Sunday, October 8, 2017
Personal Review
"The Book of Negroes" was one of the best books that I have ever read. The first chapter confused me and I wasn't really sure what was happening but after, I fell in love. The book was very graphic and descriptive full of action and adventurous moments throughout ever chapter. After each section of the book, all I wanted to do was read on. The book was so good that I had to search the Internet for the television series (which was not as good as the book). I would recommend this book to anyone who reads or even people who don't read. Personally,I am not a big reader and I don't really like reading but I honestly really enjoyed this book.Not a surprise that this book is a #1 national best seller. Thanks to Ms. Koch for recommending it to me. P.S. if you are lookimg for my introductory post it is on the previous page to my blog.
Dialectical Journal #5
Passage:
"Personally I concluded that no place in the world was entirely safe for an African, and that for many of us, survival depended on perpetual migration."(p.385)
Background:
After spending time in her new home of Freetown, Aminata was having second thoughts about living there as it was next door to a slave trading post.
Commentary:
Throughout "The Book of Negroes" travelling to avoid conflict was a key component for Aminata's survival. On Applebee's farm, Aminata was threatened from the harsh living conditions. Many "Negroes died from the pox"(p.150),while working on the farm so they only sure way to avoid beatings and sickness was to leave the farm. Aminata unintentionally forced Applebee to sell her off the farm and to Solomon Lindo which eventually led her to Nova Scotia. In Nova Scotia the whites became furious with the blacks because the whites felt they were loosing jobs to the Negroes who were working for next to nothing. The whites began "killing folks"(p.340) and "They've gone crazy"(p.340). Realizing Nova Scotia was now too dangerous for an African to live in, Aminata and the other blacks had to find a new place to live. With the arrival of John Clarkson, the opportunity of moving and starting a colony in Freetown became the best option. Living in Freetown beside a slave trading post worried Aminata as she felt the residents of Freetown could be taken as slaves once again. As soon as Aminata saw the opportunity to leave Freetown and live in London, she left. Transportation as a means of survival has been evident throughout Canadian history. Some groups of Aboriginals often had to travel for survival. When the Buffalo or other animals migrated and moved to avoid weather changes, the Aboriginals travelled with them as these animals were a big part of their diet. Travis Kalanick once said "We want transportation as reliable as running water". I agree with this statement because many people even today need to travel to go to work or to escape wars and conflicts similar to Aminata.
"Personally I concluded that no place in the world was entirely safe for an African, and that for many of us, survival depended on perpetual migration."(p.385)
Background:
After spending time in her new home of Freetown, Aminata was having second thoughts about living there as it was next door to a slave trading post.
Commentary:
Throughout "The Book of Negroes" travelling to avoid conflict was a key component for Aminata's survival. On Applebee's farm, Aminata was threatened from the harsh living conditions. Many "Negroes died from the pox"(p.150),while working on the farm so they only sure way to avoid beatings and sickness was to leave the farm. Aminata unintentionally forced Applebee to sell her off the farm and to Solomon Lindo which eventually led her to Nova Scotia. In Nova Scotia the whites became furious with the blacks because the whites felt they were loosing jobs to the Negroes who were working for next to nothing. The whites began "killing folks"(p.340) and "They've gone crazy"(p.340). Realizing Nova Scotia was now too dangerous for an African to live in, Aminata and the other blacks had to find a new place to live. With the arrival of John Clarkson, the opportunity of moving and starting a colony in Freetown became the best option. Living in Freetown beside a slave trading post worried Aminata as she felt the residents of Freetown could be taken as slaves once again. As soon as Aminata saw the opportunity to leave Freetown and live in London, she left. Transportation as a means of survival has been evident throughout Canadian history. Some groups of Aboriginals often had to travel for survival. When the Buffalo or other animals migrated and moved to avoid weather changes, the Aboriginals travelled with them as these animals were a big part of their diet. Travis Kalanick once said "We want transportation as reliable as running water". I agree with this statement because many people even today need to travel to go to work or to escape wars and conflicts similar to Aminata.
Moments after the riot on the slave ship.
Dialectical Journal #4
Passage:
"I had learned that there were times when fighting was impossible, when the best thing to do was to wait and to learn"(p.379-380)
Background:
Slaves were being transported through Freetown, a town where many of the inhabitants were formally slaves. The people of Freetown wanted to fight the slave traders and free the slaves before they are to reach the shoreline. Aminata felt that they should wait because picking a fight with the slave traders was a fight that the small community of Freetown would not win.
Commentary:
If you came face to face with a bear, would you fight or run from the beast? Aminata does her best to avoid altercations but on multiple occasions she has to decide weather to fight or to be patient. While on the long walk to the slave ship, Aminata doesn't fight or try to escape because those who did were "cut loose and slaughtered"(p.32). When on the ship during the riot, Aminata "didn't move"(p.90) as she knew for a thirteen year old girl to participate in the riot would be suicide. On the boat, Aminata decided the best thing to do was to wait and learn and not fight but the saying "pick your battles" doesn't always apply. In the mini television series based on "The Book of Negroes", Chekura (Aminata's husband) was forced to go to war and fight for the British. In this case, Chekura couldn't wait and learn but instead he had to fight.I agree with Aminata when she says "sometimes the best thing to do (is) to wait and to learn" and asses the situation and think before acting. For example, often at lunch or after school, I am often faced with people who oppose my ideas or thoughts resulting in me becoming tempered and irritated. As much as I would like to have an outburst and let my emotions loose, I stop and realize the consequences that my actions would have.
"I had learned that there were times when fighting was impossible, when the best thing to do was to wait and to learn"(p.379-380)
Background:
Slaves were being transported through Freetown, a town where many of the inhabitants were formally slaves. The people of Freetown wanted to fight the slave traders and free the slaves before they are to reach the shoreline. Aminata felt that they should wait because picking a fight with the slave traders was a fight that the small community of Freetown would not win.
Commentary:
If you came face to face with a bear, would you fight or run from the beast? Aminata does her best to avoid altercations but on multiple occasions she has to decide weather to fight or to be patient. While on the long walk to the slave ship, Aminata doesn't fight or try to escape because those who did were "cut loose and slaughtered"(p.32). When on the ship during the riot, Aminata "didn't move"(p.90) as she knew for a thirteen year old girl to participate in the riot would be suicide. On the boat, Aminata decided the best thing to do was to wait and learn and not fight but the saying "pick your battles" doesn't always apply. In the mini television series based on "The Book of Negroes", Chekura (Aminata's husband) was forced to go to war and fight for the British. In this case, Chekura couldn't wait and learn but instead he had to fight.I agree with Aminata when she says "sometimes the best thing to do (is) to wait and to learn" and asses the situation and think before acting. For example, often at lunch or after school, I am often faced with people who oppose my ideas or thoughts resulting in me becoming tempered and irritated. As much as I would like to have an outburst and let my emotions loose, I stop and realize the consequences that my actions would have.
Aminata embracing Chekura before he leaves to war.
Dialectical Journal #3
Passage:
“To gaze into another persons face is to do two things: to recognize their humanity and to assert your own.”(p.29)
Background:
After being taken captive by slave traders, Aminata felt that by looking into the captors eyes she would be able to tell if they were good or evil.
Commentary:
During the 1700's, most of the world was under British rule. The British used their power over the black people to give them no rights because they were not of British decent. Blacks were treated as property and were given no respect as they were just slaves for whites. People attempt to gain respect and claim humanity in different ways. In the novel, Aminanta was not always treated as an equal human but she knew that everyone should be treated alike. In order for Aminata to make sure she was treated equal, she would "gaze into anther persons face"(p.29) and assert her humanity. This technique often worked for Aminata as she frequently avoided beatings and was treated by many whites with respect. Not only were the blacks treated unfairly however, but also the Jews. Solomon Lindo was a Jew but he was treated with high respect for being intelligent at farming and selling indigo. Mr. Lindo was the "indigo inspector for the entire Province of South Carolina"(p.167). As a result of Mr. Lindo's high status in the indigo trade, he was always treated as an equal. Jackie Robinson had a unique way to assert his humanity in "42", a movie based on a true story about the first black baseball player in the MLB. Facing unabashed racism from players and fans, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting to the racism as any incident could ruin his chances achieving his dreams as a professional baseball player. Robinson let his play on the field show how he was just as talented as a white baseball player and ultimately winning over his teammates and fans. In "The Book of Negroes" and "42", equality between all races is obscure resulting in diverse techniques for outcasts to gain identity and humanity.
“To gaze into another persons face is to do two things: to recognize their humanity and to assert your own.”(p.29)
Background:
After being taken captive by slave traders, Aminata felt that by looking into the captors eyes she would be able to tell if they were good or evil.
Commentary:
During the 1700's, most of the world was under British rule. The British used their power over the black people to give them no rights because they were not of British decent. Blacks were treated as property and were given no respect as they were just slaves for whites. People attempt to gain respect and claim humanity in different ways. In the novel, Aminanta was not always treated as an equal human but she knew that everyone should be treated alike. In order for Aminata to make sure she was treated equal, she would "gaze into anther persons face"(p.29) and assert her humanity. This technique often worked for Aminata as she frequently avoided beatings and was treated by many whites with respect. Not only were the blacks treated unfairly however, but also the Jews. Solomon Lindo was a Jew but he was treated with high respect for being intelligent at farming and selling indigo. Mr. Lindo was the "indigo inspector for the entire Province of South Carolina"(p.167). As a result of Mr. Lindo's high status in the indigo trade, he was always treated as an equal. Jackie Robinson had a unique way to assert his humanity in "42", a movie based on a true story about the first black baseball player in the MLB. Facing unabashed racism from players and fans, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting to the racism as any incident could ruin his chances achieving his dreams as a professional baseball player. Robinson let his play on the field show how he was just as talented as a white baseball player and ultimately winning over his teammates and fans. In "The Book of Negroes" and "42", equality between all races is obscure resulting in diverse techniques for outcasts to gain identity and humanity.
Jackie Robinson (right) and a fellow teammate (left) in the powerful inspiring movie "42".
Dialectical Journal #1
Passage:
“I remember wondering, within a year or two of taking my first steps, why only men sat to drink tea and converse, and why women were always busy. I reasoned that men were weak and needed rest.” (p.13)
Background:
In Aminata's village, at a young age small children were to be carried around by their mothers while the mothers work. While on her mom's back, Aminata would usually notice women doing hard work while the men relaxed.
Commentary:
Throughout the entire story, a common idea of women being thought of less then men was evident. Although Aminata lived in this type of society, she believed that woman should be thought of the same as men despite living in a time where sexism was predominant. Aminata based her opinions of others on how they treat her and not on what sex they were. Aminata was "pained"(p.160) by even just the sight of Mr. Applebee after he had "humiliated"(p.172) her and raped the "African whore"(p.161). However her feelings towards John Clarkson were much different as he treated her equally and that his "promises were real"(p.359). Although both white men, Clarkson and Applebee were both very different resulting in Aminata to have very different opinions on the two men. It wasn't just white men that Aminata judged adversely but also white woman. When Aminata arrived at her new home with the Lindo's, Mrs. Lindo immediately invited Aminata to join them for dinner and explained to her that in her household, "blacks and jews"(p.212) are equal and are to be treated graciously. On the other hand, Mr. Lindo's sister wouldn't "waste time or money"(p.217) on Aminata forcing Aminata to find work for herself which was a near impossible task at the time for a black woman. Aminata loved Mrs.Lindo and she "trusted her more than any other white person"(p.215) but she despised Mr. Lindo's sister. During the 1700's, woman were often abused and raped. They were judged on their ability to have children and they were thought of as property for men. Aminata was able to avoid the troubles of men by using her intelligence and courage. In 2017, although great advancements in womans rights have been regarded, many aspects of women today are still thought of sex objects and attendants to men. Playboy magazines have been greatly disregarded by feminists and many others as they are thought to be degrading and sexist towards women. Although these woman are not being treated as poorly as Aminata was, one could wonder what Aminata would say if she flipped through a playboy magazine and saw pages of practically naked women models. The demotion of woman is perceptible in the story and still in our world today.
“I remember wondering, within a year or two of taking my first steps, why only men sat to drink tea and converse, and why women were always busy. I reasoned that men were weak and needed rest.” (p.13)
Background:
In Aminata's village, at a young age small children were to be carried around by their mothers while the mothers work. While on her mom's back, Aminata would usually notice women doing hard work while the men relaxed.
Commentary:
Throughout the entire story, a common idea of women being thought of less then men was evident. Although Aminata lived in this type of society, she believed that woman should be thought of the same as men despite living in a time where sexism was predominant. Aminata based her opinions of others on how they treat her and not on what sex they were. Aminata was "pained"(p.160) by even just the sight of Mr. Applebee after he had "humiliated"(p.172) her and raped the "African whore"(p.161). However her feelings towards John Clarkson were much different as he treated her equally and that his "promises were real"(p.359). Although both white men, Clarkson and Applebee were both very different resulting in Aminata to have very different opinions on the two men. It wasn't just white men that Aminata judged adversely but also white woman. When Aminata arrived at her new home with the Lindo's, Mrs. Lindo immediately invited Aminata to join them for dinner and explained to her that in her household, "blacks and jews"(p.212) are equal and are to be treated graciously. On the other hand, Mr. Lindo's sister wouldn't "waste time or money"(p.217) on Aminata forcing Aminata to find work for herself which was a near impossible task at the time for a black woman. Aminata loved Mrs.Lindo and she "trusted her more than any other white person"(p.215) but she despised Mr. Lindo's sister. During the 1700's, woman were often abused and raped. They were judged on their ability to have children and they were thought of as property for men. Aminata was able to avoid the troubles of men by using her intelligence and courage. In 2017, although great advancements in womans rights have been regarded, many aspects of women today are still thought of sex objects and attendants to men. Playboy magazines have been greatly disregarded by feminists and many others as they are thought to be degrading and sexist towards women. Although these woman are not being treated as poorly as Aminata was, one could wonder what Aminata would say if she flipped through a playboy magazine and saw pages of practically naked women models. The demotion of woman is perceptible in the story and still in our world today.
Aminata and Mrs.Lindo laughing and enjoying their time together.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Dialectical Journal #2
Passage:
"I do not like that woman.
“You must learn to respect," Papa said.
"But I do not respect her," I said.
Papa paused for a moment, and patted my leg. "Then you must learn to hide your disrespect.” "(p.21)
Background: Aminata and her father were walking past a woman that recently beat Aminata
Commentary:
Throughout the novel, disrespect was evident almost everywhere Aminata travelled. In this passage, Aminata hated a woman that would often discipline her for her wrong doings. Although she hid her disrespect from the woman, as she grew older, she often showed impudence towards other characters in the story. In America on the indigo farm, Robinson Applebee (Aminata's current master) threatened to "burn every single thing in (her) hut"(p.179). But, Aminata "back talked"(p.179) Mr. Applebee saying that she has "a home, a home that she lives in"(p.179). Currently eighteen years old, Aminata decided to ignore her father's instructions about hiding disrespect. On the Indigo farm, everyone knew that if you were to show any disrespect towards Applebee, you are to be beaten from head to toe.However, in this situation, Aminata was correct to show her disrespect as shortly after Aminata was sold off the Indigo farm to a much healthier living space with Solomon Lindo. But even when living with Mr. Lindo, Aminata again ignored her father's advice. After talking back and forth with Lindo, Aminata refused to "cook and do as (he) says"(p.227). In many homes,a salve refusing to do work for their master would result in an instant beating but again, Aminata was able to escape any whipping just by ignoring what her father advised. It is evident that after Aminata grew older, her courage incited her to discount what her father has told her about hiding her disrespect. With this in mind the author of "The Book of Negroes" is attempting to show how as you mature, the lessons you receive as a child begin to fade as you find yourself and your individuality.
"I do not like that woman.
“You must learn to respect," Papa said.
"But I do not respect her," I said.
Papa paused for a moment, and patted my leg. "Then you must learn to hide your disrespect.” "(p.21)
Background: Aminata and her father were walking past a woman that recently beat Aminata
Commentary:
Throughout the novel, disrespect was evident almost everywhere Aminata travelled. In this passage, Aminata hated a woman that would often discipline her for her wrong doings. Although she hid her disrespect from the woman, as she grew older, she often showed impudence towards other characters in the story. In America on the indigo farm, Robinson Applebee (Aminata's current master) threatened to "burn every single thing in (her) hut"(p.179). But, Aminata "back talked"(p.179) Mr. Applebee saying that she has "a home, a home that she lives in"(p.179). Currently eighteen years old, Aminata decided to ignore her father's instructions about hiding disrespect. On the Indigo farm, everyone knew that if you were to show any disrespect towards Applebee, you are to be beaten from head to toe.However, in this situation, Aminata was correct to show her disrespect as shortly after Aminata was sold off the Indigo farm to a much healthier living space with Solomon Lindo. But even when living with Mr. Lindo, Aminata again ignored her father's advice. After talking back and forth with Lindo, Aminata refused to "cook and do as (he) says"(p.227). In many homes,a salve refusing to do work for their master would result in an instant beating but again, Aminata was able to escape any whipping just by ignoring what her father advised. It is evident that after Aminata grew older, her courage incited her to discount what her father has told her about hiding her disrespect. With this in mind the author of "The Book of Negroes" is attempting to show how as you mature, the lessons you receive as a child begin to fade as you find yourself and your individuality.
The image above shows Aminata shortly before getting her head shaved by Mr. Lindo for disrespecting him.
Introductory Post
Laurence Hill's #1 national bestseller "The Book of Negroes" is an inspiring, adventurous tale of an African woman that survived the harsh lifestyle that many Africans in the 17 and early 1800's had to go through during the slave trade. The story begins with a young African girl named Aminata born in the village of Bayo in 1745 where she lived with her father a jeweler and her mother a midwife. When she was eleven years old, her parents were killed by slave traders and she was kidnapped and forced to walk for months bound with chains around her neck and wrists all the way to sea. During her long walk to sea, Aminata met her future husband Chekura who was sold to the slave traders by his uncle to work for them. Upon her arrival at "the big river", she boarded a slave ship in which she was able to stay alive using her skills as a midwife on the ship to aide injured and pregnant mothers, helping her to be desired by the ships medicine man. The ship arrived in America in 1757 where Aminata was sold to a malicious indigo farmer. Aminata quickly learned how to read, write and speak the english language, living at the indigo farm which not many "Negroes" at the time could do. In 1760, Chekura was able to find his way to the farm where Aminata served and the two got married and had a son. Unfortunately, the farm owner deceitfully sold the son out of rage and jealousy. After the selling of her son, Aminata refused to work forcing the farm owner to sell her in 1762, to a rich Indigo trader named Solomon Lindo in need of a servant. Mr. Lindo treated Aminata kindly and unlike her last owner, he never put a hand on her. Solomon Lindo lived in Charles Town where Aminata stayed alive by doing odd jobs for Mr. Lindo and working as a midwife. In 1775, Mr. Lindo brought Aminata to New York with him on a business trip. Here, Aminata was able to escape Lindo and finally be free so she thought. In New York, Aminata worked at a bar and as a midwife and spent her free time teaching the blacks of New York how to read and write. Here, Chekura miraculously was able to track down Aminata getting her pregnant once again. In 1783, the British offered the blacks of New York a chance at a new, free life in Nova Scotia. Aminata arrived in Nova Scotia safely but Chekura did not as his ship was sunk on the way there in a storm. Here, Aminata finds work for a family as their servant. While working for the family, Aminata has her baby and the family she is working for couldn't be more happy. In 1785, whites of Nova Scotia began attacking and sabotaging the blacks which forced Aminata to go into hiding without her child for three days. After the fighting ended, Aminata returned to the families house that had been taking care of her daughter in her absence only to realize that the family had fled to Boston with her child. Recognizing life in Nova Scotia was too dangerous, Aminata fled to Freetown which was a British colony in Africa that was promised to offer the blacks of Nova Scotia freedom. Now the year 1800, the black loyalists began building their community in Freetown under the supervision of the British Military. Being in Africa reminded Aminata of her home village "Bayo" so naturally, Aminata requested that she is to be taken back to her village where she can tell her fellow villagers about the voyage she had been on. But on the way to her village, Aminata realized her guides were planning to sell her to slave traders so to save herself, she escapes to a small community where she becomes a story teller only to return back to Freetown some time later. A group of abolitionists trying to end the slave trade request the Aminata come with them to London to tell her story of being a slave. She tells her story to the government and the bill to end the slave trade in Africa was passed. In London, Aminata's daughter was able to track her down because of her mother's exposure. Finally, Aminata felt free and that she can finally end her life knowing how her story helped so many and how it will continue to help many more in years to come.
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