No Governor, Slavery did not help slaves and your advancement of this gibberish is indicative of you
Commentary by Dr. Christopher Metzler, Board Chair, LEAD Fund
August 1, 2023
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, has been correctly criticized for his poisonous comments about slavery. In July 2023, he defended Florida's new academic standards for teaching African American history, which include the claim that some enslaved people "developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." In addition, he tried to shift blame to the board of education saying that they did it not him.
DeSantis's comments have been widely condemned by historians, educators, and civil rights groups. They argue that DeSantis is whitewashing the history of slavery and trying to minimize the horrors of the institution. In particular, DeSantis's claim that some enslaved people benefited from slavery is based on a misunderstanding of history. While it is true that some enslaved people were able to learn skills that they could use after they were freed, this was not the norm. The vast majority of enslaved people were denied even the most basic education, and they were often subjected to brutal physical and psychological abuse.
DeSantis's comments are part of a broader pattern of his downplaying the history of racism in the United States. In the past, he has also said that the Confederate flag is a symbol of "heritage, not hate" and that Florida schools should not teach about critical race theory.
DeSantis's comments about slavery are emblematic of his desire to use race as a sledgehammer in his designed culture war. They distort history and perpetuate the myth that slavery was not as bad as it really was. This makes it difficult for people to understand the full extent of the damage that slavery has done to the United States. It can also make it more difficult to address the lingering effects of slavery, such as racial inequality and Desantis know this. However, he places his desire to be President above all else. Despite the fact that he is destined not to be The GOP nominee.
Let me be clear that slavery was a system of chattel slavery, which means that enslaved people were considered property. They were not allowed to own property, they could not marry without their master's permission, and they could be bought and sold like any other piece of property.
Slavery was a brutal and dehumanizing institution that caused immense suffering, stigma and its a stain on America's soul.
It is important to remember this history and to teach it accurately so that we can prevent it from happening again.
