the natural human tendency to doubt and undermine anything that is different.

Going by these early misgivings against the Blacks, the eventual formalization of racism became relatively easier. Slave trading was a commerce that was carried out in a ruthless and inhuman way. Therefore, it was imperative for the slave dealers to dehumanize the slaves to counter any possible legal or intellectual objections and opposition to their trade. Hence, in a very systematic and concerted way, the concept of racism was stoked and bolstered over the years to institutionalize and validate slave trading.

A 2: In a way, Revolution happened to be a direct outcome of the Enlightenment and Great Awakening. The stark change in the mindset of the early Americans brought about by Enlightenment and Great Awakening gave way to the requisite faith in the native abilities, confidence in the cultural and political credentials of the nascent American civilization and the strengthening of the faith and trust in the so typical American sense of gumption that eventually made possible the severing of America from its European lords.

A vital and path breaking attribute of Enlightenment was a marked shift in the life style and standard of living of the masses. These material changes in the mode of living of the early inhabitants declared the upcoming sophistication and consolidation of a distinct American identity that no more looked towards Europe for a sense of stability and firmness. The validation and popularization of reason, logic and rationalism and the resultant demise of the long-standing scientific and social dogmas also dissolved and diluted the premises that justified and validated the English hold over America.

The Americans became conscious of their inherent rights and prerogatives that were not subservient to the whims of any far placed Royalty. The rise of evangelicism and the resultant fall of the notions of the Divine Rights of the King, made way for a new, democratic and vibrant nation. ReferencesJordan, Winthrop (1968). The Simultaneous Invention of Racism and Slavery. White over Black.

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