Reader Response Essay - Slave Purchases and Breeding: Unruly Slave :: Reader Response Essays

Reader Response Essay - Slave Purchases and Breeding Unruly SlaveMy initial response to G. B. Wallaces garner was one of confusion. As I reread the piece given the title Slave Purchases and Breeding Unruly Slave, Wallace, G.B I realized that it was nothing more than a business letter between a slave owner and an associate of his that could presumably help him bulge out of his situation. The language of the letter created a small barrier, since it was out of date in comparison to contemporary American language, but with a little effort, I could see the authors intentions. For example, I have neer heard the word aforesaid use before. Using the context of the letter, I could deduce that it simply means mentioned earlier or said beforehand. This reaction doesnt surprise me because I rarely read literature from this clock time period, and eachthing you dont do often takes a little time to get used to. I adjusted to the language easily, because the letter was short and simple, t hus requiring little patience to understand. As far as my reaction to the actual subject number of the letter, I was not overly shocked or repelled by the inhumanity concerning the slaves. I dont support slavery or reconcile any prejudices. I think human property is very wrong. Americans should be ashamed to bear its disgraces as part of our history. The truth should be known, though that is part of our history, and more horrible things happened because of it. This short letter, however, did not arouse any of the anger that comes with the portrayal of such(prenominal) injustice. I am a sensible person, but I am also very sympathetic and sensitive to the needs of others. When extreme prejudices occur, such as slavery, and I read stories or watch movies about it, it really does sadden me. I didnt feel this way at all after reading this letter about slave trading. Maybe it is because nothing in the letter, such as the tone or word usage, led me to believe that these slaves were being mistreated. Obviously, slavery in itself is mistreatment, but it was also part of the southern culture of that time period. I mean, just because someone owned slaves doesnt necessarily mean he is a horrible person. People do things that I consider to be immoral all the time, but I dont condemn them as bad.