The Mudsill Theory: African American Stereotypes

During the 1800s, the abolishment of slavery was a highly debated topic between Americans. Pro-slavery individuals argued that blacks, being an inferior race, were created for their convenience, as their labor allowed whites a toil free lifestyle. As they believed, slavery caused no harm and needed to exist for the country to function properly. Nevertheless, the argument of slavery is wrong. Numerous documents, stories, articles, pictures, novels, and other material depict the brutality and egregious conditions of slavery. Abolitionists wanted slavery to cease, and allow equality between races. Many predominant primary sources establish the stereotypes white individuals had for African Americans, the gruesome conditions in which slaves existed,

In James Henry Hammond’s speech to the US Senate on March 4, 1858, he argued the necessity of slavery for the US to function. His speech contained two major stereotypical points: slaves are necessary to support the white population and African Americans have better lives as slaves. Hammond states, “there must be a class to do the menial duties, to perform the drudgery of life… a low order of intellect and but little skill… leads progress, civilization, and refinement… she [the south] found a race adapted to that purpose… we use them for our purpose, and call them slaves,” (Mudsill). It is a gruesome fact that individuals actually had this mentality for African Americans. These individuals actually believed that the creation of African Americans were for their selfish purposes. Hammond stereotypically states, “Our slaves are black, of another and inferior race,” (Mudsill), highlighting the racial injustices occurring. Whites developed these stereotypes and injustices to further selfish ambitions, and degrade a group of people based on the color of their

In David Walker’s Appeal, he states, “The whites have always been an unjust, jealous, unmerciful, avaricious and blood-thirsty set of beings, always seeking after power and authority,” (Appeal), emphasizing the cruelty and overpowerment of white society. Walker also states, “The greatest riches in all America have arisen from our blood and tears: -- and will they drive us from our property and homes, which we have earned with our blood?” (Appeal). The fact of the matter is that America did function because of the blood and tears of African Americans. Whites used African Americans for their labor and in return, they received cruel and injustice treatment. Lastly, Walker says, “what should we be grateful to them for -- for murdering our fathers and mothers ? -- Or do they wish us to return thanks to them for chaining and handcuffing us, branding us, cramming fire down our throats, or for keeping us in slavery, and beating us nearly or quite to death to make us work in ignorance and miseries, to support them and their families,” (Appeal), completely capturing the brutal, gruesome treatment of African