all views important

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all views important
By alice

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Posted by alice on Nov-19-03 at 00: AM (EST)

I believe it is important for the kids to understand
the different views of slavery... i.e. slaves (field and house), masters, mistresses, poor white southerners, northern whites (abolitionists and conservatives), free blacks. All of these views were extremely different and important.
examples
1.The majority of field slaves were treated much worse than house servants; therefore, they were more eager to escape.
2.Both poor

white southerners and working class white northerners were frustrated with the blacks for taking "their" jobs. (slaves and freed blacks were cheaper labor)
3.There was (religious and political) propoganda all throughout the white south giving scientific "proof" that blacks were inferior and should be considered animals.

Maybe a good idea would be to find different autobiographies and take exerpts from them to show these opinions. Or, find examples of propoganda, prices for slaves, pictures,graphic descriptions, letters, etc.. The best way to teach history is by showing it was REAL...it HAPPENED.. bring it to life...all of it..especially the inhumane part. It is so important that children start to learn by examining all sides of an issue.

Also, please consider a general lesson without focusing on one specific aspect. If you primarily study the Underground Railroad without describing the institution of slavery in regards to society... you have missed your chance to explain the bigger picture.

I apologize for the legnth of my reply. I obviously believe this topic to be one that defines America more than we realize. Good luck.
- don't ask me where to find the time to do such lessons. That's the constant unavoidable question...isn't it!