Introduction
Due to the vast array of interpretations and incongruous facts, understanding the history of the globe has never been simple. However, most historical writing presents world history from a mostly Western and somewhat prejudiced perspective. Europe is undoubtedly the birthplace of modern science and numerous ground-breaking discoveries, but the East is also incredibly wealthy. Thus, the paper aims to analyze the history of Atlantic slavery and discuss reparations that can be made.
Economic Drivers of Atlantic Slavery
The importance of colonies to the growth of the economies of European nations was a significant factor in the expansion of the Atlantic slave trade. The new social and economic institutions were plantations built on the rich lands of the New World. For business people from the Old World, America’s vast fields held great importance since they served as factories in addition to farms. (Marks, 2022).
I had several moments where my awareness of the topic significantly grew. Firstly, it occurred to me that the demand for inexpensive human labor was a direct source of the flourishing of the slave trade. Secondly, I realized how the emergence of racial sentiments in society is the next crucial factor contributing to the acceptance of slavery. Thirdly, I realized how the myth that white people are superior contributed to the defense of slavery.
Racial Justifications and Ideological Frameworks
The argument for Europeans caring for the black population was presented alongside enslavement. A prevalent misconception was that Africans were better suited for physically demanding jobs. Marks (2022) should emphasize the distinction between the idea of traditional ethnocentrism and the issue of Eurocentrism.
According to ethnocentrism, many different countries and groups of people could interact or compete (Marks, 2022). Nevertheless, everyone involved in this contact will remain on an equal footing. In the case of Eurocentrism, there is only one European country, which must be the dominant one owing to historical predisposition (Marks, 2022). Thus, it develops into an ideology that exclusively views people from the European continent as the true world leaders, the best cultural ambassadors, and the most forward-thinking.
The book made me think about the harm brought forth by centuries of bloodshed and injustice that the former colonial powers must repair. The total number of slave trade victims is difficult to calculate, but refusing to demand that the United States refund this money shows disrespect for the suffering endured by African forebears. Most guilt rests with the state since it fostered a climate where people, groups, and businesses could engage in slavery and colonialism. Consequently, even if the direct transfer of funds to the descendants of Black people is not intended, it is still necessary to support diverse sectors and generate jobs. The support of the health and educational systems, the expansion of affordable housing, and the creation of new jobs for black people should all be part of reparations.
Conclusion
Overall, the need for cheap labor, the creation of racial prejudice in society, and the fallacy that white people are better led to the development of slavery in the Atlantic world. Due to historical bias, one European nation is seen as dominating according to the dominant ideology known as Eurocentrism. It is difficult to estimate the exact number of slave trade victims, but refusing to demand that the US return this money demonstrates disdain for the misery undergone by African ancestors. Supporting different industries and creating jobs for people of color is important for reparations.
Reference
Marks, B. R. (2022). The origins of the modern world: A global and environmental narrative from the fifteenth to the twenty-first century (world social change). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers