Absurdistwords tweeted this powerful thread about how we need to start using clear language when we talk about slavery because words matter. There’s been so much talk lately from conservatives about how we “must not erase history“, so let’s start talking about it clearly and call it exactly what it really was. Like he says in this thread we need to stop obscuring the horror with detached, antiquated, euphemistic terms. You can see by his examples how much of a difference this clearer terminology makes and he also explains why it’s important to do this:
Source: Absurdistwords
(via: Ashley Gantt)
Because the word “slavery” does not have horrible enough connotations? Because people think slaves had wonderful lives?
Some people actually believed then and still believe now that the enslaved *like* their servitude. So, yeah, maybe another word is needed.
This is, for one big example, an issue people bring up with the Bible and Christian teachings. The Bible, if read from the modern viewpoint, seems to condone or at least turn a blind eye to slavery, with verses such as “slaves, in all things obey your masters on earth …”
But we must understand that what the Bible calls “slaves” we would call “indentured servants” — they had certain rights, including their time of servitude being temporary, and generally were not seen as inanimate objects to be bought, sold and profited from. In fact, a few verses later the Bible also says “Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven”.
Words do matter, and they matter both ways.