SUMMARY
Elkins-A view of slavery as a totalitarian system that destroyed blacks' personalities
Genovese-A view of slavery as a paternalistic system within which blacks could maintain their humanity
SAQ Sample Student Response (3/3 Points)
a) One major difference is that Elkins argues slavery infantilized and completely dehumanized slaves, creating a submissive “Sambo” personality, whereas Genovese emphasizes that slaves actively resisted oppression and maintained a sense of autonomy through religion and cultural adaptation. Essentially, Elkins sees slavery as total domination, while Genovese sees room for agency within the system.
b) One historical example supporting Elkins is the use of the gang labor system on large cotton plantations in the Deep South, where slaves were subjected to rigid schedules, harsh punishments, and constant supervision, which limited their autonomy and reinforced dependency on masters.
c) One historical example supporting Genovese is the development of the “invisible institution,” in which enslaved African Americans practiced Christianity in ways that emphasized personal salvation, communal support, and spiritual equality, allowing them to resist the psychological control intended by the planter class.
Notes (Why This Earns 3/3)
Other Examples:
Examples Supporting Elkins (Slavery as Dehumanizing / “Sambo” Personality)
Examples Supporting Genovese (Slaves’ Agency and Resistance within Paternalism)
Elkins-A view of slavery as a totalitarian system that destroyed blacks' personalities
Genovese-A view of slavery as a paternalistic system within which blacks could maintain their humanity
SAQ Sample Student Response (3/3 Points)
a) One major difference is that Elkins argues slavery infantilized and completely dehumanized slaves, creating a submissive “Sambo” personality, whereas Genovese emphasizes that slaves actively resisted oppression and maintained a sense of autonomy through religion and cultural adaptation. Essentially, Elkins sees slavery as total domination, while Genovese sees room for agency within the system.
b) One historical example supporting Elkins is the use of the gang labor system on large cotton plantations in the Deep South, where slaves were subjected to rigid schedules, harsh punishments, and constant supervision, which limited their autonomy and reinforced dependency on masters.
c) One historical example supporting Genovese is the development of the “invisible institution,” in which enslaved African Americans practiced Christianity in ways that emphasized personal salvation, communal support, and spiritual equality, allowing them to resist the psychological control intended by the planter class.
Notes (Why This Earns 3/3)
- (a) Identifies a clear difference in interpretation, not just a summary.
- (b) Uses specific historical evidence consistent with Elkins’ argument (rigid control, dehumanization).
- (c) Uses specific historical evidence consistent with Genovese’s argument (religious/spiritual resistance, cultural autonomy).
Other Examples:
Examples Supporting Elkins (Slavery as Dehumanizing / “Sambo” Personality)
- Chattel Slavery and Total Control. The legal status of slaves as property in Southern states’ slave codes (e.g., 1740 South Carolina Code) limited all autonomy, forbade literacy, and made punishment absolute. Enforced sexual exploitation by masters reinforced total power and dependency.
- Brutal Punishments. Whippings, branding, or confinement were common for “disobedient” slaves, reinforcing fear and dependency. Example: The Stono Rebellion (1739, SC) aftermath included executions and harsh laws to instill obedience.
- Gang Labor / Work Systems. On cotton and sugar plantations, long, regimented workdays under overseers made slaves completely dependent on the master for survival and guidance. Limits on family autonomy (e.g., selling children away) contributed to infantilization.
- Psychological Control. Masters imposed strict hierarchical social structures, emphasizing obedience and discouraging independent thought, leading to what Elkins calls “perpetual child” dependency.
Examples Supporting Genovese (Slaves’ Agency and Resistance within Paternalism)
- Religious Autonomy. The “invisible institution”: enslaved people held secret religious meetings, emphasizing spiritual freedom and hope. Use of spirituals to communicate resistance and hope, e.g., “Steal Away to Jesus” or coded messages for escape.
- Everyday Resistance. Work slowdowns, feigned illness, breaking tools, or sabotage—subtle methods to resist labor without direct confrontation. Example: Sabotaging the cotton press or plow to assert some control over work conditions.
- Maintaining Family and Community. Slaves built kinship networks, cared for children communally, and passed down traditions, maintaining culture and humanity despite paternalism.
- Negotiating Paternalistic Relationships. Slaves sometimes leveraged “loyalty” or compliance to gain small privileges, such as better rations, time off, or protection, showing they could interpret and manipulate the system.