Isn't this a wonderful list? Everyone is allowed to voice their opinon. Keep 
reading you may learn something.

Anita


>From: [log in to unmask]
>Reply-To: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history         
>      <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Slavery and Unanswered Questions
>Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:30:58 EDT
>
>Undoubtedly, slavery was, or should have been, a harrowing experience for
>the slaves as their collective experience is generally taught.
>
>However, we know from the WPA interviews that some looked upon it with
>nostalgia later in life under freedom, and some indicated that life was 
>better
>under slavery than under freedom.  Some Black slaves and freemen apparently
>fought for their "suppressors" during the War.  In addition, Black slaves
>reproduced in exceedingly large numbers while "under the scourge of  
>slavery."
>
>To me, this doesn't add up in the context of Southern slavery being Hell on
>earth, as it is traditionally characterized?
>
>The characterizations that these poor unfortunate Black folk who were
>interviewed by WPA workers later in life were
>untruthful/delirious/insane/senile/illusory or outright fearful of telling  
>the truth also doesn't add up.  Where
>is the support for that theory?
>
>I think you have to take them at their word, pro and con, unless there is
>empirical evidence to rebut their opinions as expressed in many of the WPA
>interviews.  I haven't heard anything empirical as yet, just speculation in 
>  this
>chain.
>
>J South
>
>
>
>************************************** See what's free at 
>http://www.aol.com.

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