How Has Slavery Influenced American History

Slavery is an act that has greatly influenced American history, specifically sexual history. Compared to modern society, slavery gave white men with a high social status the availability to choose which individuals they would like to have intercourse with and when. Today, regardless of social class or race, all individuals are free to choose who their sexual partner is, and can deny intercourse if unwanted. The movie 12 Years a Slave portrays the influences slavery, social power, and gender had on sexual behavior throughout the south during the mid 1800’s. These concepts are similar to those brought up unit II’s readings.
One important concept that is constantly brought up throughout the readings and is found as a main theme within the movie,