Sojourner Truth Essays - American Slaves, Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth In an ever changing world , the evolution of man has been the most drastic in terms of technological, environmental, and emotional advancement. With great expansions in the various areas mentioned earlier the human being has ignored the very entity of there existence, and the power of reasoning, the ability to comprehend right from wrong without distortion. The Narrative of Sojourner Truth illustrates the hardships that were endured: enslavement, illiteracy, underclassing, brutal assaults, and murders. The African -American women were classed as third rate in the human scale that was implemented by the slaveowners; categorized under the whites, then under the African-American males. The African-American women were kept in good standing for the convenience of child bearing. Overburdened with the trials and tribulations of slavery Sojourner Truth was able to prosper with spiritual beliefs. Sojourner Truth's stability was made possible by a strong belief in the Holy Spirit. God was the major source of guidance, and willpower from the commencement of the slave trade until the emancipation of slavery. Slavery was orchestrated on a mass scale and caused the separation of many families in order to ensure that slaves would remain with there respective masters. Subservience to the slaveowners was considered to be sacred. Slaves were mentally programmed to believe there masters were gods. The wives of the slaveowners were seen as goddess's ,with there prime intent on down playing the daily work done by the African-American women. This was evident with Sojourner's first slave mistress, the continuos work routine that was endure by Sojourner, was difficult for males to accomplished. the slaves loyal to there masters. Ignorance of the slaves was a pivotal point in terms of loyalty. Considering slave knowledge was limited, in terms of the genetic appearance, beliefs, and language; slaveowners could use this in a condescending manner to position themselves as gods in the eyes of Sojourner and other slaves. At this time she looked upon her master as a God; and believed that he could see her at all times, even as God himself. 1 Female African-American's were kept from experiencing any form of higher learning, they were confined to common household chores- duties that were befitting of a maid. The majority were sent to perform field duties. The Narrative clearly shows that Sojourner (a.k.a.) Isabella was subjected to this type of work throughout her adult life ,mean while her life began to take shape despite the continuos curtailing of her emotional growth. This is directly related to her mother's early testimony about the highest spirits and the magnitude of his power in relations to suffering and distressing situations. " My children there is a God, who hears and sees you", A God, mau-mau! where does he live? asked the children. "He lives in the sky," she replied, "and when you are beaten ,or cruelly treated, or fall into any trouble, you must ask help of him, and he will always hear and help you." She taught them to keel and say the Lord's prayer. 2 Underclassing exploited the African American women for the most part Sojourner was rated second class by the wife of her slavemaster, the master was very appreciative of the slave that would work for days upon days without sleep. Unlike any other slave Sojourner would work whole heartedly without any form of hesitation. In terms of views of various work loads, and different job types, a local. Although Sojourner was highly noted as a slave she was always sited as something that was irrespectfull of a human. It was a fine triumph for Sojourner and her master, and she became more ambitious than ever to please him; and he stimulated her ambition by his commendation, and by boasting of her to his friends, telling them that "that wench " (pointing to Isabel) is better to me than a man- for she will do a good family's washing in the night, and be ready in the morning to go into the field, where she will do as much at raking and binding as my best hands". 3 Sojourner's work ethics were adopted without the incentive of monetary gain or ownership of land. Payment was the continuance of life, chances to have