"Slavery! How much misery is comprehended in that single word?"
Garnet offered this rhetorical question on August 21, 1843. I like to think of this question in relation to Paul Laurence Dunbar's "We Wear the Mask." I wonder if Dunbar, two generations removed from Garnet, realized that America, if it ever had acknowledged black suffering, had already put it aside. Is this what we see in the words, "Why should the world be overwise in counting all our tears and sighs?" Has Dunbar concluded that our misery has not been comprehended, that it cannot or will not be comprehended? And, is Garnet as well addressing an American audience who he knows does not feel nor acknowledge this particular misery? Is he neverthless hopeful of reaching said audience?
Who was the audience that both Garnet and Dunbar posed the question to? I will try to a point to offer my perspective on racism to those who want to listen. However, I am more incline to "pour myself" out is assisting my own people overcome the delectrious affects of racisms in there lives. It's nothing short of a miracle that Black people living in America aren't COMPLETELY insane. Neverthless we've managed to survive! Where does our strenght come from?
ReplyDeleteBelow is the context for the quote. Garnet is addressing the enslaved. The speech is referred to as Garnet's Call to Rebellion, delivered August 24, 1843. It was actually delivered at the National Negro Convention. See the full address at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h2937t.html
ReplyDelete"The sentiments of their revolutionary orators fell in burning eloquence upon their hearts, and with one voice they cried, LIBERTY OR DEATH. Oh what a sentence was that! It ran from soul to soul like electric fire, and nerved the arm of thousands to fight in the holy cause of Freedom. Among the diversity of opinions that are entertained in regard to physical resistance, there are but a few found to gainsay that stern declaration. We are among those who do not.
SLAVERY! How much misery is comprehended in that single word? What mind is there that does not shrink from its direful effects? Unless the image of God be obliterated from the soul, all men cherish the love of Liberty. The nice discerning political economist does not regard the sacred right more than the untutored African who roams in the wilds of Congo. Nor has the one more right to the full enjoyment of his freedom than the other. In every man's mind the good seeds of liberty are planted, and he who brings his fellow down so low, as to make him contented with a condition of slavery, commits the highest crime against God and man."