Introduction
Both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs were enslaved people who experienced significant suffering during their lives. However, their experiences as male and female slaves differed in several ways. One key difference between the sufferings of male and female slaves was the sexual exploitation that enslaved women were subjected to. In “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” Jacobs writes about the sexual abuse that she and other enslaved women were only an object to their owners and other white men (Douglass, 2019). This abuse included rape, harassment, and the threat of being sold to different owners if they resisted or complained. Enslaved women were also often separated from their families and children, who could be sold at any time. Douglass, as an enslaved man, did not experience the same level of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Discussion
Another difference was the lack of legal protections for enslaved women. Douglass was able to eventually gain his freedom through lawful means, such as purchasing his space and using the law to defend himself against false charges. Enslaved women, on the other hand, had fewer legal protections and were often unable to use the law to their advantage (Douglass, 2019). They could not own property, bring legal cases, or testify in court, making it more difficult for them to gain their freedom or seek justice for abuse.
Enslaved women, on the other hand, were usually relegated to domestic work, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children (Ann, 2018). While both types of work were demanding and often involved long hours, enslaved men were often subjected to more physically grueling labor and had fewer opportunities for education and personal development. Despite these differences, both Douglass and Jacobs wrote about the mental and emotional toll that slavery took on them and their fellow slaves which is shown at the end of their works (Douglass, 2019). Both depicted the constant fear of being separated from their families, the feeling of powerlessness and oppression, and the psychological damage caused by the dehumanizing treatment they received. One as well as the other also mentioned the importance of education and the role it played in their eventual escape from slavery.
In addition to the differences in abuse and exploitation, there were also details in which male and female slaves stood against their enslavement. Douglass, as an enslaved man, was able to use his physical strength and size to resist and escape slavery. He also used his education and writing skills to advocate for the abolition of slavery and to inspire others to fight for their freedom. All of that is presented at the end of the novel, where the life of Douglass is described in all the details. Enslaved women, on the other hand, had fewer options for physical resistance and often had to rely on more subtle forms of resistance, such as feigning illness or sabotage (Ann, 2018). Jacobs also used her writing and education to fight against slavery and to advocate for the rights of enslaved women. She wrote “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” under the pseudonym Lydia Maria Child in order to protect her identity and avoid retribution from her former owner. The book still remains popular and helps to shed light on the experiences of enslaved women and the specific challenges they faced.
Conclusion
Overall, the experiences of male and female slaves were shaped by their gender and the societal expectations and roles that came with it. While both Douglass and Jacobs suffered greatly under the institution of slavery, their experiences differed in significant ways due to the gender-based discrimination and oppression they faced. Their writings, however, have helped to shed light on the common hardships and struggles of all enslaved people and have inspired future generations to fight for justice and equality.
References
Ann, H. (2018). Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl. Outlook Verlag.
Douglass, F. (2019). Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass. Bibliotech Press.