In the New York Times article titled “Not Quite a Teen, Yet Sold for Sex” by Nicholas D. Kristoff, there are apparent connections between Brianna (a victim of sex trafficking) and Harriet Jacobs, along with other slaves, in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. The more obvious similarity in these texts is the enslavement that takes place which is against the victims’ will. Kristoff stated Brianna’s pimp told her, “…[H]e was a pimp and that she was now his property.” This statement is very similar to how Harriet describes slave masters’ views of their illegitimate children with female slaves, “They regard their children as property, as marketable as the pigs on a plantation…[P]assing them into the slave trader’s hands as soon as possible, thus getting them out of their sight” (A, 777). Here, the issue of humans treating others cruelly and as property is ostensible.
Another similarity in these texts is the affection shared between enslaved victims and their master. Kristoff states there is “..[A] complex web of emotions, including fear of the pimp but also a deluded affection and a measure of Stockholm syndrome.” Kristoff believes that this psychological treatment is what causes sex trafficking victims not wanting to escape. Much like these victims, Harriet felt a strong admiration and devotion to her former mistress: “I loved her; for she was like a mother to me” (A, 768). While Harriet appears to have loved her former mistress due to her “kind” treatment, it is important to remember that she is still her mistress’ slave and has limited freedom. Both Harriet and sex trafficking victims like Brianna tend to venerate and look to their masters with respect even though they are treated inhumanely.
Very astute analysis, Shelita.