Slavery: To Speak or Not to Speak.

Should we talk about slavery?

Hey there! Welcome back after such a long break. It's good to have you back!

Writing this was quite tasking, exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time given the sensitive nature of the topic.

Arguments have been canvassed back and forth about the need to talk about slavery and the need to forget about it! Points raised for and against the need to speak about slavery and transfer the history to generations to come have been valid, however, what's important in light of these arguments is:
what's good for the global scene.

Arguments against speaking about slavery cut across the following issues;
1. It incites hatred.
2. It prevents the countries involved from moving on.
3. It's unnecessary.
4. It's been abolished, so why the fuss?
5. It brings about unnecessary claims that could distort world peace for example; Reparations.


The list is endless. The arguments for the transfer of the history of Slavery are even more compelling.

It's important to note that the history of slavery differs from the legacy of slavery both of which are often mistaken for the other.
The history of slavery essentially entails the story, the background of the issue itself and how the world came to stand in the position it currently is in terms of slavery. The legacy of slavery on the other hand is the feeling that existed at the time of the slave era that is; being the minority or subservient on the one hand and superior and dominant on the other hand. The legacy is what should be forgotten, never the history.

The big question is; what do we stand to achieve when we talk about slavery?



Speaking about slavery and the transfer of the history of slavery to generations to come will serve as a way to ensure that our children know exactly where the world is coming from and as such, know how to address issues that face them when they arise. It helps the children know how to deal with the legacy that remains in our society by default especially issues arising out of diversity on various levels.

Speaking will help to prevent the reoccurrence of slavery in whatever form. Slavery though abolished still exists in subtle yet dangerous forms in the society. It may not involve the sale of humans or forced labor, but it exists in manipulation as a result of being in a better position than another, taking advantage of vulnerable persons and situations, inequality, inequitable dominance and power imbalance on the world scene, financial exploitation, violence; domestic, labor and informal among others. The continued discussion and remembrance of the history of slavery on a global scale creates awareness and helps to identify undertones of slavery in whatever form.

Speaking about slavery helps to heal its effects on the recipients and donors (as I choose to tag it). It helps to cure the feeling of embarrassment, rage and entitlement in whatever form ranging from vengeance, unnecessary demands and hate among others. It also helps to cure the feeling of superiority, guilt and need to compensate for atrocities of the past. Speaking will help the two ends to
see the need to move on, the essence of the abolition of slavery and the need to show love on a global scale.

The world would be mentally unhealthy if we do not talk about slavery, talking about slavery is medicine both for the recipients and the "donors ".

We are welcome to hearing your thoughts on the need to speak or not to speak about slavery. Please endeavor to leave a comment in the comment box!

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