My new mistress proved to be all she appeared when I first met her at the door,--a woman of the kindest heart and finest feelings. She had never had a slave under her control previously to myself, and prior to her marriage she had been dependent upon her own industry for a living. She was by trade a weaver; and by constant application to her business, she had been in a good degree preserved from the blighting and dehumanizing effects of slavery. I was utterly astonished at her goodness. I scarcely knew how to behave towards her. She was entirely unlike any other white woman I had ever seen. I could not approach her as I was accustomed to approach other white ladies. My early instruction was all out of place. The crouching servility, usually so acceptable a quality in a slave, did not answer when manifested toward her. Her favor was not gained by it; she seemed to be disturbed by it. She did not deem it impudent or unmannerly for a slave to look her in the face. The meanest slave was put fully at ease in her presence, and none left without feeling better for having seen her. Her face was made of heavenly smiles, and her voice of tranquil music.
But, alas! this kind heart had but a short time to remain such. The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work. That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage; that voice, made all of sweet accord, changed to one of ha rsh and horrid discord; and that angelic face gave place to that of a demon.
--Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. Ch. 6. Retrieved November 26, 2008 from: http://sunsite3.berkeley.edu/Literature/Douglass/Autobiography/06.html
2 comments:
Reminds me of how difficult it is to establish a relationship with a menial employee - our Malay maids in Thailand and a few laborers I've picked up here in Houston. It's always so awkward, I think because I don't want to seem like this white owner. First-world problems. I've read this book. Douglass is awesome, despite the fact that he occasionally falls out of favor for whatever dumb reson.
Slavery is obviously very bad an shouldn't be repeated and all that is good and all,but human history tends to repeat itself in very ugly and unpredictable ways. In all certainty even after all the civil wars and human rights movement, many people today still hold some are still prejudice. It's everywhere in our society and I fear for the worst that it will take a lot more than this to finally get people to admit they are wrong. Humans are prideful that way.
Post a Comment