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Many slave owners believed that keeping slaves was justified due to racist ideologies that dehumanized African people, economic interests in maintaining a cheap labor force, and a desire to maintain social and political power. These beliefs were deeply ingrained in the societal structures of the time, allowing slavery to persist.
Slave owners kept slaves ignorant to maintain control and power over them. By restricting their access to education and information, slave owners were able to prevent slaves from becoming aware of their rights and abilities, making it easier to exploit and control them. Keeping slaves ignorant also prevented them from organizing or resisting their situation effectively.
Many slave owners believed it was okay to keep slaves due to economic interests, social conditioning that normalized slavery, and beliefs in white supremacy. They often justified their actions by citing social norms, biblical interpretations, and the idea that enslaved individuals were inferior and needed to be controlled.
Slave owners wanted to keep their slaves ignorant of life outside the plantation to maintain control and prevent unrest. By limiting their access to education and information, slave owners could ensure that slaves remained compliant and focused solely on their assigned work, reducing the risk of rebellion or escape. Furthermore, education was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery as it could empower slaves to question their oppression and seek freedom.
Cottage Plantation did not keep slaves. It was a free labor farm.
Daily life for an enslaved person was marked by hard labor, harsh living conditions, and constant surveillance and control by their enslavers. Enslaved individuals had minimal autonomy or personal freedom, often experiencing physical abuse and dehumanization as a routine part of their existence.