Discussion Week 3 - Humanities 112

"Early Abolitionist Art and Literature"

From the reading of Chapter 26, write one paragraph of 125 words or more and chose an autobiographical or fictional account by a slave. Within the paragraph identify the autobiographical or fictional account by a slave and explain whether you think an autobiographical or fictional account by a slave (such as Phyllis Wheatley and Olaudah Equiano) is more persuasive than a biographical or fictional account by a white author (such as John Gabriel Stedman or Aphra Behn). (Compare and Contrast).

Olauduh Equiano, was a native of Benin in West Africa when he was enslaved at the age of eleven in the year of 1756. Freed in the year of 1766 at the age of twenty-one he became literate and educated and wrote about the horrors he experienced and witnessed the treatment of the stolen nation (Africa).

During his accounting (The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudu Equiano), he reminisced and wrote about the eventful trip (Middle Passage (slavery )) that stole his freedom. His portrayal of the unmitigated torture, conditions and deplorable acts caused a stir and his book became one of the most sought after books to help fight slavery in England and America. Whereas John Gabriel Stedman’s narrative (Narrative of a Five Years’ Expedition Against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam) also relayed the horrors, condition of treatment, torture of slaves he still did not support the freedom of slaves because he supported the institution of slavery but felt sorry for the misery and treatment that was slavery. In a sense it was a necessary evil because of the profit to be had. Olaudu wrote the narrative to try to help free slaves.

Olauduh is more persuasive than John Gabriel Stedman because his is an actual biography whereas John’s is an accounting with pro-slavery supportives throughout. Therefore, both narratives assisted in the freedom of slaves despite the differences.

Use critical thinking (the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment) and write one paragraph of 125 words or more that explain whether you believe the representations of slavery in the visual arts (such as William Blake’s illustrations, William Hackwood’s cameo, or John Singleton Copley’s painting) were more compelling and convincing of the injustices of slavery than the literary representations already mentioned. In your explanations, use two specific examples and consider both audience and the content and nature of the work. (Compare and Contrast).

The representation of slavery in the visual arts (William Blake’s illustrations, William Hackwood’s cameo, John Singleton Copley’s painting) although compelling and shocking to witness acts of brutality, atrocities committed that alluded to indecency and less than above-the-board activities dealing with the business of slavery. Both the visual and expressive narratives of (Olauduh Equiano and John Gabriel Stedman) supported the horror of slavery with John Gabriel Stedman supporting slavery as an institution.

Although, visually seeing an atrocity is sometimes more clarifying to the eye and mind and cements the acts of cruelty into depths of reality. Whereas written depiction of detailed precise accounts are more rigid, correct and allows the judgment of objectivity to rein first. Therefore of the two (visual display vs written accounts) written accounts were more convincing, conductive to the end of slavery with the injustices portrayed with such eloquence that none could stop the eventual end of slavery. For example, the portrayal of a Surinam planter in his morning dress by William Blake relays an unwritten message alluding to power. Power that was previously not had but is realized now and has caused jealousy, resentment and other emotions to help eradicate slavery because of the viewing and interpretation and resulting conclusion.

The Narrative of Olauduh Equiano caused an emotional support for the end of slavery and was used avidly by the abolitionists.

Use the Resource Center at the top of your Blackboard course shell and find one article that identifies or discusses a literary or art form in modern times that you think is most effective at depicting injustice and write one paragraph of 125 words or more. Within the paragraph briefly describe what the article says and give examples of the articles reasons for the injustices.

Graphic Art

This artistic form of art has many outlets to express disagreement with ongoing injustices as follows: variety of media, fine art, street art, cartoons, graffiti art, etc. Since censorship is a huge factor that affects all expressions of outrage limits the types of expressive messages sent out to positively connect people to the reality of the situation that is occurring and exposing the injustices fully. The depiction of injustices fly high in the sky as a flag and trumpets loudly with the knowledge of exposure.

Therefore, because of this corrections are done, empathy sought is received, caring develops and the recruits come to assist. Consequently, in modern times this is idea because of mass exposure and the ability to address the situation as a whole in segmented divisions.

This article uses war as an example to display graphic art as a contributor to fighting injustices and further discusses the effects on all and who ultimately comes to the rescue when injustices are done. The reasons for the injustices done are lack of knowledge, more exposure is needed, exploitation, emotional detachment, fear, intimidation, life altering occurrences, inadequate support, inability to adjust back into society normally and ineptness.

Because of this art is used as an emphasis and a way to help and assist those in getting back and merge successfully into society. Lastly, the influence art has is tremendous, incalculable and very effective.

http://artofinjustice.org/index.php/graphic-art#!

co-student reply

I agree with your findings that Olaudah’s recounting of the horrific episode in his life was too detailed to not be true. Further, because other narratives became available this supported his as not fiction because of similarities and not the expression of naïve person of African heritage. Fortunately, he became literate and educated to accomplish his expression and wish to help other slaves. Envisioning an experience of this magnitude is impossible for even the most literate of persons to grasp without pictures, reportings, etc and ongoing protests is what caused a change in thought and freed the slaves.

Thank you.

Felicia