Mid Term Exam Charttopic And Themematerialsone Example Of Topic Theme ✓ Solved
Mid-Term Exam Chart Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: Coming to America Theme: The commodification of human bodies African American Origins What is an example of how bodies were commodified in the “African American Origins†doc? What is a modern example of how bodies have been commodified? Good examples could include the issues surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement and protests of the past year. Olaudah Equiano What is an example of how bodies were commodified in the “Olaudah Equiano†doc? Thomas Phillips Excerpt What is an example of how bodies were commodified in the “Thomas Phillips†doc?
The African Slave Trade What is an example of how bodies were commodified in the “African Slave Trade†doc? Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: An Unrevolutionary Revolution Theme: The irony of American independence Race in Colonial America African Americans and the American Revolution Freedom Petition of Felix Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: Stirrings of Abolitionism Theme: Becoming human/regaining of a Black self David Walker’s Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World Creating an African American Culture The Abolitionist Movement William Lloyd Garrison Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: Sectionalism Theme: Turning points Enslavement and Western Expansion Slavery and the Sectional Crisis Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: The Civil War Theme: No turning back African Americans and the Civil War Thirty Years a Slave Douglass- I Hope To Fall With My Face to the Foe Missouri Black Soldier to His Daughters Mother of a Northern Black Soldier Mid-Term Exam Chart Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: Coming to America Theme: The commodification of human bodies African American Origins Olaudah Equiano Thomas Phillips Excerpt The African Slave Trade Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: An Unrevolutionary Revolution Theme: The irony of American independence Race in Colonial America African Americans and the American Revolution Freedom Petition of Felix Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: Stirrings of Abolitionism Theme: Becoming human/regaining of a Black self David Walker’s Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World Creating an African American Culture The Abolitionist Movement William Lloyd Garrison Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: Sectionalism Theme: Turning points Enslavement and Western Expansion Slavery and the Sectional Crisis Topic and Theme Materials ONE Example of Topic Theme for EACH Document Modern Example of This Theme (Be Specific and Explain!) Topic: The Civil War Theme: No turning back African Americans and the Civil War Thirty Years a Slave Douglass- I Hope To Fall With My Face to the Foe Missouri Black Soldier to His Daughters Mother of a Northern Black Soldier
Paper for above instructions
Mid-Term Exam Chart: Analyzing Themes and Modern Examples in Historical Documents
This assignment will explore several historical themes as they relate to prominent documents and events in American history. Each topic will highlight the commodification of human bodies, the irony of independence, the emergence of a Black self, sectionalism, and the unwavering course of the Civil War. Each document will include an example of the theme from the primary source, followed by a modern equivalent that illustrates how these themes persist or evolve in contemporary society.
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Topic: Coming to America
Theme: The Commodification of Human Bodies
African American Origins:
An example of the commodification of bodies in the "African American Origins" document can be traced back to the transatlantic slave trade, where enslaved Africans were viewed as property rather than human beings. Their value was determined solely by their ability to generate profit for their owners through labor, effectively reducing them to economic commodities (Taylor, 2019).
Modern Example: Today, the commodification of human bodies persists in the form of human trafficking and the sex trade. Reports indicate that many individuals, particularly women and children, are exploited for labor and sexual purposes, reflecting the same dehumanization seen during the slave trade (Polaris, 2021).
Olaudah Equiano:
In the document authored by Olaudah Equiano, the author shares compelling narratives of his own kidnapping and enslavement. Equiano vividly illustrated how enslaved people were stripped of their dignity, subjected to brutal treatment, and traded like goods in the marketplace (Equiano, 1789).
Modern Example: A modern analogy can be drawn to the exploitation of migrant workers in various sectors, including agriculture and construction. These laborers often endure severe mistreatment, low wages, and harsh working conditions while being treated as disposable resources rather than human beings (Friedman, 2020).
Thomas Phillips Excerpt:
In Thomas Phillips's accounts, the commodification of bodies is evident in his descriptions of enslaved Africans sold at auction and the inhumane conditions of the Middle Passage. Phillips captures the brutality of these experiences, emphasizing the sheer disregard for human life as they were commodified into property (Phillips, 1738).
Modern Example: The rise of the organ trade market illustrates a contemporary parallel. Illegal human trafficking for organ procurement reflects a disturbing continuation of the commodification of human bodies where the organs of individuals are sold without regard for their humanity (Laveist et al., 2020).
The African Slave Trade:
The “African Slave Trade” document presents eloquent evidence of how race, culture, and economy intersected within the framework of slavery, commodifying the very essence of individuals for economic gain (Walvin, 2011).
Modern Example: The “war on drugs” can be seen through the lens of commodification, where the criminalization of drug use has turned people into targets for incarceration rather than understanding the underlying social issues. The prison-industrial complex thrives on the confinement of individuals primarily from marginalized communities, echoing the same exploitation (Alexander, 2012).
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Topic: An Unrevolutionary Revolution
Theme: The Irony of American Independence
Race in Colonial America:
In examining the revolutionary sentiment within the context of race, many African Americans were excluded from the liberties heralded by the Declaration of Independence. This document celebrated freedom while maintaining a system of slavery, embodying a profound irony where liberty was only accessible to a select few (Berlin, 2010).
Modern Example: Current debates surrounding voting rights and systemic racism reflect the ongoing irony. For example, voter ID laws disproportionately affect marginalized communities, echoing historical exclusions, and reaffirming that the promise of democracy remains unfulfilled for many (Bentele & O'Brien, 2013).
African Americans and the American Revolution:
The irony deepens when considering that African Americans fought for a nation proclaiming liberty while their own rights were denied. Many enslaved and free Black men joined the fight for independence, often hoping to gain freedom for their service, yet faced betrayal post-war (Horton & Horton, 2005).
Modern Example: The Black Lives Matter movement underscores this irony, where individuals actively seek equality and justice in a society that has historically marginalized their existence. The protests reflect the same struggles of those who fought in the Revolution, challenging the narratives of freedom and equality that do not extend to all citizens (Tometi, 2020).
Freedom Petition of Felix:
Felix's petition epitomizes the struggle of African Americans for freedom within a contradicting revolution. His appeal highlights not just a plea for liberty but the recognition of individual worth, challenging the perception of Black individuals as property (Foner, 1998).
Modern Example: Modern petitions advocating for reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals draw a direct line between historical injustices and current demands for acknowledgment and rectification, as seen in movements like the "Reparations Now" campaign (Bartlett, 2021).
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Topic: Stirrings of Abolitionism
Theme: Becoming Human/Regaining of a Black Self
David Walker’s Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World:
Walker urged for a reclamation of identity among African Americans, positioning them as deserving of freedom and equality. He emphasized a return to dignity and self-worth in the fight against the institution of slavery (Walker, 1830).
Modern Example: The emergence of cultural pride movements, such as Black-centered educational programs, seeks to reestablish a sense of self among African Americans, paralleling Walker’s call for dignity. Initiatives like the African American Studies programs in schools affirm identity and history, fostering empowerment (Marable, 2000).
Creating an African American Culture:
Abolitionism contributed to the building of African American identity, creating networks that celebrated distinct cultural heritages. This collective consciousness fostered community resilience against oppression (Horton, 2008).
Modern Example: Contemporary cultural movements such as Afrofuturism strive to create a sense of identity through art, literature, and music, reclaiming narratives and envisioning a future that honors Black heritage while challenging systemic inequities (Womack, 2013).
The Abolitionist Movement:
The abolitionist movement galvanized diverse voices advocating for freedom and encouraged African Americans to embrace their humanity fully. Figures like Frederick Douglass showed that enslaved individuals were not only deserving of freedom but possessed intellectual and moral capacities equal to their white counterparts (Douglass, 1852).
Modern Example: The current fight for social justice continues this legacy through movements advocating for systemic change, reflecting the struggles of abolitionists and emphasizing empowerment and recognition in society today (Davis, 2020).
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Topic: Sectionalism
Theme: Turning Points
Enslavement and Western Expansion:
The expansion into new territories often precipitated conflicts over the legality and morality of slavery. Each addition of territory posed an impending crisis where the nation wrestled with the implications of slavery on its values (Oakes, 2013).
Modern Example: Debates surrounding immigration and border policies can be seen today as parallel conflicts over who belongs and who is marginalized, highlighting the historical patterns of exclusion in shaping national identity (Pew Research Center, 2019).
Slavery and the Sectional Crisis:
The sectional crisis was fueled by divergent economic interests and cultural identities, leading to a national reckoning that ultimately contributed to the Civil War. The stark divisions highlighted the consequences of ignoring the morality of slavery (Davidson et al., 2017).
Modern Example: The current polarization in American politics over issues such as healthcare, gun control, and systemic inequality reflects similar sectional divisions, often rooted in historical precedents and cultural differences (Mounk, 2020).
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Topic: The Civil War
Theme: No Turning Back
African Americans and the Civil War:
The Civil War marked a definitive turning point for African Americans, transitioning from enslaved individuals to active participants in the struggle for their freedom. They significantly contributed to the Union’s military efforts, challenging the notion of racial inferiority (Dubois, 1935).
Modern Example: The participation of African Americans in movements for social justice today symbolizes an ongoing commitment to fight for rights, reflecting an irrevocable shift towards demanding equality and freedom across racial lines (Parker, 2020).
Thirty Years a Slave:
The narratives captured in "Thirty Years a Slave" exemplify the harrowing experiences of African Americans as they navigate the brutalities of enslavement and the complex dynamics of securing freedom (Harriet Jacobs, 1861).
Modern Example: Recent memoirs and testimonies from individuals in systems of oppression, like mass incarceration, draw parallels to historical struggles for freedom, illuminating the systemic issues that continue to persist today (Alexander, 2012).
Douglass - I Hope To Fall With My Face to the Foe:
Frederick Douglass’s declaration symbolizes the commitment of African Americans to fight for justice, embodying a steadfast resolve that resonates deeply in modern struggles for civil rights (Douglass, 1852).
Modern Example: Today’s activists, reminiscent of Douglass's resolve, have taken to the streets, organizing movements and campaigns that challenge systemic oppression and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, underscoring the enduring quest for justice (Cohen, 2021).
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Conclusion
This examination of various themes across historical documents not only highlights the struggles of African Americans throughout history but also brings to light contemporary parallels. By acknowledging these connections, we gain a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of history on modern society, prompting continued discussions around race, justice, and equality.
References
1. Alexander, Michelle. (2012). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
2. Bartlett, J. (2021). “Reparations Now: A Call to Action.” The Atlantic.
3. Bentele, K. and O'Brien, B. (2013). “The Impact of Voter ID Laws.” American Political Science Review.
4. Berlin, I. (2010). The Making of African America: The Four Great Migrations. Viking.
5. Cohen, M. (2021). “Social Media and Activism in the 21st Century.” Journal of Contemporary Sociology.
6. Davis, A. (2020). Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement. Haymarket Books.
7. Douglass, Frederick. (1852). What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?.
8. Dubois, W.E.B. (1935). Black Reconstruction in America, 1860-1880. Free Press.
9. Equiano, Olaudah. (1789). The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African.
10. Friedman, S. (2020). “Migrant Workers: Modern Labor Slavery in the Global Economy.” Global Labour Journal.
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This comprehensive overview synthesizes themes from historical documents and draws modern parallels, illustrating the continuity of struggle for justice and humanity.