SOCI 115: Regional Sociology of the South

Transcription

1 SOCI 115: Regional Sociology of the South Instructor: Manuel Rafael Gallegos Lerma Melton McLaurin, Celia: A Slave, pp. xi 61

2 Introduc>on Celia: A Slave is a historical account of a female slave in Missouri in the 1850s who killed her "master" afer being repeatedly raped. Using the killing and trial as interpre>ve vehicles, McLaurin, a re>red historian who taught at UNC Wilmington, explores both the ins>tu>on and prac>ce of Southern slavery and the contradic>ons slavery posed to an America ostensibly commiped to freedom and equality.

3 Introduc>on Missouri: The beginnings of Missouri were tumultuous. In 1821, order to preserve the Union, Missouri was accepted as a new slave state. This legi>mized the ins>tu>on. Congressional debates emerged because Northerners did not want further expansion of slavery. On the other hand, former residents of the South, who were now residents of Missouri, were enraged because they would be stripped out of their property. Residents of Missouri opposed Congress restric>ons.

4 Introduc>on Callaway, Missouri: The seplement and clearing of the land allowed seplers to grow plants and raise animals. Eventually, business, schools, and religious groups arrived. White men began governmental and poli>cal organiza>ons. The county was roughly divided: 179 slaveholders (farms valued at $1720) and 120 non slavehorders (farms valued at $500). Slaveholders had higher produc>vity (almost twice) and owned more land (almost three >mes).

5 Introduc>on Callaway, Missouri: Economy grew around agriculture and slavery. Owners and slaves worked closely in the fields. A biracial society emerged. Farm economy, as supposed to planta>on, was less affected by yearly fluctua>on than planta>ons. A main difference was that in this fron>er there was more economic democracy. By the 1850s, the country became a major market and had regular means of transporta>on, developed ins>tu>ons of higher educa>on, religious groups, courthouse, and centers for local poli>cs and government.

6 1. AFer reading the ini>al chapters of Celia s story, what did you learn about how individuals, Black and White, reacted to situa>ons that forced them to make and act upon personal decisions of fundamentally moral nature?

7 2. Historical accounts have illustrated how sexual abuse of female slaves was widespread. Moreover, this was a prac>ce that Southern White men knew about. However, this prac>ce was never publicly condoned. Using your sociological lenses, please describe how was this possible?

8 2. Historical accounts have illustrated how sexual abuse of female slaves was widespread. Moreover, this was a prac>ce that Southern White men knew about. However, this prac>ce was never publicly condoned. Using your sociological lenses, please describe how was this possible? Patriarchy

9 2. Historical accounts have illustrated how sexual abuse of female slaves was widespread. Moreover, this was a prac>ce that Southern White men knew about. However, this prac>ce was never publicly condoned. Using your sociological lenses, please describe how was this possible? Patriarchy Morality was shaped by those in power

10 2. Historical accounts have illustrated how sexual abuse of female slaves was widespread. Moreover, this was a prac>ce that Southern White men knew about. However, this prac>ce was never publicly condoned. Using your sociological lenses, please describe how was this possible? Patriarchy Morality was shaped by those in power Legal system served those in power

11 2. Historical accounts have illustrated how sexual abuse of female slaves was widespread. Moreover, this was a prac>ce that Southern White men knew about. However, this prac>ce was never publicly condoned. Using your sociological lenses, please describe how was this possible? Patriarchy Morality was shaped by those in power Legal system served those in power Anything else?

12 2. Historical accounts have illustrated how sexual abuse of female slaves was widespread. Moreover, this was a prac>ce that Southern White men knew about. However, this prac>ce was never publicly condoned. Using your sociological lenses, please describe how was this possible? Patriarchy Morality was shaped by those in power Legal system served those in power Anything else?

13 3. When reflec>ng on McLaurin s accounts, can you iden>fy differences or similari>es between the Missouri that McLaurin describes and the South that Degler describes.

14 4. AFer reading the ini>al chapters, in your opinion, what were Robert Newsom s inten>ons afer purchasing Celia?

15 5. In your opinion, do you think that George s ul>matum was the main factor that led to the murder of Robert Newsome?

16 6. In your opinion, why did Robert Newsom s family not reacted to the con>nued rape of Celia? What are the gender, race, and power issues at play here?

17 7. In you opinion, why was Celia given a trial and not killed afer her confession? (Think about the dispute over slavery in the adjacent region Kansas).

18 7. In you opinion, why was Celia given a trial and not killed afer her confession? (Think about the dispute over slavery in the adjacent region Kansas). What effects would this event had across the na>on? (Think about the constant fear White residents felt in Callaway County and the South who owned slaves. The possibility of a slave rebellion, since slaves in Hai> and Virginia had revolted against the establishment).

19 8. The verdict seems predetermined, especially with the jury that was assembled. If Celia, as a slave, is regarded as less than human, why have the trial at all?