Slavery was commonly practiced in Africa — among Africans — before Europeans ever landed on its shores. Forced labor and slavery existed in many kingdoms and societies. Was this racially motivated if they were all the same race?
Lately, we seem to be angry and bent on destruction. But, wouldn’t it be better to tone down the noise and work to stop slavery in the places where it still exists? Sixty percent of all the people living in modern slavery are found in China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Russia.
I’m not saying we should be absolved from responsibility for the past or for the present. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t strive for the most fair and just society. I’m not saying that history shouldn’t reflect truth. Slavery is a worldwide issue and reveals something about our basest instincts as human beings. We are all imperfect beings.
Before we destroy monuments, property, and each other, can we please try to tackle the biggest problems that still exist worldwide. I’m asking for some perspective here. There is way too much energy towards entropy and nihilism. Where will it lead? Can’t we take it from here and build a more perfect union together?
Instead of giving voice to our feelings and ideas, the current discourse is a closed circuit, blocking dissenting views and opinions. I fear, in the effort to get revenge and build power, we will only be substituting one form of hatred for another.
Isn’t this just another form of slavery?