13. Negroes and Negro "Slavery": Justification for Slavery

13. Van Evrie, J. H. (1861). Negroes and Negro "Slavery": The First an Inferior Race: The Latter Its Normal Condition.

Annotation: John H. Van Evrie’s publication argued that Black people were inherently suited for slavery due to their supposed biological inferiority. His work was a direct justification for the continued enslavement and dehumanization of African Americans.

"Negroes and Negro 'Slavery': The First an Inferior Race: The Latter Its Normal Condition" is a work published in 1861 by John H. Van Evrie, a pro-slavery advocate and physician. Van Evrie's publication is a direct and unapologetic argument for the continued enslavement and dehumanization of Black people, based on the assertion of their inherent biological inferiority.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Biological Inferiority:

Van Evrie argued that Black people were inherently biologically inferior to White people. He claimed that this supposed inferiority made them naturally suited for slavery and incapable of thriving in any other condition. This assertion was rooted in pseudoscientific beliefs and racist ideologies.

2. Justification of Slavery:

The central thesis of Van Evrie's work was that slavery was the "normal condition" for Black people. He claimed that enslaving Black people was not only justified but also beneficial for them, as it provided structure and care that they supposedly could not achieve on their own. This argument was used to defend the institution of slavery and resist abolitionist efforts.

3. Paternalism:

Van Evrie's views were deeply paternalistic, suggesting that White slaveholders were acting in the best interests of their Black slaves by providing them with guidance and protection. This paternalism was used to mask the brutal realities of slavery and present it as a benevolent institution.

4. Racial Hierarchies:

Van Evrie's work reinforced racial hierarchies by positing that Black people were inherently inferior and destined to serve White people. This belief in a natural racial order was used to legitimize the systemic oppression and exploitation of African Americans.

Impact and Legacy:

1. Reinforcement of Pro-Slavery Ideology:

Van Evrie's publication was a significant contribution to pro-slavery literature, providing intellectual and pseudo-scientific support for the continuation of slavery. His arguments were used by pro-slavery advocates to counter abolitionist movements and justify the status quo.

2. Dehumanization of Black People:

By asserting the inherent inferiority of Black people and their natural suitability for slavery, Van Evrie's work dehumanized African Americans. It portrayed them as less than human and inherently dependent on White people for their well-being and governance.

3. Influence on Racist Thought:

Van Evrie's ideas influenced other proponents of scientific racism and reinforced existing prejudices. His work contributed to the broader narrative of racial inferiority and supported policies and practices that discriminated against Black people long after the abolition of slavery.

Conclusion:

John H. Van Evrie's "Negroes and Negro 'Slavery': The First an Inferior Race: The Latter Its Normal Condition" is a stark example of the lengths to which pro-slavery advocates went to justify and perpetuate the institution of slavery. By arguing that Black people were inherently suited for slavery due to their biological inferiority, Van Evrie provided a direct and unapologetic rationale for their continued dehumanization and subjugation. His work highlights the insidious ways in which pseudoscientific beliefs and racist ideologies were used to uphold systemic oppression and resist progress toward equality and justice.