Harriet Jacobs Own Herself Essay
Self desires are the major reason why people should not have control over others because it motivates power over others being abused. The short story, “Harriet Jacobs Owns Herself”, provides many instances where control is mishandled influenced by self desires. Dr. Norcom, Harriet’s unofficial owner, raped Harriet when she was fifteen. Afterwards, he threatened to kill her if she told anybody (Carnes, 1996). Motivated by achieving his personal self desires, he chose to misuse his power that sequentially impacted Harriet’s life horrendously. Although some incorrectly believe that all people will use their control for good and not for evil, many misuse power over others when acquired like Dr. Norcom. Another example of mishandled power that