Question

How does George Fitzhugh defend plantation slavery? How does Harriet Jacobs' personal experience refute Fitzhugh's claims about the treatment of slaves and the behavior of slaveholders?

Answer 1

• George Fitzhugh was born in 1806.He is an American Social Theorist who came up with racial and slavery-based sociological theories in the Antebellam era.He told that negro is a child who needs economic and social protections of slavery.
• He was a leading pro-slavery intellectual and he has spoken for many Southern Plantation owners.In the south slavery was widespread. There was a happy and peaceful environment because ,there was no strikes for higher wages,no strikes and only problem was jealousy for rich people by poor ones.He told that , slavery is good in a sense,the slaves would get home and food,while the land owners will get their lands maintained.His writings has defended slavery.He says that,this would create help for both whites and blacks,as both will be benefited.
• Harriet Jacob say that,her relationship with his master Dr Flint and also the affection towards her,has created problems in her life.It has affected badly her relationship with her grandmother and also the master's wife.Within Flint's household,she was subjected to wilful demands for master,and this started when she was only 15