Slavery in America has left an unforgettable mark on the lives of specific individuals and the entire society. It entailed inconceivable brutality in its physical effects on the welfare of the enslaved people and also in psychological trauma, which reverberated across generations. These harsh realities are eloquently shown in the book “The Wages of Freedom” By Re’Gena Bell Roberts, offering a direct insight into the effects of slavery on the person and the family.
We can learn about what effects the systematic dehumanization that slavery imposed on enslaved people had on their lives and the lives of their descendants using the prism of history. The given work emphasizes the family disunity, the imposed identity deprivation, and the perennial struggle to achieve dignity in the suppressive atmosphere. These experiences brought about complications in family systems and psychological aspects that are still present to this date after the abolition of slavery.
The effects of slavery were long-term and can be seen in modern American society in several ways. Since economic differences lead to social injustice, the consequences of this institution permeate the core of the country. They are reflected in the civil rights movements, the movement to obtain fair treatment, and the constant attempts to gain recognition and reconciliation.
Looking at the historical background offered by the book “The Wages of Freedom” By Re’Gena Bell Roberts, it becomes evident that to comprehend modern-day problems of African Americans, it is necessary to look through the influence of slavery. Recognizing this painful past makes it possible to better understand the present and what challenges there are. Under this consciousness and recognition, we can strive to heal and empower future generations.
