Reflections Unit One

The Invasion of Africa

  

One of Africa's most pivotal turning points, in history, begins with the Middle passage. Although Africa was past known for their resources such as trade in salt, livestock, gold, kola, iron technology, and clay as stated in From Slavery to Freedom pp. 2-6. This easily become overlooked by the invasion of the Europeans. This invasion played a hallmark on how Africans were soon to be looked upon and are still looked upon till this day.

        Olaudah Equiano, dispalyed in the photo above, was able to give the world an in-depth view of how shocking these actions were. Equiano referred to the Europeans as white long haired demons who possessed powers. From seeing their strange color of skin, language, animals, and the ability to stop a moving ship; Equiano found it best too already have accepted his fate of death. A culture so advanced speculated fear throughout the people. Equiano, among other captured slaves, were to fearful to fight back for none of them knew what other "powers" this men were capable of possessing. Equiano stated that these men must be demons because they commit no acts of God.


      As time went by and years of trial an error, the Europeans created the Atlantic slave trade. These harsh treatment of slaves were a catalyst in viewing them as nothing more than cattle, instead of humans. Society began to transition from a "society with slaves" to a "slave society" (Dr. Berlin)

Slave Society

  

  

  As stated by Dr. Berlin, the effects of slavery were that society began to mistake slavery with color, rather than someone's position. The effect of this allowed white people in America to feel entitled to riches, while the Africans were entitled to slave work. Viewing Africans like this was a way to make them feel mentally enslaved, that even when freed from their work, society will always view them as nothing of importance. As shown in the motion picture Malcolm X, in the dictionary the word black and white were defined in order to praise one color and strongly belittle the color black. White symbolizing pure holiness and black symbolizing dark evil. 

    Before the Atlantic Slave Trade, slavery was viewed more as assistance, an extra hand for explorers as they traveled new land as stated from 'From Slavery to Freedom' pp.23-25. The Atlantic Slave Trade's treatment of slaves stripped away their structure of being human. It was from here on that society now had the mentality of slavery, blocking right from wrong.

The Viewing of Africa

 

     Due to Africa's history and the 'slave society' mentality that America has created for Africans, the country as a whole has been popularized for its dark content. When advertising America, the world is shown the "white American dream" full of perfect health, lifestyles, and society. When viewing Africa, a land where the color "black" is more prominent, media portrays it to be dark, deadly, inhuman living, and a country who is dire need of the worlds help. Now, this is a completely false interpretation of Africa as a whole, America has parts that can be displayed as tragic just as Africa does. Therefore the questions are why is Africa betrayed the way that it is in today's society? 

     It all leads back to Dr. Berlin's theory of a slave society. People have become enslaved to think that black people have been born with the bad end of the stick. It is not common to see a black person do well of themselves, therefore to see an entire county of black people being successful would be outlandish. Africa has as many problems as any other country, although some things may be worst than others, it is for the most just as well established. Media portrays Africa in a bad light because it is what we are used to. Although I believe it is safe to say that times are changing.

     Slowly as years pass people are becoming more intone to think for themselves. With a new generation in the midst, the idea of a 'slave society' is withering away. The distinction of color, sex, or class are slowly becoming non-existent. People are now beginning to feel more comfortable with who they are, it is no longer shameful to be a black person in America. With the hit blockbuster "Black Panther", it is no longer shameful to be from the roots of Africa. Therefore, America undeniably contains a slave society, though it will soon pass through generations to come.

Unit One Conclusion

This unit was able to illustrate Africa from its highs down to its lowest lows. The text allowed for a clear description of Africa's beginning history and the transition its citizens had to make. This unit also allowed me to open my mind and think about society and how it came to be what it is today. People may not realize but Africa played a major role in changing civilization, dealing with the extreme bad in order to fight for what is good. I look forward to the next units to come.