African Americans about Slavery and Emancipation - Essay Example

Slavery in the Antebellum South fell into different categories, but two major categories. These categories were field hands or house workers. Field hands had to work in the fields from sunup to sundown. If they tried to escape, the slaves were whipped, maimed, or even killed. Field workers could physically break tools or work slow to resist the system. Psychologically field workers could dream of another life, bond with fellow slaves, and have personal dignity that went beyond being a slave.

            House workers did not have to do the strong manual labor but were required to work just as hard. Black children would be put in charge of white children. Black mothers would have their babies taken away to nurse white children. The families would have slaves do all the cooking, cleaning, and other household chores. House slaves could be punished with physical punishments as well. House slaves would physically resist by breaking things, spitting in food, and being slow. They could also escape and write passes from the masters to visit or escape. Psychologically they would learn to read, create new traditions, and remain dignified. Life was hard for both types of slaves.