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Contributions of Nat Turner and John Brown in the fight for Freedom
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Contributions of Nat Turner and John Brown in the fight for Freedom
Rebellion and raids were mainly conducted to fight against slavery which imposed oppression against the people. Devastating effects were caused by slavery; thus, caused freedom fighters such as Nat Turner and John Brown to lead rebellions and motivate other slaves to fight against slavery. As a result of the freedom fighters’ dedication to eliminate slavery, the rights and freedoms of people were gained.
Nat Turner is a freedom fighter because he led against the injustice of slavery in the US.
He had led an insurrection of enslaved people against their owners in Virginia, declaring “Death or Liberty” for himself and his followers. Although he was able to kill around 60 slaveowners, Turner’s rebellion was eventually suppressed and he was captured on October 30th, 1831. He became the first American rebel slave to be executed by the US government after being convicted of murder for leading a large rebellion against slavery on August 21st 1831. Although he used violence in his struggle for liberty, the rebellion had been fueled by a belief that God called on slaves to rise up against their masters and free themselves, with the sole purpose of freedom (Tomlins and Christopher). As a result of Nat Turner’s rebellion, many states passed laws restricting slaves’ ability to obtain reading materials or learn to read and write; although, these restrictions were later extended to free blacks as well.
John Brown was an American abolitionist leader who believed in and fought for the immediate abolition of slavery in the United States. Brown first came to national attention after his unsuccessful attempt in 1856 to start a slave revolt in Kansas. One year later he led the raid at Harper’s Ferry arsenal in Virginia and was captured there by federal forces as part of an effort to put down what was then seen as a major insurrectionist threat of domestic terrorism against the United States from slavery-related Civil War (McIlhone, and Patrick). In 1858 he held a secrete anti-slavery convention, but efforts to keep the results secret failed, and many of its participants joined Brown in Kansas. Brown and his followers left Kansas after they were attacked and defeated by pro-slavery forces, returning to Harpers Ferry under the leadership of a new, more militant leadership. Although John Brown’s Raid was unsuccessful in ending slavery in the United States, it did spur further antislavery activity as well as stirring up feelings against the “Slavocracy.” After his arrest by federal authorities at Harpers Ferry in October 1859, John Brown was tried for treason against Virginia in December 1859; he was then found guilty and hanged.
The eruption of Mount St. Helens was one of the events that triggered Nat Turner to launch a rebellion because it sparked fear among the slaves and resulted in increased cruelty. In 1812, an earthquake rattled Virginia’s coast. Turner would later say that “he believed that God was angry with America because of slavery.” The following year, an epidemic started to spread across the East Coast of North America. Turner would later say that “he had seen blacks in great distress” as a result of the event. In 1814, a volcanic eruption in the Gulf of Mexico caused economic uncertainty among white landowners in Virginia. When these events occurred, Turner believed them to be God’s signs for him to begin his uprisings. Although Turner’s rebellion was the deadliest slave revolt, they failed to successfully recruit other slaves; thus, it was hardly unsuccessful. Turner and his gang killed 59 whites and freed 70 slaves. Countless houses were burned down and all the institutions they were a part of were destroyed. Officially, the rebellion ended “when the rebels surrendered on October 2, 1831.”
Brown’s rebellion was triggered as a revenge against pro-slavery men who raided the town of Lawrence, an anti-slavery town, on May 21, 1856. Many of the men involved in Brown’s rebellion were distraught over the attack. Brown gathered a small militia and headed back to Lawrence shortly after in order to prepare for a retaliatory raid on pro-slavery strongholds. The militia was met with resistance by pro-slavery fighters who had travelled from Missouri and overtook Brown’s makeshift militia, killing two of his sons. A few other skirmishes happened between Brown’s rebels and those aligned with pro-slavery factions but eventually all sides agreed to stop fighting as it could initiate a civil war amongst themselves in Bleeding Kansas. In 1859, Brown’s raid failed; however, six years later, slavery was declared illegal thus, making his dream realized.
Turner and Brown both had great faith in God, and they believed they were instruments used by God’s will to fight against slavery in America. Both of them were eventually killed for their beliefs and the cause (Britt and Brian). David Walker notes that both men believed they would win with God’s help, but that they would mold the institution of slavery so as not to be employed by it, in order to make it obsolete. Both had no regrets about their actions as they believed they were fulfilling God’s will. The two also believed that by fighting against slavery, they would make it all go away, because they felt they were battling against something much greater than just slave owners could tolerate (Britt and Brian). Brown, who was religious as well, believed that he was destined to die in order to start the Civil War. Upon John Brown’s death, his son Jason said of him: “My father died for this cause, and he wanted all men redeemed from slavery.” (Britt and Brian). Nat Turner also felt that what he was doing was for the greater good of all in the end. Both men were unwilling to compromise on their views about slavery.
One great way through which both Turner and Brown should be remembered is in art forms which symbolize the struggle of slavery in America. Art should marvelously illustrate the plight and rebellion of oppressed people as well as the turning point when their fight became righteous (Lentz). Examples of this may be seen in a painting of Nat Turner’s rebellion and the Boston Massacre. Both of these art forms display something profound; Nat Turner, who fought for freedom, is a hero whose legacy is that he tried to free his people, and John Brown, who fought for his rights as well as others’, was unjustly hanged for trying to do the right thing (Lentz). Nat Turner’s rebellion is also represented in the art form of a painting which symbolizes the events when slaves ran through the rows killing all they can see. Nat Turner’s rebellion is recorded through a painting titled, The Uprising by John Vanderlyn. This painting has been described as a “vigorous, action-packed representation” of the rebellion. In another painting, the slaves on horseback are being depicted as charging swiftly towards their owners. The slaves’ white shirts represent the blood shed by them during the revolt. In this way, art can recall history and should be used to teach lessons about slavery to those who did not necessarily know about it in America. Another way for remembering the two freedom fighters is by empowering the oppressed groups in the current society (Lentz). By doing so, we are not just remembering their heroic deeds but also helping their groups progress to a better future. The freedom fighters will also be remembered through determination in creating an independent society for their people. Brown and Turner had different motivations for fighting but both were motivated by the desire to liberate their people from bondage. The contribution to society of the freedom fighters should be remembered in various ways. One of these is the establishment of organization that fights for the rights of oppressed people in society. For example, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established with one main agenda; to seek justice and equality for all people regardless of race. The creation of this organization was as a result of John Brown’s execution at Harper’s Ferry as well as Nat Turner’s rebellion throughout Virginia. Another way through which Nat Turner and John Brown can be remembered is by highlighting what they tried to achieve. by doing so, we are educating people on what they did to achieve their goal (Lentz). For example, Nat Turner’s rebellion was one of the bloodiest revolts based on his desire to free his people. The revolt led to the deaths of more than 60 whites with 200 blacks being captured and executed. John Brown’s attempt at Harper’s Ferry is also well-known in history and remembered for its major contribution towards the abolitionist movement in America. Through education about their contribution, people will be inspired by them, and this inspiration may lead towards a better future for oppressed groups both in the past and present.
From the discussion, it is clear that Nat Turner and John Brown largely contributed to the evolution of freedom which is currently at a better state. Freedom fighter should be highly regarded and attributed for their action that were the main reason for the ban of slavery. Besides fighting against slavery, Turner and Brown motivated and inspired other slaves to fight for their justice which made it possible for them to gain independence from enslavement.
Works Cited
Britt, Brian. “Prophetic Perfectionism: The Afterlives of Nat Turner and John Brown.” Political Theology 21.1-2 (2020): 89-104. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1462317X.2020.1714167Lentz, Carola, and David Lowe. Remembering Independence. Routledge, 2018. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781351203432/remembering-independence-carola-lentz-david-loweMcIlhone, Patrick Francis. A Contested Legacy: John Brown in American Art. Diss. Graduate Theological Union, 2021. https://search.proquest.com/openview/f499e702912a6a116d4817147be85e63/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=yTomlins, Christopher. “In the Matter of Nat Turner.” In the Matter of Nat Turner. Princeton University Press, 2020. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780691199870/html.
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POLICE AND RACE
Table of Contents TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc265605086” Table of Contents PAGEREF _Toc265605086 h 1
HYPERLINK l “_Toc265605087” Abstract PAGEREF _Toc265605087 h 2
HYPERLINK l “_Toc265605088” 1.0 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc265605088 h 3
HYPERLINK l “_Toc265605089” 2.0 Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc265605089 h 5
HYPERLINK l “_Toc265605090” 3.0 Methodology PAGEREF _Toc265605090 h 7
HYPERLINK l “_Toc265605091” 4.0 Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc265605091 h 9
HYPERLINK l “_Toc265605092” 5.0 References PAGEREF _Toc265605092 h 10
AbstractRacism has been a bone of contention in police service over time. Several factors interplay to culminate in the current scenario; where minority groups are treated with prejudice from the police. While minority groups have been implicated for contributing to the current state of affairs, most studies affirm that the police also play an integral role in exacerbating the existent conditions. The police perpetuate this condition through their harsh treatment of the affected population. This study underscores particular ways in which the police contribute to this state of affairs.
1.0 IntroductionRacial concerns in policing have raised various controversies in the recent past. These have ranged from police bias when dealing with minority groups to lack of minority inclusion in the military and police forces. Other areas of concern have pertained to language disparities that have increasingly compromised the relationship between the police and minority populations. This has culminated in an increase in minority representation in the criminal justice system. In addition, this has been implicated for an increase in incidences of social deviance of minority populations. Perhaps the most significant effect has been the negative impact on the quality of life of the affected population.
Also, the strained social relations between the police and minority populations have further undermined the efforts of the former in fighting crime. It is in this consideration that this study seeks to analyze the role of the police in perpetuating racism. This would provide a basement upon which future decisions in this respect would be undertaken. In particular, it would ensure that decisions that are made in future are well informed and sustainable in nature.
Analyzing the approaches of the police in dealing with crime especially with minority populations is imperative as it underscores areas that have deficiencies and enables relevant parties to derive sustainable counter measures (Ecosbar, 1999). It is also important as it evaluates the contribution of each party in perpetuating crime. Of great importance however is the fact that it ascertains misconceptions that are often reported by the media and hence enables the public to have a clear perception of various factors contributing to the problem under review. Notably, only then can they be able to also participate in alleviating the problem. Regarding this study, Kelly (1999) contends that it is especially important because of the fact that minority populations and especially the Latinos and Blacks have been identified to have participated actively in crime in the past year. Also, the media reports indicate that the participation of the police in perpetuating racism has been significant (Harris, 1999). Therefore, ascertaining the contribution of the police would provide useful insights with regards to measures that can be undertaken by the same to counter the scenario.
In undertaking this study, the researcher presumes that the police play a significant role in perpetuating racism and other inherent differences between them and the minority groups. In particular, it assumes that the police are influenced by certain stereotypic racial information to react harshly towards the minority populations. Essentially, it speculates that racism plays an integral role in influencing the type of treatment that the police accords individuals from different races. Furthermore, the study posits that the minority groups are not incorporated in the military and police institutions. This has in return led to increases in conflicts that stem from social and cultural factors like language.
With regard to research methods, this study will utilize a host of information from credible secondary sources as well as primary sources. In particular, it will review important information from books, journals, articles, credible internet sites and newspapers. In addition, it will undertake a field survey using interview schedules in two police departments in order to collect vital information from the police’s point of view.
2.0 Literature ReviewOperations in the police department have over time been compounded by different challenges. Recent research shows that the police play a critical role in perpetuating incidences of racial prejudice and bias against minority populations. This occurs in various ways and is carried out either consciously or unconsciously. To begin with, Ecosbar (1999) indicates that the police authorities do no recruit sufficient personnel from minority populations. This has adverse impacts on their overall performance because they do not understand and appreciate the unique needs of these populations. Statistical evidence shows that close to seventy percent of police departments across the nation do not have a thirty percent staff representation by minority populations (Kelling, 1999).
This has been very challenging for police departments that are situated in areas with a significant percentage of minority populations. In most cases, they have been compelled to employ the public in carrying out different operations. This undermines the quality of service and minority populations not only feel discriminated against but they also develop distrust of the police force. According to Kelling (1999), this further complicates police performance especially in instances where public corporation is required. The refusal of the minority populations under such circumstances to participate in fighting crime further raises police suspicion (Ecosbar, 1999).
The police have also participated in perpetuating racial prejudice through racial profiling. In this respect, Harris (1999) argues that the minority populations often tend to fall victims of police scrutiny under this operation. This has been a source of controversy since historical times and it contributes significantly to feelings of distrust in police operations by the minority populations. More often than not, minority populations feel targeted and discriminated against by the police. This enhances social deviance that then contributes to the over representation of the minority populations in the criminal justice system. According to Harris (1999), racial profiling is partly influenced by stereotypes about different races. Most of the profiles employed were created during historical times and were not based on factual information. The fact that these have not been revised through time disadvantages the minority populations that were discriminated against since historical times. In his review, Ecosbar (1999) argues that these are at times computer generated and tend to be biased in nature.
Also, the police have been on the fore front in enhancing racial prejudice by failing to incorporate cultural studies in their training. Kelling (1999) indicates that most police officers cannot communicate effectively in minority languages. Furthermore, they lack fundamental cultural knowledge that would be imperative in enhancing their interaction with minority populations. This according to Ecosbar (1999) has contributed significantly to conflicts between the police and the respective populations. With respect to language, it has become difficult for officers to communicate with locals during the resolution of crimes. In addition, Harris (1999) contends that lack of understanding of critical cultural norms of the minority populations have undermined the ability of the police to address crimes in an effective manner. The inherent gap has triggered hostilities between the two factions that are characterized by discrimination and racial prejudice.
3.0 MethodologyThe proposed sample for this study will be 50 respondents that would comprise of a total of twenty police officers from Denver Police Department and Colorado Springs Police Department and thirty local citizens from the city of Colorado. This would constitute ten Black males, five Asian Males, five White males and ten Hispanic males. All these would be aged between eighteen and fifty years. The sample would focus on the male populations because it is indicated that they are the most affected with racial and ethnicity issues. The main incentive that would be employed for the respondents would be compensating each participant with $30 at the end of the study. To recruit the sample constituting local citizens, the researcher would place an advertisement in the local newspaper, The Colorado Springs Gazette. Seemingly, this is the most widely read newspaper and it is likely to reach a significant percentage of the population.
The recruitment criteria would be adult males between the ages of eighteen and fifty from the specified ethnic groups. In addition, they need to have interacted with the police in different ways or have close relatives or friends who have had an encounter with the police for various reasons. Successful applicants would then be contacted through mail. Fifteen police officers would be drawn from each police department for interview. These need to have handled cases dealing with minority populations and specifically the Blacks, Asians and Hispanics. In addition, they need to be well versed with the specific needs of the minority populations with respect to criminal justice.
The study will utilize qualitative method of data collection and will specifically employ questionnaires for collecting data from local citizens and interview schedules for collecting data from police officers. Considering the fact that race concerns tend to be sensitive, it would be imperative to accord all participants privacy and confidentiality. This would be attained by keeping contact information confidential and labeling the interview schedules and questionnaires as using letters and numbers as opposed to names. The main that the respondents are likely to face pertains to security and confidentiality. According to Babbie (2003), relative concerns tend to make the local citizens skeptical and therefore hesitant about participating in the study. Most of the questions that will be asked will revolve around issues of racism and ethnicity and how the police officers are involved in these. Since not all questions would be applicable to the entire sample, questionnaires and interview schedules would be customized to address issues that are pertinent to specific groups.
Nonetheless, examples of questions would include: what is the current state of race relations between the police and the respective group(s); what are police weaknesses when dealing with respective minority groups; how has prejudice been manifested during interaction; what was the contribution of the minority population(s) to bias; how did the public respond to this; what steps have been undertaken by the police to counter racism; what steps should be undertaken by the criminal justice system to address ethnicity and racism; how can the minority populations contribute to shunning racism; what is the contribution of the media and Are there any significant policy implications? The independent variable for this study would be contribution of the police to perpetuating racism and ethnicity. The independent variables on the other hand would comprise of the respective contributions of specific minority groups to incidences of bias and prejudice, practical measures being undertaken by all parties to counter the scenario, policy implications emanating from the practice and the perception of the public to this.
4.0 ConclusionAt this point, it is certain that racial diversity is still a thorny issue within the criminal justice system. As it has come out from the study, the minority populations are on the receiving end in this regard as they continue struggling with the negative impacts of racial prejudice and discrimination. The police have been on spot with regard to perpetuating racial discrimination of minority populations. To begin with, the failure of the relevant authorities to incorporate minority populations in the force has made it difficult for the force to address the needs of the diverse population with ease.
Then, the failure of the police to incorporate cultural studies in their training has led to their being ill equipped with fundamental skills and knowledge that is imperative in interacting with minority populations. The resultant frustration of the police and development of distrust by minority populations has led to incidences of racial bias. Finally, racial prejudice has been a source of discontent by the minority populations who feel that they are intentionally targeted by the police. This is further compounded by the fact that the police employ profiles that were developed during historical times and which were influenced by racism.
5.0 ReferencesBabbie, A. (2003). The Practice of Social Research. USA: Wadsworth
Ecosbar, E. (1999). Race, Police and the Making of a Political Identity. California: University Press.
Harris, D. (1999). Driving While Black and all Other Traffic Offenses. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 87 (2), 12-9.
Kelling, G. (1999). Broken Windows and Police Discretion. Washington DC: National Institute of Justice.
Decipher the Didactic Message
Decipher the Didactic Message
Massys is regarded as one of the most renowned painter through the artwork “A Money Changer and His Wife”. Massys artworks are recognized by the aspect to embrace emblematic meaning. This is reflected in the paint work to convey the Netherland tradition. The didactic message in Massys artwork demonstrates the economic activities dated from the 16th century. The portrait presents a man in trade transaction while calculating cash alongside his wife. The representation of the dressing mode is focused on the moral values to reflect a secular interpretation. The financial maneuvering has been used in the portrait to depict the distraction to Christians against religion. This was a common element associated to the historical culture to religion.
The portrait entails the analysis of the commercial upheaval that subjugated the industrial revolution. In the portrait, the couple is presented to devote to counting the money instead of reading the scriptures as was customary in the 16th century. This portrait is developed at a time when the commercial revolution was on the rise in Europe.
The portrait addresses satirical implementation in the history of time. Through the symbolism nature of the painting, the moral value is endorsed by criticizing the religious values of the population in the era. The message portrayed in the art work is an entire representation on the greed that has engulfed the religious nation. The coins in the picture represent the greed for money and wealth (Adams pg 211).
The center stage of the portrait is also built on the mercantile era during the 16th century. This is detailed to include the goldsmiths and money changer who were expected to be in the places of worship. The satirical symbolism revolves on the urge to represent the commercial duties in relation to the early church doctrine. The thematic use of religion for the portrait setting is defined by the lantern in the picture and the dress code (Adams pg 2171).
The painting is a sample genre of the 16th century that marked Netherlands as the heart of industrial revolution in terms of economic development. Netherlands is also portrayed as a reorganization center in relation to religion. This is appreciated by the painting to mark the era on religion and the cultural significance during this period. The picture has a sense of reflection on the everyday life of the ordinary citizens during the period the masterpiece was designed (Adams pg 235).
The description of the painting is effectively presented as a reconciliation of the normal life on the fundamental pillars of religion. This is a moral value that has been mounted to signify the cultural appreciation entailed in a painter’s work. The symbolic nature of the painting is established on a culture which is highlighted with religious works. The religious works are altarpieces from which the painting is based.
The analysis of the artwork “A Money Changer and His Wife” by Quinten Massys is a significant presentation and appreciation of economic values and religious elements of the netherland population during the 16th century. The literature achievement by Quinten Massys is due to the unifying aspects of joining available custom values with observable elements of art. The painter has defined cultural significance with a religious composition that has been founded on the art of economic dominance of the population in Netherlands.
Work Cited
Adams, Laurie. Art Across Time. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.