In discussions of slavery, one controversial issue has
been the divergence of morality between America and countries such as Brazil,
Spain and Portugal. The Northwestern and Southwestern hemispheres consisted of
opposing views on the slave system. Tannenbaum’s argument that conditions were
different in these areas and that America was harsher is supported by his lengthy
research. We can see evidence to support his claim when he discusses the
various opportunities Negros had in Brazil. In colonial Brazil it was socially
acceptable for attractive women of color to be romantically involved with white
men and even own slaves themselves. African Americans were given the
opportunity to pursue significant endeavors like attaining a political role or
becoming a doctor.
From
Tannenbaum’s perspective the main reason for this split in ideologies is a
matter of morality. One the one hand we have the Latin who reap the benefits of
slavery while also offering slaves opportunities to participate in society. On
the other hand however, we have Americans who considered this approach unheard
of because they did not consider Negros human beings. A prime example of these
ethical issues is their opposing views on manumission and how they went out of
their way to either support or prevent it.
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