"Southern Man" Constructed Response Activity
I was soon put down under the decks, and
there I received such...[an odor] in my nostrils as I had never experienced in
my life...The closeness of the place, and the heat of the climate, added to the
number in the ship, which was so crowded that each had scarcely room to turn
himself, almost suffocated us...The shrieks of the women, and the groans of the
dying, rendered [made] the whole a scene of horror
~ Olaudah Equiano
Sir,
I do firmly believe that domestic slavery, regulated as ours is, produces the
highest
toned, the purest, best organization of society that has ever existed on the
face of the earth.
~ James H. Hammond, Congressman
from
1. What activity or scene is being
described in the top quotation? Who is speaking?
2. Compare the quotations. Do they
express similar or contrasting attitudes and opinions regarding slavery? Be
sure to cite examples from each source to fully explain your answer.
3. Read the lyrics and listen to the
song "Southern Man". Which excerpt above expresses similar
ideas regarding slavery? Explain your answer.
4. What were the strict rules that governed
the behavior and punishment of slaves called? Identify several examples.
5. Write
two meaningful concept sentences regarding slavery and the slave trade. Choose
from the following words…choice, power, justice, empathy, human rights.