Slave society
On the plantation, slave community created sizable groups in plantations where they could practice their culture beliefs and values. Here, they created interaction and a common culture with beliefs and assumption which helped them to recognize their Africanity and live as Black Americans (Blassingame, 1). Slaves struggled to create resistance to enslavement through retaining their African culture. Back in 17th and 18h century, slaves endured various hardships and used a great effort in creating psychological effort. In Southern plantation, there was a cross-cultural exchange which strengthened a mutual interaction between European and Africans. As a result of Protestant Christianity, the church was important in acculturating the slave and slaves could use this aspect in creating a community (Blassingame, 1). As a result of monogamous relationship in the plantation, slaves could survive well on the plantation since their masters were not submissive to them.
In creating the community, slaves were interested in education, arts, folktales and fables. All these were within the community and they reflected an important picture of Africa societies. Fox example, folktales and archaeological finds from 16th-17th century was a form of cultural expression and African tradition (Kimberly, 1). During the colonial period, slaves were much interested in retaining the African tradition and they could do this through various practices. For example, women made baskets and rugs using African patterns. Men also used their skilled to present material culture which acted as a form of communication. During leisure time, slaves used their musical instruments in singing songs which conveyed secular and spiritual meaning. Generally, religion played a great role in helping slaves overcome challenges which they came across in antebellum South (Kimberly, 1). To maintain my identity in a foreign country, I would practice my culture and maintain my beliefs and values. For example, music and religion would be my source of strength in portraying my culture. Traditions and custom are important and so I would use them as the core elements in maintain my identity.
Reference
Blassingame, John W. The Slave Community: Plantation Life in the Antebellum South. New York: Oxford
University Press, 1980. Print.
Kimberly Sambol-Tosco. Slavery And The Making of America. © 2004 Educational
Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
