Essay On Discrimination In Virginia

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The escalation of racism due to the enslavement of Africans led the Colony of Virginia to progress from a “society with slaves” to a “slave society”. Although an economic incentive drove Virginians to become increasingly oppressive of slaves, the exploitation of slaves was deemed acceptable due to prejudice. Virginians and other Englishmen always treated white indentured servants fairly. These servants were given land after their work sentence was completed and had rights during the time in which they were servants and after. The law protected the servants and the servants were not the property of other Englishmen, they were simply workers. In contrast, Africans were regarded as inferior to Englishmen. Englishmen treated their African indentured servants…show more content…
The color black was already associated with evil, danger, and wickedness in the eyes of the Englishmen. These color associations along with other observations made by the Englishmen eventually led them to the conclusion that blackness was opposite whiteness. These ideas led the Englishmen to believe that Africans were naturally wicked and that their heathen and sinful behavior was ingrained. Reflecting their preconceived notions, the Englishmen inflicted unfair punishments and restrictions on the Africans. Black indentured servants and free blacks were discriminated against solely because of prejudice. This discrimination only continued as the English began to enslave Africans. Although racism did lead to chattel slavery, racist acts were intensified by the economy and need for slavery. Racism existed in Virginia prior to the enactment of laws regarding slavery, but as slaves were deemed necessary for the success of the colony, discrimination only increased. Africans were more systematically oppressed than ever and Virginia progressed to a “slave society” as this
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