Eric Foner, author of the book Give Me Liberty which details historic events in the United States history, especially towards liberty and equality. American slavery is discussed in the first volume of this book as a theme that contributed to liberty for all Americans. Slavery remains to be a historic activity that led to the liberation of individuals living within the American borders, free or slaves. The liberation however had to come with a struggle such as the American and Civil wars that ended slavery in the United States. Slaves were taken to work mostly on agricultural farms as well as other economic activities, especially in southern America. In northern America, few skilled slaves were taken to work in the industries as the region underwent the industrial revolution. The slaves performed their tasks under strict supervision by their masters who ensured that they only served them barring them from realizing their ambitions.
Foner defines paternalistic ethos or paternalism refers to the unwelcome inhibition of an individual’s freedom by another individual, where the act is justified by stating that it is for the individual’s best interest (67). This was a common practice during the slavery period where slaves were owned by their masters who dictated their objectives and goals in life. Slaves engaged in activities that were determined by their masters and in return were handed a good life by receiving constant medical care and the provision of basic needs (Foner, p131). Although this was kind of the slave owners, they denied the slaves their basic freedom of choice where they could not improve their skills and abilities to attain their personal goals in life. This led to the American and Civil wars that violently stated the freedom required for the slaves.
Assuming the position of the wealthy plantation owner, paternalism was directed towards creating a master-servant relationship that was supposed to be mutual. The slave owner gains directly from the welfare of the slaves and the slaves gained directly from offering their services to the slave owner. Paternalistic ethos was meant to ensure order within the practice of slavery and avoid an uprising by the slaves. Societies were undergoing civilization and humans from the less developed nations at the time could not survive. By employing them in the developed nations, they would acquire basic skills that they can employ back at home and improve the development of their nations. Christianity and access to medical care necessitated slavery otherwise the slaves would perish (Foner, p162). Slavery was therefore to the best of their interest where they could progress later in life.
As a slave, the paternalistic ethos was meant to define our position in society as servants. This means that we were to serve our masters without question and perform our delegated tasks according to their will. Paternalism ensured that we identified sources of authority and channels through which we could seek redress. The lack of freedom was the only aspect of paternalism that proved to be a major issue although it is the basic assumption of slavery.
As a capitalist northerner, paternalism should ensure order among the slaves and their relationship with their owners. It should also ensure the welfare of both the slaves and the slave owners who required each other’s services. Paternalistic ethos aimed at creating a lasting relationship between the slaves and slave owners by allowing the slaves to realize their potential and receiving wages for their services.
Works Cited
Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!: An American History, Vol. 2, Ch 11. Boston: Norton, W. W. & Co., Inc., 2004.