Upon reading both articles, I am in support of Colin Dayan claim that the masters abused their power, and they did have a right for that time period. Both readings explained how slaves were treated under their masters control. As according to “The Dred Scott Decision” (1857) article it says that colored people were considered as of low position in the social class who were owned by the “dominant race” being the white men. It was said that emancipation of not, the slaves were slaves until the owner said so, and therefore meant absolute control for these masters. Overall in this case it was determined that Dred Scott being in a state of slave free did not mean he was a free slave because he was property and until he was a freeman then he’d be a free slave in such states.
In regards to Frederick Douglass’ narrative, he was aware of the absolute power his masters had, and the lack of intellgence slaves had. In his account he explained how his own aunt had been whipped to blood shed in front of him various times. Douglass stated “the louder she screamed, the harder he whipped; and where the blood ran fastest, there he whipped longest” which proved how evil and barbaric these masters abused their power to. Further in the reading we also view how masters wanted their slaves to have no knowledge. Frederick began to read with his masters wife which he said ” Learning would SPOIL, the best nigger in the world”, and this meant knowledge would make him superior plus create thoughts for rights. The power of slave masters were absolute and dangerous so at that time knowledge was important so one can generate ideas of self interest.
