Positive Look on Slavery?

White, in his writing Somewhat More Independent: The End of Slavery in New York City, starts off with a surprised tone, stating that slavery in New York is neglected despite the fact that New York and New Jersey were two of the most reliant states to use slavery in the North. White states that in studies of both states, historians either overlook it or barely mention it. White attempts to make a contribution to the understanding of black life and slavery in the North. He also states that compared to the South, slavery in the North was used while avoiding moral slander associated with it, where slaveholders had a “caring hand.” White also seems to point out that slavery wasn’t as negative as it is in New York, stating that a distinctive black culture and families were formed because of slavery.

The website starts off similar to how smoking ads start in modern times. Facts and images are shown that reveal the morally wrong reasons of slavery. But then, it leads to New York being called a sanctuary, where slaves that sought for freedom were able to come to New York to do paid labor. This was a step towards becoming free people. Then on, slavery slowly became abolished until 1827, where it was completely abolished. However, they were still subject to racism.

While both sources have comparable views of slavery in New York, the website is more anti-slavery than White’s writings. The website automatically jumps from facts of slavery into the  abolishment of slavery, showing that each step makes the African American individual stronger. White, although in agreement in the morality issues raised by slavery, attempts to state the benefits of slavery and attempts to dilute the negative effects of slavery. Both also speak about the ends of slavery.