Breaking The Chains Of Psychological Slavery Summary

Over 300 years of physical and psychological abuse has created a dilemma impacting African American communities throughout America. In Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery, Dr Na’im Akbar, diagnoses that “African Americans In America show symptoms of Post- traumatic stress syndrome due to inhumane conditions their ancestors have faced”. Although, Dr. Akbar, believes that being able to identify and accept a multitude of factors that contribute to what he calls “ghost of the plantation”, African Americans can began their process of internal healing.

Frederick Douglass, a prominent American abolitionist, describes the daily working conditions during slavery; “From twelve o’clock (mid-day) till dark, the human cattle are in Motion,

wielding their clumsy hoes; turned on by no reward, no sense of gratitude, no love of children, nothing, save the dread and terror of the slaves drives lash. So goes one day, and so comes and goes another”. Due to a fear of death, generations of Africans have contributed to the economic prosperity of America. Slave Masters forced Africans to work under their fear, while profiting from the dehumanizing working conditions Africans were placed. These conditions contributed to a lingering problem that affects our current generation of Africans residing in America. African American men and women have developed a fear of work; scheming through a variety of habits to avoid a respectable job. Although, these habits are still prevalent we have to identify the source of our phobia before any changes can be made within the African American communities.

Personal inferiority, one of most relatable destructive characteristics from slavery that impacted me personally.

Slavery was a systematic process to dehumanize and create a sense of inferiority towards their caucasian counterparts. Inferiority has preserved itself over the course of generations prevalent in African American children today. During slavery, white slave masters enforced a combination of insults to develop a sense of helplessness within their slaves. This perseverance of helplessness developed low self esteem, inferiority and has influenced a high rate of black on black homicides. Black Americans continue to devalue themselves and it has shown through our youth. Our sense of inferiority also symbolizes the lack of positive leadership within our communities. Slave masters killed any African who exemplified leadership. Unleashing fear of any sort of leadership within the slave community. Most separated themselves from individuals who showed qualities of strong leadership. Those who possessed some sort of leadership were seen as snitches due to their loyalty to their masters. Civil rights leaders leaders such as, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, had been classified as a troublemaker in the beginning of his civil rights campaign. Rejection of leadership within our community is a direct correlation to the fear of any efforts that conflicts white

superiority.

During the beginning of chattel slavery, William Lynch devised a strategy that created social divisions throughout African slaves.

Separated by complexion and location forced labor. Lighter African slaves and house workers were believed to better than their darker and field working africans. “Knowing that the majority could not be trusted, he tried to recruit a few who would be loyal to him and take his side against the others.” Disunity among African Americans is a huge contributory to the lack of civil rights success in America, unity amongst our people will create a greater power against our common enemies. Evidently, to become closer to each other we will have to avoid repeating mistakes and focus on becoming united

force.

Entertainment industries throughout the world have proven to be highly profitable from African Americans. Evidently, African Americans are also awarded with high incomes and fame. These awards have proven to be more beneficial and rewarding in today's world. Slave Masters developed a mockery of the slave by teaching slaves to entertain them by doing tricks. Dr. Akbar, states that “ what began as a survival tactic under highly unnatural living conditions, has become a crippling part of the psychology of a people seeking to restore life and community themselves”. Although, the slave masters exerted his superiority, slaves began to take pride in the ability to make their masters laugh. Consequently, this perspective has followed into African American children. Rapping, acting and sports have seen to be more profitable than obtaining our need for more African American scholars.

Above All, I believe Dr. Na'im Akbar, has identified the relevant contributors to the Post-traumatic symptoms that has followed our people since slavery. “However, the fact remains, the “plantation ghost” still haunts us. Our progress is still impeded by many of the slavery bases characteristics” Once African Americans are able to learn from past mistakes and accept the destructive characteristics that we have developed over the course of psychological, social and economic abuse. Therefore, we will be able to step our foot's foward to prosperity in America.