Slavery, forced labor, contemporary society
Slavery is forced labor. In some quarters, it is considered the biggest tragedy in the history of humankind. Slavery is perceived as degrading and robbing people of their dignity and right to freedom. However, despite the negativity associated with slavery, slavery is not necessarily a bad thing in its self. It enables people to live life with all necessities and sometimes gives meaning to life. Therefore, there are positive aspects in human slavery applicable to the contemporary society.
In contemporary times, more than 80% of all Americans live on minimum wages. They work hard every day just to pay their rents and pay for the basic commodities necessary for sustenance of life. The accelerating rates of inflation imply that people have to increase their work output every passing year just to survive. Literally, these conditions imply that people work hard for the basic commodities and shelter with no room for luxuries. In addition, due to low or nonexistent saving and requirements for specific skill sets in different jobs, people are stuck working in the same jobs for their entire lives. These conditions literally describe slavery.
[...] Antithesis Slavery is a violation of human rights. It oppresses people and forces them to produce with no benefits to themselves. Its abolition was a positive sign of social advancement because it provided people with the ability to choose their own destinies (Drescher, 2009). Therefore, no matter the benefits of slavery, its abolishment represents social development and inspires economic advancement (Asante, 1995). All societies are dynamic. They are constantly changing to improve the welfare of their members as well as foster positive development. [...]
[...] In addition, religion requires all men t treat each other with dignity. The rules applied to God cannot be equated to the rules applied to human interactions because the two parties are not equal. In fact, most religions require the practitioners to treat each other equally and respectfully. Since slavery, in a practical sense, included degradation of one person for the benefit of the other, it is rebuked by religion. References Asante, M. K. (1995). African American History: A Journey of Liberation. Maywood, N.J.: Snippet. [...]
[...] In conclusion, all people have the ability to make choices and to chose political leadership. In addition, people aspire to be regarded well by the people around them, hence the need for social connections. All these basic human functions are denied by slavery. Therefore, there is no doubt that slavery should be abolished because it degenerates people and arrests their ability to grow. Synthesis Though the modern economic environment resembles slavery in many ways, the two are not the same. [...]
[...] In addition, there is no joblessness and the resultant suffering and homelessness. Slaves simply work for their master and are rewarded with all they need for survival (Roediger, 2008). Therefore, comparisons between the contemporary society and slavery reveal that slaves are better off in an economic sense. In addition, all factors considered, minimum wage earners are slaves in all but name. Capitalism has risen to be the dominant economic ideology in the contemporary society. Capitalist nations generally show better levels of development in all areas (Ferris, 2008). [...]
[...] On Slavery - a history of slavery and antislavery Thesis Slavery is forced labor. In some quarters, it is considered the biggest tragedy in the history of humankind. Slavery is perceived as degrading and robbing people of their dignity and right to freedom. However, despite the negativity associated with slavery, slavery is not necessarily a bad thing in its self. It enables people to live life with all necessities and sometimes gives meaning to life. Therefore, there are positive aspects in human slavery applicable to the contemporary society. [...]
APA Style reference
For your bibliographyOnline reading
with our online readerContent validated
by our reading committee
