Introduction
The Slave trade was associated with acts that infringed upon natural human rights. The enslaved were subjected to poor working conditions, including low wages, harsh treatment, and a lack of basic needs such as food and shelter. Consequently, the majority of the enslaved people died while others suffered from diseases. Women were among the most vulnerable slaves who suffered from psychological and physical torture during slavery.
Slavery Experiences
Slavery encumbered the social interactions and economic growth of the victims who were overpowered by their masters. According to Lewis Clarke (1977), the slaves were denied the right to express their feelings like others. For instance, he narrates a story of women slaves who were tortured just for laughing at a house (Clarke, 1977). The women slaves were subjected to hard labor that left some of them dead and others in physical pain (Norton & Alexander, 2007). Meanwhile, some slaves were denied the right to associate with their family members. Consequently, many slaves suffered from psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression. The tough working conditions for the slaves motivated the start of the abolitionist movement.
Slavery Agency
Human dignity involves respecting nature and allowing them to make personal decisions. However, during slavery, the enslaved were denied their dignity and were considered the property of their masters. The masters made decisions concerning the working conditions, livelihoods, and transfers, among others, on behalf of their slaves (Norton & Alexander, 2007). For instance, the master would negotiate the price of their slaves. Moreover, the working duration and social interactions were determined by the masters (Clarke, 1977). The slaves had no control over their lives and would depend on decisions made by their masters.
Conclusion
Slavery had a long-lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of the slaves. During slavery, individuals were given hard tasks regardless of their gender. Additionally, the enslaved were denied fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to life. The tough working conditions contributed to the death and psychological suffering of the slaves. The slave masters had full control over the lives of their slaves. Therefore, slavery was detrimental to social development and economic growth among the enslaved.
References
Clarke, L. (1977). Leaves from a slave’s journal of life. In Slave testimony: Two centuries of letters, speeches, interviews, and autobiographies. LSU Press.
Norton, M. B., & Alexander, R. M. (2007). The lives of enslaved women. In Major Problems in American Women’s History: Documents and Essays (4th e.d.).