Why Is Slavery Important In America

“Slavery has existed from as early time as historical records furnish any information of the social and political condition of mankind” (Ruffin) The institution of slavery in America, was motivated by the race and cultural differences as well as the economic benefits of free labor. Ever since the beginning of slavery, back in the 1820’s, slaves endured 245 years of physical, and mental trauma and torment at the hands of slave owners, and even after that blacks were still treated poorly due to segregation. But why were slaves needed? Slaves were essential for the production of hard to harvest cash crops, like cotton or tobacco. These products kept the American economy afloat and alive. Slavery had both a positive and negative impact on not only the economics of America, but on the country as a whole. This started a long, hard life for many slaves, and a mentally taxing job for slave owners.
American slaveholders had the cotton gin, and were well off, so why was slavery needed? Well because its free labor, it began in a cycle, slaves gave way to cotton gin, which led to more slaves. And it increases the productivity of big cash crops, which means more income. The perfect plan. Before the gin, slaves
were used tirelessly to harvest cotton. Cotton was a nasty crop anyway; its fiber could only be separated from the sticky, embedded seeds by hand, a grueling and overwhelming process.
This changed almost instantly, of course, with the creation of the cotton gin. Suddenly cotton became a HUGE cash crop and a major export for the South. Because of this increased demand, many more slaves were needed to grow cotton and harvest the fields. Slave ownership became a widespread national issue, which in turn eventually led to the Civil War. Now, the question arises, why were more slaves needed even AFTER the cotton gin was invented?
So more slaves were brought in to practically double production rates! Cash crops like cotton and tobacco were raking in cash, encouraging slave owners to get even more slaves. But as we know, the more slaves, the more cruelty and abuse slaves faced, leading white men to grow power crazed and sadistic, but not in all cases. It varied, but was the general census. More rapes, more abuse, on not just black slaves, but as well as white women. Rape happened far much more now that white slave owners felt they had unlimited control. Most often, slaveholders raped unwedded slaves, but more than once that wasn't the case. This led to impregnation, sadly, which worsened the
condition. Now, what exactly was slavery you may ask? What did this cause? What was its impact as a whole? Well to be vague-ish it it did impact heavily the way white slaveholders thought, creating an overall god complex, and sadism, psychopathy and lack of empathy were quite common back then due to the amount of disrespect and control slaveholders had ovr african american slaves. They were treated like less than nothing and were never given free will to even leave the house. The overall thing about slavery of the african american race, was it caused many casualties, and many revolts and riots. Even after slavery was illegalized, there was jim crow laws, there was segregation, and even to this day racism's still exists within american culture. Today racism is still alive. Kids are being bullied, people are being gunned down, and African Americans are being even told to ‘go home’. An instance of possible racism which was in the news is the case of George Zimmerman vs. Trayvon Martin. The whole case went like this: George killed trayvon, point blank. George was often reported saying racists things such as “watch out for young, black men” and to “always close their garage doors”. Well how he died, was that one late night, he was to go get refreshments and snacks for his father, but george followed him, ignoring the dispatchers plea to not. George continued to say racial remarks that “he looks black” and was “up to no good”. eventually , later on, trayvon was shot dead, while on the phone with his girlfriend. He was apparently screaming for help, however witnessed said it wasn't trayvon, it was george. He plead he shot in self defence, but is awaiting trial, currently charged with 2nd degree murder.
Racial profiling has nearly always been around. For example: take mother's day, 1996, a man stopped a black man driving a van, and that he needed to check his license. Unbeknownst to him, the driver was actually state senator alvin w.penn, a democrat of bridgeport. The democrat asked why he was being stopped, why he was being asked if “... i was aware what town i was in, and why it made it a difference.” it turns out the officer did not give a reason for stopping him, and simply issues a speeding ticket, which for a fact, he never did. Many accounts of racism and profiling still happen today. Its disgusting.