In history, slavery is commonly known as a civil injustice and an unethical practice. The United States was identified as one of the countries that depended on slavery in it’s early economic stages. America wasn’t the only nation that relied on forced labor for it’s production of income and goods, also in the 18th century, the Portuguese participated in the slave trade as well. The Portuguese set a republic in place which we now know as Brazil. Millions of slaves were transported or “settled” into both of these newborn nations. It is said that, only a third of the slaves that were involved in the slave trade actually made it to their new lifes across the Atlantic Ocean. Although they would be considered a slave regardless, the destination after their journey over sea would decide their fate.

Our society views slavery as a horrific ordeal for those from Africa or any other countries who were unfortunate enough to experience it. That is due to the upbringing of American culture. During the same time period in Brazil, slaves also existed but not in the same sense as the “traditional” American slave. Slaves owned by the Portuguese were given opportunities in society and even chances to hold political office. To those in the U.S., this was completely unheard of. Even a slight glance at a white slave owner or slave owner’s family member could result in sever beating or even death in some instances. On the other hand, beautiful women who were biracial slaves were even known to have slaves of their own. This would never happen in 18th Century America.

It’s quite perplexing how two nations so close to each other geographically, can instill two different methods in their society. The people of Brazil accepted that slaves had the potential to be their equal but underwent a few shortcomings. But in America, the slave was looked down in all aspects, intelligence, wealth, etc. The slave trade is a prime example of how social Darwinism can be implemented to differentiate situations.

Diagnostic

Throughout history, racial conflicts have existed all over the world. Normally the common idea in history is that these conflicts take place between two races warring for supremacy, religious disputes, or over land. Slavery in the United States was one of the more popular disputes between races that left a domino effect on the world. In 1903, even though slavery had already ended, there was still hatred between Americans and Negroes in the US. People were slaughtered. Riots broke out. Sides were chosen. Contrary to popular belief, in WEB Dubois’ “The Souls of Black Folk” he describes a racial conflict not with whites but, within himself. Dubois isn’t attempting to combine the Negro & Americans cultures as whole a la Martin Luther King Jr., his main purpose is self-enlightenment. In his book Dubois’ states “—this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. In this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost.” He yearns to fit in American culture while also maintaining a connection to his original background. This desire not only causes a disagreement of his own mind, but he worries how he will be seen by others in the nation. Dubois believes both his American counterpart and fellow Negroes would oppose his choice. Americans would still consider him another Negro who is racially inferior due to the effects of social Darwinism and Negroes, instead of accepting his decision to join both sides as one, would classify him as a traitor for betraying their own kind. This internal dispute allows Dubois to view his life through the perception of the Americans that the majority of Negroes wouldn’t relate with. This causes Dubois great sorrow and confusion. He expresses those feelings when he says, “It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others,” Dubois compares himself to two different beings clashing  while he searches for opportunity in America. In the midst of all the conflict surrounding him, WEB Dubois’ main goal is to use both cultures as ingredients to enhance his chances to succeed in the world and find his inner peace.

 - Sean Hawkins