Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North chronicles a unique and disturbing journey into the history and legacy of the U.S. slave trade. The documentary tracks what happens as filmmaker Katrina Browne comes to grips with the discovery that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. Her film is a probing essay into divergent versions of a nation's history.
Browne invites 200 DeWolf descendants to join her in facing their shared past and its relationship to their own lives. Nine end up traveling with her to retrace the Triangle Trade, from Bristol, Rhode Island, to slave forts in Ghana to sugar plantations in Cuba and back. Theirs is an emotional trek, with each step raising important questions about culpability and compassion, hurt and healing.
The family confronts not only their own assumptions, but also America's depiction of slavery as a predominantly Southern institution. As the film reveals the North's vast complicity in slavery, it forces viewers to examine the mythology of Northern innocence and the repercussions for race relations.
Katrina Browne says that it can seem as if white people like her have only two choices: "Either listen to African American calls to deal with the history, which can make us feel guilty and bad about ourselves, or shut it all out so we don't have to feel bad." What is a third way? In what ways does our knowledge of history influence our current beliefs and actions?
Juanita Brown tells the group, "It's important for me that white people take responsibility and that ultimately it's about human liberation — liberation of my people and also about your liberation." Do you agree with Juanita? What does "taking responsibility" mean for you?
Katrina talks in Ghana about being glad that her cousin Dain Perry was on the "hot seat," not her. What are the everyday ways in which you find racial dynamics challenging? In which situations do you get stuck or tongue-tied?
Candid and compelling, Traces of the Trade challenges viewers to ask themselves the same contentious questions that Browne and her family ask: Why is it so difficult for Americans to have a conversation about the legacy of slavery and racism? As a nation, how do we deal with what we inherited from our country's history?
Share your thoughts and opinions in comments.
Talk About This
Here are a few books that white people and Black people need to read if they are truly serious about beginning to understand the purpose for the slave trade, the consequences of the slave trade on Black people, and the reason why Black people can't understand white aversion to discussing reparations let alone actually doling some out to the descendants of slaves:
1. Stolen Legacy by George G.M. James
2. The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson
3. 500 Years of European Behavior: It's Effect on Afrika and Afrikan People by Nana Ekow Butweiku I
4. The ISIS Papers: The Keys To The Colors by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing
5. 100 Years of Lynchings by Ralph Ginzburg
6. The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of Race From 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D.
7. A'rn't I a Woman?: Female Slaves In The Plantation South by Deborah Gray White
8. Before The Mayflower: A History of Black America by Lerone Bennett, Jr.
Please read these and then we can talk.
by TashaJuanna R Muhammad at 11:13 PM on June 24, 2008
Why did my tax dollars go to pay for this exercise in group therapy for the filmmaker and her relatives? Couldn't they have figured this out without making a rather mediocre film? Poor sound, camera-work and editing detracted from the message--did I need to see the man pick up the piece of chicken he dropped on the ground? Was there a hidden message in that?
This self-indulgent film is another example of why PBS is irrelevant.
by Rachel Cohen at 11:17 PM on June 24, 2008
I feel no anxiety regarding slavery. My family were German farmers and Croatian farmers, coming to the U.S. after 1880. Those who benefited from slave trade need to be the ones to deal with their indebtedness to the people they wronged, not me. I feel a need to repay Native Americans, as I am living in and on the land that once was theirs. I contribute to schools that educate Native Americans.
by Mary Mura at 11:28 PM on June 24, 2008
I was at the premiere yesterday and I watched it again tonight. I think it's a very moving documentary that touches everybody. I am not a citizen and I hope that Katrina and her family set an example of how to initiate a debate. Hopefully it ripples through the rest of the Diaspora.
by Mireille Liong at 11:28 PM on June 24, 2008
I found the program compelling and candid. Honestly, I wasn't going to watch it, but I am glad that I did. While the issue of race, and, as Juanita stated in the film, the cowardly behavior of Whites with respect to the issue, I believe that Blacks and Whites need to heal, however that has to happen. I have always said that Whites need to get together and hash out the issues amongst themselves, in the way that Katrina Browne and her family did, before a larger conversation can happen. Whites also need to educate themselves, and stop looking to Blacks to do it for them.
by Marcy Webb at 11:32 PM on June 24, 2008
I commend the courage to begin in your life the walk to come to acceptance of the reality of the horrors that have occurred in our past. I hope, as do you, that the fear, anger and guilt can be walked thru and whatever the solutions may begin to be addressed. Such a deeply complicated painful situation yet holds the hope for
redemption.
by Robin Hamaker at 11:33 PM on June 24, 2008
This documentary was truly liberating and I commend this family for digging deep into their past to uncover the injustices of the slave trade. I don't think many people who may share in similar lineages of slave traders would confront head on the role of their ancestors. Even though Ms. Browne does not bear the responsibility of her ancestors, at least she was willing to examine from Rhode Island to Ghana to Havanna the trail created by the De Wolf family. Watching this tells me that there is hope for reconciliation, but it requires a gutting of pride that bears the soul and true emotions of whites and blacks.
by Renee Martin-Shahid at 11:35 PM on June 24, 2008
=I applaud Katrina for making the film - I believe it is the White person's legacy and therefore responsbility to acknowledge and do something to repair the damage for the victims of slavery - Also, as a Native American (Lakota), we feel like an invisible people in our own homeland. If people knew the true history of the near genocide of my people, they would be appalled. People need to know their past or they will be condemned to repeat it again.
You know, there are Indian people, Black people, our brothers & sisters to the South (Mexican Indians) that continue to be oppressed to this day. And all brown people in this country suffer racial predjudice on so many levels -
by Carolyn Bordeaux at 11:37 PM on June 24, 2008
I think that the dinner table scene is typical of privilege. I think that Dain was pre-destined to go to Harvard, eventhough he thinks he got there on his own merit. If he had grown up in a disadvantaged household he most likely would not have gone to Harvard. Is it a race factor or socio-economic fact? I think a little of both. I don't think they should feel "White Guilt" but if they truly want to make a difference and make ammends, take their connections and help a disadvantaged youth get into Harvard. All any Black Person wants is a level playing field.
by Wayne Bryant at 11:39 PM on June 24, 2008
Your effort is heartfelt, real and admirable. As an african american i salute you.
by Joel Bryant at 11:39 PM on June 24, 2008
In order to move forward, everyone has to stop the denial and the blame and work on acknowledgment and problem solving. There are no doubts or questions about what happened from slavery to now. The question that remains is what are we going to do about it so that the elephant in the room is no more.
I think that it was incredible that this family chose to take this journey and shared it with America because they have taken the step that we all need to take. People of European descent guilty or guilty by association have to acknowledge that pain is a legacy (just like money) and it lives on. African Americans need to take similar journeys not to resurrect the ghosts to to release the ghosts.
by simone at 11:40 PM on June 24, 2008
PBS is not nearly as irrelevant to the much needed change in this country as are the main stream networks.
I was happy to see that this documentary, while not the best, was still aware of its own shortcomings and attempted to right them when they appeared. I was even happier that it commented on the idea that we still do live in an age when corporations manipulate the system to take advantage of the labor of people with the least political power.
This was a positive addition to the growing discussions of race, power, wealth, and class that are finally finding their way to the surface of national discussion.
by Ed Santoro at 11:40 PM on June 24, 2008
Finally a refreshing and hopeful reconciliation piece. I am going to order it for my District one community group. I hope other community organizations will do the same. Because if this catches on what a powerful nation it will create. And according to the preamble to our constitution, isn't that what we've been struggling and fighting to achieve, "A PERFECT UNION?
by DeNita Wright at 11:41 PM on June 24, 2008
Thank you, Katrina Browne, for your very thoughtful exploration. I was especially anxious when it got to the Episcopalian part...I am fairly new to the denomination. How relieved I am by the passing of the resolution; but the response to your sermon, and the 'surprise' of something different happening in the service in reaction to it, brought me to tears. Truth and reconciliation is what my faith is about. That, and love. They are one and the same. Thank you for examining that and expressing that in this program.
by Mary Eldridge at 11:42 PM on June 24, 2008
My ancestors were both slave owners and Quaker abolitionists. I admire the strength of the film maker and her family in exploring their family's deep roots in the slave trade. Although I do not believe that emotions of guilt are the answer for every white American or to the resolution of racism, I strongly believe that we must acknowledge that slavery was/is the primary contributer to the inequities that exist today between American blacks and whites. We have a huge responsibility to address that inequality, as it continues to pervade our society, through the actions and activities of our daily lives.
by Kathleen Watkins at 11:42 PM on June 24, 2008
While thinking about this film, I hope people will begin to also learn about the small country of Haiti. In this country the slaves freed themselves from their French masters in 1802. They have been punished for this by the western world for the past 200 years. This is a case of viewing an entire country as slaves and never being able to mature to the point of respecting them. (How else would one explain US kidnapping their elected president Aristide.) The Haitians are still paying off the reparations required by the French after losing the island, only now the money goes to the World Bank.
by Jane Peck at 11:43 PM on June 24, 2008
I watch the documentary tonight, and was very moved. I am a black women who lives down south. I was surprised that this strong family took the time and emotion to just take a look back at history. More of us, no matter white, black, or in between need to; because if we do take the time we'll see why everyone in pot all has burns that aren't healing.
by Valerie singleton at 11:43 PM on June 24, 2008
I was very impressed with the film. It touched upon some real issues that exists between the races today. Healing cannot begin until people are willing to talk openly and honestly. This film is a good beginning!
by Janice Scott at 11:44 PM on June 24, 2008
Thank you. I don't have the right words, but I am on the same journey as a white person and thankfully alongside people of color in my community who are willing to allow me to be a part of their journeys too. Thank you PBS for and all the participants. It is a messy journey, but I do believe there has to be hope and healing in it. I don't think this was a selfish therapeutic session at all - who would ever want to do therapy in public anyway? I think it is a story of messed up people making mistakes, and stumbling along with courage towards Life and with a willngness to admit they don't do it right, but doing nothing is for sure not right.
by Deb Valentine at 11:44 PM on June 24, 2008
I watched this film on PBS after it was introduced on the Bill Moyers Journal. So moving, particularly because the feelings of the family and the Africans/descendants were foremost. From my college days, I have been aware of the massive injustice and damaging legacy of our country's founding sin. Would you believe it was the musical '1776' that introduced me to this issue? Listen to the song 'Molasses to Rum to Slaves.' I just didn't know what to do with black anger, and what one person could do to reach for healing.
I think the themes of recognizing that both black and white Americans bear deep scars from slavery, that the first step is white Americans recognizing the internal damage and striving to understand Black Americans' anger, and for white Americans to acknowledge the need for forgiveness with no expectation that it will come easily or soon are the most transforming messages that meant the most to me.
What it means I can do next, I don't yet know. But I do know that in this remarkable election year, there is great potential to try and find a way. That way won't be clear or easy, only possible.
Thank you for your dedication, for your desire to frame the issues honestly, and for sharing your experiences with grace, transparency and hopefully.
by Jo Davis at 11:45 PM on June 24, 2008
I am an African American. I was very moved by this film. I think it is important that evetyone see this film. It's not easy to stand in our shoes, to feel uncomfortable to know that this is what human beings did to one another. I have traveled to my homeland and stood in the door of no return and cried to know that this was my great-great-grandfather/mother who passed through those doors. Please show this film again so that more people can see and hear what they experienced on that trip to Ghana . We are all God's children and I hope that in time we can sit together and talk about what happened.
by Delphine Simpson at 11:45 PM on June 24, 2008
We in the South have been dealing with this question since April 9,1865. It was always the terrible south and the saviour north and it is finally time that the yankees have found out about how terrible they were. I have no mercy for Mrs Browne in my heart as the villification was piled high and deep on the south and only NOW has there been an awakening by the North. Yea it feels terrible to have been part of the problem then but she has about 150 years of catching up to the south's feelings. Most everyone in the South has come to terms with this issue and the few that kept the hatred alive are now almost dead. In just one or two more generations the South will lead the United States out of this most miserable dicotamy of human nature and save the north from their embarresment and, just as they always have, they never ever have to deal with the situation that was for the most part their fault in causing the most momentous moment in American history the surrender of the Northern Army of Virginia on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Courthouse, Appomatox Virginia.
by John Dunklin at 11:46 PM on June 24, 2008
While I compliment the film maker for her effort to explore the information she discovered about her family lineage let alone make it public, rather than simply ignore it, I saw time and time again how clueless this family is regarding their white privilege and really got turned off at their chronic self indulgent white guilt throughout. The comments by Juanita Brown were right on, and was saddened to see a group of whites looking to a black person for insights and answers. Look to themselves! Do they have any close african american friends? Do they know african american history? Have they lived in a predominately african american or multi race neighborhood? Not to harsh too much on one family, but these are questions we need to ask one another.
by veronica at 11:49 PM on June 24, 2008
Final comment - do not hang your guilt on all of the U.S. and do not expect all in the U.S. to pay the price for this slavery. You know that the railroads here were built on the backs of the low-paid Chinese, the land was taken from the Native Americans - surely these people deserve reparations as well.
by Mary Mura at 11:52 PM on June 24, 2008
Very good job congratulations! I am a 62 year old Black man who was sent to jail for not fighting in the Veit Nam war. Most of the men in my family did go in the service. But I could not understand how America could even ask me to fight it's wars for her. When will America fight for me? when will America fight for Black people our votes were not counted in the 2000 elections or the 2004 for that matter. This show was good some people are beginning to move in the rigth direction.
by Reggie at 11:52 PM on June 24, 2008
As a naturalized citizen fof the USA from India and therefore a somewhat neutral bystander on the issue of racism in America, I found this film very moving and if we follow through on the promise it holds for forgiveness and trust for people on both sides, it offers great hope for a catharrtic breakthrough. This could also be a model for other long overdue bridging of chasms that crisscross the human landscape - Native Americans and White Americans, Arabs and Jews, Shias and Sunnis, North and South, Rich and Poor...
On a different note (no pun intended), can someone tell me about the song that accompanies the credits at the end of the film?
by Sanjiv Shah at 11:53 PM on June 24, 2008
Provocative documentary. Kudos to Katrina Browne and the rest of her family who were willing to face their family history and themselves with courage and honesty. Hopefully, the film will provoke more discussion about the legacy of slavery and racism in our country that will move us toward genuine healing. With regard to reparations, it would be absurd to calculate in multiple ways. For example, as a descendant of anonymous slaves, I would most want to have access to the same type of family information that Ms. Brown had about her ancestors. Sadly, that documentation and that family history are lost to me. Is that something that can be repaired or reconciled with a lawsuit or a check?
by Monika Johnston at 11:54 PM on June 24, 2008
I did not see the entire show tonight, but I saw enough to see that Katrina's heart is open and she (and others) are open to taking positive steps. Recently I have read "Lies My Teacher Told Me" and "Lies Across America" by James Loewen. Both books talk about the horrible crimes Europeans inflicted upon the Native Americans and later the Africans brought to America as slaves.
I know of no way to change the past, but I believe there are things that can be done today. Money can only make a small difference, but money, time, education and a movement of many people can make a huge difference.
Money can be used to start on two fronts.
1. Revamp what is taught as American history to tell our history from at least 3 perspectives: race (Indian, black and white), nationality (Native American, African and European) and gender (female and male). This can instill awareness and compassion that can help a movement over time.
2. Invest in the public school system. I believe it is better to significantly improve the facilities and faculty at a few schools (100) than it is to make barely noticeable improvements in many schools (10,000). Over time, compunding takes affect.
Our children and their children will create the future, so we need to take great care to give them the capacity to feel and take action based on those feelings. Ignoring our past failings continues that failure, but teaching our failings and successes can instill in our youth the capacity to see slavery from multiple perspective so they can make conscious choices of what to do about it when we are gone.
by Gil Figueroa at 11:54 PM on June 24, 2008
Why are you even slightly considering reparations for something that happened 200-300 years ago?? Do you see me gathering my Irish friends and going before British Parliament and screaming for reparations for the Potato Famine?? No, you don't. Get away from the THEN and into the NOW. Blacks can go to school and get jobs like anyone else. Take a look at the American economy and show me some balance. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer thanks to our government of self-serving thieves. Consider learning Farsi or Mandarin Chinese. THAT is what's coming. That is the FUTURE of this hapless country. Do NOT come to my door asking for reparations for things that happened 8-10 generations ago. You have some pitiful, liberal pond-scum conscience? Take your "family blood money" and move back to England. Live next to an Arab. The English don't even own their country any more. And YOU don't care what happens to America? Ever thing is O.K. for EVERYONE? DEAL with the NOW of things. Clearly you have nothing else to do! Come to my door and ask for reparation money and I will blow you off my porch-right back to the upper-class ghetto that you came from. You guys need a new and realistic hobby. You are not even slightly in touch with the way things are going now and how they will be after we're already dead. You will clearly leave a rotten, pitiful legacy of sucking up to every threat that means business-and that business is to eliminate you from the earth. Wake up!!!
this comment has been edited by the moderator for language
by JW Citizen (Jack White) at 11:54 PM on June 24, 2008
im mixed race black/white and im really glad that i watched the show. Being black and white in america im fortunate enough to actually have the ability to see the issue from both points of veiw and i know how hard it is for white people to acknowledge that yes they have privlage in this country whether that it came from a legacy of ancestor involvement in slavery or just the fact that they have white skin but then the question arises what to do next after realzing that...i feel that the film really addressed all the key issuses with it, that really havent been addressed much or at all in general media. so i just have to say about time! and thank you :)
by Jonathan Hammond at 11:56 PM on June 24, 2008
I watched the movie POV and saw that you could come to this site and "ask the filmaker". But all I have found are comments on it, so I will give you mine.
This filmaker, Katrina Browne, acknowledges that her family was one of the biggest slave trading families that benefitted from the slave trade. She also acknowledges that her family and everone else there, except for the guy that graduated from Oregon University, were graduates from Ivy League schools and were considered elites. Then she goes to tell us that we as white americans have two options. 1. we could feel guilty or 2. we could igore the problems of african-americans. My question is, if she knows her family profitted from the slave trade, why is she lumping me and every other american in with her? How does an elite who actually benefitted from something pass the blame and the reparations off to an average American who never owned or traded slaves, or whos' ancestors did either. It seems to me that it is very easy to share the blame and tax everyone to pay reparations for what your family benefitted from. And then all you have to do is use your wealth to pass legislation to lower the taxes on higher incomes "to stimulate the economy of course". After that you raise taxes on every one else to pay for your guilt. Thank you but no thanks.
by Dennis Hendricks at 11:56 PM on June 24, 2008
What a powerful program. I see things like this and wish I could've been part of the team to spread the word that it was airing. I found out about it via text.
I didn't see the entire program but what I did see was quite interesting. Katrina..you have a lot of courage.
I would love to sit and chat with you one day.
by Barney A. Bishop at 11:58 PM on June 24, 2008
Katrina & Family
Thank you so much for your production. It has been our goal to get our White Brothers & Sisters to share those unspoken legacies they have hidden. In order for us to belong and feel a viable part of society, we need family records to establish and bridge this gap. I am the Co-Foundor & Vice President of The Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County Virginia . See our web site at www.AAHAFauquier.org
by Karen Lavore at 11:58 PM on June 24, 2008
I am proud to see one family take the time to acknowledge what their ancestors helped to create. To read comments from people stating it was not their ancestors that created this problem in the is just a little unjust. It is like asking a Jewish person living in Germany now not to acknowledge what happend during WWII. The slave trade occured, this country was built on the backs of my ancestors. This was the perfect time for this film to air. Our country prides itself on the past, but likes to forget the unpleasant portions that have lead to so much hatred.
Ms. Brown was able to find her ancestors, while I am still trying to locate the property records to find mine. I am proud that my Great Grandmother was able to see the end slavery. I am not happy knowing that the people that owned her and many others act like it never happend. So to Ms. Brown and her family thank you for accepting what your family did in the past, and opening the dialogue for healing in the present and future.
by Dee Hart at 12:00 AM on June 25, 2008
I appreciate the effort that went into making this film, however, overall it did seem like an overindulgent family therapy session. Can that one guy REALLY BELIEVE that he got into Harvard on his intelligence alone? LOL... Every one of you went to Ivy League schools because of the wealth your ancestors created for you. Talk about parallel universes? Why don't you read Jonathan Kozol's "Savage Inequalities" to truly understand the repurcussions of what families like yours did to this nation. Lastly, your generic idea of "white people" developing a dialogue with African Americans is almost laughable. My descendents were Irish, basically indentured servants during most of the British Empire, forced into immigration ONLY because of starvation. I have no guilt, that is on your shoulders.
by MrsP at 12:00 AM on June 25, 2008
I wonder how many slave descendants would like to return to their homeland? Maybe their ancestors had a terrible time here - but, maybe their removal from Africa had a bit of a blessing in it for their descendants. I wonder how many Africans would turn down a chance to come to the U.S. if it was offered to them today.
by Mary Mura at 12:01 AM on June 25, 2008
Thank you for this moving, informative program. I came to this country as a five-year-old refugee and until tonight, I never had a reply for the folks who say, "I wasn't here so I'm not responsible for the circumstances of African-Americans today." Ms. Brown provided the answer and I will now learn more about those northern factories, one of which gave work to my father when we arrived.
by Miriam Poser at 12:01 AM on June 25, 2008
Ms. Browne and her family are truly courageous souls. Blacks are not going to spark the discussion of guilt, complicency, and apathy among white Amwerica. That must happen from within their own communities. And what better way for this process to start than with a Browne family and their examination of their own dark family history?
I support Katrina and her family in their efforts to ultimatel make this a better world to live in. The Brownes are to be exalted and encouraged. I hope Katrina Browne and her family makes it seem alright for others to turn the dark mirror of history on themselves. Sometimes when the brave step forward, it makes it easier for the not-as-brave.
by RobMase at 12:02 AM on June 25, 2008
Thank you for this moving, informative program. I came to this country as a five-year-old refugee and until tonight, I never had a reply for the folks who say, "I wasn't here so I'm not responsible for the circumstances of African-Americans today." Ms. Brown provided the answer and I will now learn more about those northern factories, one of which gave work to my father when we arrived.
by Miriam Poser at 12:04 AM on June 25, 2008
This is not self-indugence. The film shows a family falling on the sword publicly. No slick production here, just a sincere attempt to come to terms with a family's past connection to slavery and how to move forward, today, dropped chicken and all. I commend the attempt. To say that this is group therapy is cynical in the extreme. How about focussing on the topic rather than the packing and shipping?
by Colleen Winney at 12:05 AM on June 25, 2008
Rachel cohen speaks to natural alliances in America. To those whites who came later: outside of major citiesn those African Americans who spoke English, up until the 1950's were considered 'uppity' and candidates for a rope. How does one fairly compete with them odds. As to today, walk the tradin floors and count the black faces. Explain to me that 'SHE'S GOT TO HAVE IT' is a black film and the themes are not universal among women. How is it that in the 8 yrs my kids spent in a West Side private school, I couldn't get a conversation about anything except basketball and jazz...and every white male assured me "you the man"?
by idonwanna noyou at 12:05 AM on June 25, 2008
Congratulations to the entire production team for a remarkable piece. It is a good conversation-starter for an eminently necessary conversation, especially in a time when we are apparently ready to "transcend race". Wouldn't that be nice.
My thoughts to my fellow white colleagues who are reading these notes and thinking about things...
First: having "the conversation" does not always mean that things have to be resolved the first time around; sometimes it's a relief to begin the conversation with that notion. It's a process, after all.
Secondly: it's very easy to come away from this kind of work wanting to be the hero, the enlightened one, the PhD, the expert. It's one thing to start to see things clearly, and another thing to take responsibility. A colleague of mine recently quoted a Wolof saying: "he who wakes up first, must wake up the others". We must put aside our own egos, our own convictions of intellectual superiority... that, after all, is what got us into this mess in the first place.
by Isabella at 12:06 AM on June 25, 2008
After watching the film. I am constantly brought back to the dinner table discussion. One member went around to each member and identified their individula success at higher education. Then there was mention that the finacial rewards directly from the slave trade had disspitated years ago. So, what was their lasting inheritance? Without doubt it was their education. Its a benefit they received freely because of slavery; that black people receive also with so much struggle and failure because of the remnants of slavery.
If reparation is to have far reaching success and if it is to translate iinto "masive investment to deal with the unlevel playing field," higher and advanced education for blacks in this country must be in the form of entitlement. Open your hands and your hearts and give us something that you have deprived us of, which even today so many of us are turned back because of the finacial burden imposed on us. There can be no level playing field if the white man and the black man are going through the same channels to get educated. Not when the white man has had such a humungous advantage.
We can do this, if we are not disengenious about our efforts to make good on a disgraceful wrong.
by Dewton Williams at 12:07 AM on June 25, 2008
I think the film presented a significant experience for a family that was awaken by the reality of the choices and actions of their direct relatives. I think it took courage for them to step into this as they were directly down the generational line of some of the major players in slave trade. It seems that for this to have been a prolonged model of wealth building while over-riding the fundamental espoused values and ideals, not to mention the law, should give us all pause to calibrate our response to this historial reality. This also strongly prompts a look-around for other shameful atrocities like the events associated with the greed, lies, manipulation and evil treatment of Native Americans in the 19th century. We should be ashamed and how dare we sweep these under the historial rug! What possible expectation can we have for peace, respect and justice with such buried and unresolved "crimes of cultural" Thanks to PBS and Katrina's family for such an engaging documentary.
by Dave Scouler at 12:07 AM on June 25, 2008
The people in this family who took part in this experience are impressive. Some had no interest, but those who did, I think, are people with a conscience. How can white people say that they feel no responsibility? How is this not like the holocaust? As a white person, I know that I have an easier existance--I KNOW it. I believe in reparations. Things have not been made right. Listen to a "Black," an educated person who has the things of the world, money, etc.....listen to him/her talk about how there is difficulty in his/her everyday life and tell me that nothing is owed to them....why did we try to apologize and make up for the holocaust but not this? Those who feel no responsibility, would they trade places? I do not understand the callousness. We need to bring peace and justice to this issue.........and the respect that one person owes another, just for being a person.
by D. B. at 12:07 AM on June 25, 2008
Questions and comments:
Who are the "white people" who must take “responsibility”? Do my white ancestors who worked in the coal mines or emigrated to American in 1923 (and who were a quite different shade of white) bear the same level of responsibility as the descendants of slave traders? What responsibility must be borne by Asian Americans or multiracial Americans?
What form should reparations take? Would reparations ultimately do more help or harm? Would they not (as was pointed out in the film) simply lead to more division among races, and perpetuate the position of the descendants of African-American slaves as second class citizens?
As an American of European ancestry, I personally have witnessed the legacy of slavery and its ongoing repercussions on the African-American community. I do understand the anger (to the degree that I can). And I have no problem with an official apology from the federal government.
But, as was also pointed out in the film, there continue today unceasing assaults on human dignity, and a continual need for repentance and opportunities for contrition. As the one poster who contributes to American Indian education as her way of making reparations, I would support similar, individually chosen attempts at leveling the playing field made after personal reflection.
by Martin at 12:08 AM on June 25, 2008
Fascinating, to learn that "yankees";( tongue in cheek), were also complicit in the slave trade. As a southern born girl of bonafide Choctaw ancestry (Dancing Rabbit Creek Tribe, Missisippi), what I find most interesting about this informative show, was the lack of dialogue about the fact that it was often Africans selling captured Africans from a battle into the slave trade. In addition, where was it mentioned that Native Americans were considered totally expendable? Does anyone who reads this blog know that Custer deliberately impregnated blankets with smallpox that he sent to Native tribes? Or that Andrew Jackson gained his fame through the slaughter of peaceful, trusting Natives? Why aren't we talking about what happened to the Native Americans? Reparations? I teach at-risk youth in inner cities, yes, we're talking about primarily "black" kids, and when I poll my classes, maybe one out of six classes , when I ask, who has a father at home, maybe one child will raise his hand.... Every one of us has to realize that life is what WE make it. Living in the past is negative, and accomplishes nothing. There have always been slaves, and conquerors. The issue is, what are YOU going to do with your life? Are you going to live a life of bitterness, living in the past? Or positivity? Are you going to teach your children hate, or love? Life is what we make it, and it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Leave the past behind, understand that life in the present is what we make it, choose to live in the present, and understand that, if you have suffered in your life, that is a wonderful connection you have to others, and suffering teaches compassion, and empathy. Channel yourself, and serve others. Happines, like peace, comes from within. focusing on past wrongs will make you bitter. There can be no reparations. Walk away from the past, free, and serve others. Remember, we are all united in our humanity. Racism, and Nationalism, divides. We are all One. Why don't we focus, instead, on how to preserve this beautiful pearl of a planet that we live upon? Unless we shift our conversation to what really matters, which is saving our ecosphere, all other conversations are moot. Focus on having a government that is truly a democracy, instead of being run by global corporations. Wake up. Live a sustainable lifestyle. All the other issues are meant to divide. United, we live. Divide, we lose.
by Cindy Pless at 12:09 AM on June 25, 2008
Oh, and one more thing-What about Richard Wright's concept (in "Native Son") of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY???????
by MrsP at 12:11 AM on June 25, 2008
This was a very thought provoking presentation. Certainly one of the ongoing stains of our country stems from its slavery past ... how to erase that stain is the issue. I have thought about black-white relations for some time, and no clear answer to really improving relationships between the races jumps out to me. It will take a concerted national effort - will power and money - to really improve things. Needless to say - todays political climate (certainly including a right wing supreme court ) makes improvements even more problematic. Nonetheless talking about the issue is clearly better than pretending it doesn't exist.
Thank you for airing the show.
by Chuck Maddox at 12:15 AM on June 25, 2008
My ancestors came to the United States from Norway and Sweden in the late 19th century. Do I have anything to feel guilty about?
by Anders at 12:15 AM on June 25, 2008
A P.S. to my post: I do realize that even my late-arriving European ancestors did have a freedom that many African-Americans did not earn until recent decades. But I also do believe that large-scale reparations would do little but perpetuate a divide that needed to be healed long ago.
by Martin at 12:16 AM on June 25, 2008
To me, this film is a little piece of of what can be a greater force of change in this country. It represents the pain each of us faces, each and every person, the persecutor and the persecuted, to truly look inward, confront the prejudices and anger and deep, scary stuff. I was heartened to see this small group of caucasians confront all this and openly, honestly discuss their innermost feelings. Not all black people want white people's wealth and not all white people want to ignore history but enjoy their priveleged legacy. It is this group of common peoples that can lead this movement, as was evidenced in the church. It must come from a place of honesty and willingness to confront the hideous past. Eventually, we will all have nothing to fear because we will realize that equality of opportunities are not tied to the past, but are reset with each new day the good Lord bestows upon this blessed nation. We can all move forward once past injustices have been openly acknowledged, thoroughly discussed and all the anger and tears are bled out of us all. Then true recompense will need not be "gimme your money and property" nor browbeating guilt for the rest of your lives. It will be the universal committment to openness, truth and urgent action to making the field of life level for us ALL. When we achieve this heightened level of shared existence, affirmative action, white entitlement, sexism, racism, will become relics of our past. Let us all heal the past so we can move forward together. Please.
by Raoul at 12:18 AM on June 25, 2008
Visit the stock trading rooms and explain the homogeneity there.
Per capita there are more white drug addicts than black.
Movies with white casts are general interest. Movies with black casts are 'black movies.
Outside of major cities, up thru the 1950's, speaking correct English could get a black man killed.
Why couldn't I get a conversation about anything except basketball at my kids' West Village, liberal school.
If I live in Prospect Hts and you live on the upper East Side, what makes you my homey? And why do you assume that that is what I call my familiars?
by idonwanna noyou at 12:22 AM on June 25, 2008
To noyou: There are many shades of white... you seem to paint with a broad brush.
by Martin at 12:24 AM on June 25, 2008
A very thought-provoking film, moving and effective! Both individually and collectively we are capable of doing both great harm and great good. I realized this when I had to come to terms with my German roots after World War II and the Holocaust. I can acknowledge my relationship without taking responsibility for the actions of my ancestors. More important is the realization that we human beings are all connected, with much more in common than the trivial things that differentiate us...all brothers and sisters. I take responsibility for reaching out to others, beyond my comfort level.
by DeAnne Hart at 12:26 AM on June 25, 2008
You know every one has talk about grate deal of things.
At some point heeling must begin. If no one will say it.
Katrina I love you. Not what you just done. Because who
You are my sister and I want you to known. It’s all history.
It was bad for not just for blacks but for every one
So I just hope that every one understand how that heeling is needed.
In this world and it’s going to take love and time. I’ll pray for your family
To more loveing and be strong where go. As long as lord wills you.
Ps. By the way I am a black man
If that mean any thing. Our lord pay this prize.For all Black and whites and many other as well have done past and now.
I do Believe love and time we as pople will grow
by Joel at 12:27 AM on June 25, 2008
You may use HTML tags for style and links.
I truly enjoyed the the film. I did a quick check on ancestry.com to see if there were any African American DeWolf's , I noted a few. Could they have been descendants of the Dewolf slaves who the childrens nursery rhyme was about? Has any attempt been made to make a connection with any descendants of the slave trade?
by Sharon at 12:30 AM on June 25, 2008
There are lots of kinds of privelege in this country - class is one; race is another, gender another. It doesn't make racism not real because there are also white people suffering from classism or Southerners from the wrong "the North" has done to the South in playing the "good guy" and in the terrible destruction that was done to Southern homes and people during and after the Civil War. I grieve with those of you who have suffered from these other forms of oppression. I also grieve when your suffering makes it so hard for you to believe the African American or Native American or someone else who tells you that there are wounds to heal and racism is not gone. I hope you will stay in the dialogue so as a national community we can walk toward healing together from many wounds and scars - we all are on both sides, sometimes wounded and other times the one who wounds, both as individuals and communities. I hope that we can keep seeking to understand and empathize with each other. It really isn't easy.
by Deb Valentine at 12:30 AM on June 25, 2008
I welcome this dialogue which this film fosters. Obama's campaign has contributed to this process also, but the fact that he has gotten this far does not mean that racial inequity has improved very much. I just read the previous blog which says that the person writing has "no guilt, it's all on your shoulders". It is very convenient for us to feel that way and things can go on as usual. I am from the South and my family was not involved directly in slavery either, but I feel a sense of responsibility, as should all white people in this country. I don't think the approach should be reparations exactly, but working, through the political process, to reverse the way that wealth is being redistributed upward and bring the poorest people in the country into the mainstream where they can fully participate in the system. Lawsuits will just enrich the lawyers. It will not accomplish what is needed.
I have another book to add to the list I have seen that needs to be read by white people in this country. Douglas A. Blackmon's SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME shows how many black men were re-enslaved after the Civil War right up until World War II. Is it any wonder that this underclass has never caught up. Almost everything that has been done to bring people into the Middle Class left out people of color. Now the economy is tanking again and who are the first to suffer? Of course it is those at the bottom of the economic ladder, as always. We need to take back the leadership of this country and turn it around once again, so that once and for all, we move to level the playing field and enable blacks and other poor people including recent immigrants to gain an education and begin to catch up with others in this country. This means tax the wealthy the way they were during the New Deal and use the money to bring about equity. People of good will need to join a Progressive organization and work to that end.
by M. Carman at 12:32 AM on June 25, 2008
What a piece of liberal garbage!
by rodford at 12:32 AM on June 25, 2008
These movie makers have a loose screw.
The slave trade was business as usual at the time.
There is no way to make a reparation to the people removed from Africa into slavery.
It can not be corrected now.
Those slaves and the slave owners and traders are dead!
These people who are asking for reparations want to provide SOMETHING to the black folk, living in the US now to, assauge their liberal guilt. Because as everyone should know the Yankee ship owners were making money off the trade.
May as well talk about the various races that the Roman Empire enslaved!.
by tED vITEK at 12:34 AM on June 25, 2008
As a descendent of slaves and those who gained from slavery, I found your program refreshing. I felt like I was witnessing an actual breakthrough in a usually stale conversation. Thank you for approaching this subject with such openess.
by Natana Gill at 12:35 AM on June 25, 2008
This program about the De Wolf family was the worst drivel I have ever seen on television. More than sixty years ago my father told me how in some cultures ( I think it was China) the whole family would be punished for a crime committed by one of its members but that didn't happen in the United States. We hold the individual responsible for his actions not the family. Here these people are five generations away and somehow feel guilty! They are exaggerating their importance. What about the Africans who originally enslaved the slaves? Why didn't the film present any ashamed present day Africans for the participation of their ancestors but only accusatory ones? The concept of group guilt is condemned around the world. The Israeli policy of blowing up the homes of the parents of Palestinian terrorists was roundly condemned around the world and the Israeli government has correctly abandoned it.
This is the most drivilous program I have ever seen on television. What about the Civil War? Didn't white Americans pay an awful price in that conflict? Didn't they pay an awful price for slavery?
To compare that loss to the reconciliation concept of Bishop Tutu in South Africa is rediculous. In South Africa people said they were wrong to kill and subjugate others. In the Civil War hundreds of thousaands gave their lives on the battlefield to end the vicious system of slavery. Hundreds of thousands died trying to preserve it. They failed and they died. The civil war was the atonement for slavery and a very harsh one indeed!
Drivel, Drivel, Drivel!
Slavery was wrong. The North was equally guilty. The descendants of Slave Traders, slave holders are not to blame. Are todays Germans guilty of the Holocaust?
This program represents the worst drivel I have ever seen on television featuring a few self absorbed, self important, members of the De Wolf family who can't come to grips with the fact that their lives as significant as they might be in other contexts are totally irrelevant to the abuses that occurred during the period of slavery, that if they should seek to do good in the world they can do so in so many ways, There are many injustices in the world. They have no obligation to redress the evils of slavery just because an ancestor was a slave trader. They should feel free work for poor people who have no health insurance, have low incomes and can't provide adequately for their children. They might consider the plight of illegal immigrants and the exploitation the suffer. The good works they might do would be generated by the fact that they as individuals have an obligation to help others not that they as descendants of brigands must repair the damage done by their scoundrel ancestors.
In spite of this there was one excellent aspect of this program. It showed that slavery was not limited to the South and that the North profited from slavery and promoted it.
by Peter Murray at 12:35 AM on June 25, 2008
These people (the DeWolfs) have too much time on their hands and spent it pathetically wringing such hands in the faux psychotherapeutic farce. I have to agree with those who more vehemently made fun of these depressed , deep-thinking New Englander, Episcopalians. And by the way the African Black Anglicans are separating from these kooky American Episcopals. Yes, why don't we just give all the reparations money to Al Sharpton and let him manage the trust fund? The Devil is in the details in reparations, no?
Also why wasn't modern slavery even mentioned, or why wouldn't this be something that can and should be addressed right now? The black chick producer said, my people. What kind of racist crap is that? Why didn't the show address how slaves were sometimes sold by family members or tribes who were shunning unwanted members of their community?
edited by moderator for language
by Glenn at 12:36 AM on June 25, 2008
Sharon, in answer to your question, we haven't found anyone who we know to be descended from the two African children brought back to Rhode Island by James D'Wolf. But we have been in touch with a few black DeWolf descendants, and we are continuing to seek out descendants of the slaves trafficked by our ancestors.
by James DeWolf Perry at 12:38 AM on June 25, 2008
Certainly, any given presentation can not be all encompassing but let us keep in mind the point of beginning. Slavery first began in the Americas with the European enslavement of its Indigenous people. The import of Black Africans was after that fact but it has become the exculsive story. All stories have a beginning, middle, and ending. It is not clear where this story is currently at.
by Wayaaseshkang at 12:42 AM on June 25, 2008
Mixed feelings. I appreciated this as being the personal experience of the people involved; however, I do not accept generalizations of any kind. The filmmaker stated near the end that she understood how any white person may think "But I didn't do it!" I'm glad she understands that. The feelings expressed in this film are felt by many people, but I absolutely refuse any overall sense of "white guilt" that I'm supposed to feel. This is because I am as disgusted and bewildered by the actions of slaveholders and racists as anyone whose skin is not white, have felt that way as long as I can remember. I am half Italian. Many female ancestors on that side of the family were kidnapped and raped by African pirates hundreds of years ago. We all have personal connections to the past that are painful to think of, and should deal with them honestly and openly, but WITHOUT attributing past actions to an ENTIRE RACE of people! Racism is racism no matter where it comes from, or who it comes from...same thing with all forms of hatred. One thing I agree with is that there should indeed be more honest conversation about it. This film failed to mention that the slave trade was not exclusively done by simply taking people by force--some African kings actually sold their own people (though that may not apply to the particulars of THIS story). That's a fact. Look into it yourself. I think some people may need the "push" this film is giving toward "reparations," but I don't appreciate its assumption that everyone white needs that push. I've always talked openly about it and am always ready for more! What gets to be a problem too often is that people think SOLELY from a perspective of race. Again, I can't understand the actions of people in the past any more than the next guy...but by the same token, I also can't understand generalizations. I cannot FEEL or BE guilty because I happen to have white skin. That said, I'm happy for the actions and sincerity on the part of everyone involved in the story, in its own context, and I wish them continued success on their journey.
by Darrell Smith at 12:42 AM on June 25, 2008
Watched the program with great interest. We can go to work immediately in righting the wrongs by forging Community Benefits Agreements in all the major cities where Blacks have been restricted and disenfranchised. Take a good look at Bronzeville in Chicago and Harlem in New York. Both historicaly significant African American communities are faced with the potential loss of their authentic cultural heritage in the corrupt process of urban regentrification!
Virtually,
Harold L Lucas
www.bronzevilleonline.com
visitbronzeville@aol.com
by Harold L. Lucas at 12:43 AM on June 25, 2008
The disparity that originated in slavery continues and when the wealthy are
prospering racism comes back into play. Both whites and African Americans
feel this inequity in the struggle for resources. And as the balance of wealth
shifts in the US, we will become aware of how we're being cheated emotionally
by things we thought that mattered. I can't change the past but I can live now
as though love is real.
by N. Krieg at 12:44 AM on June 25, 2008
White America today does not need to feel guilty about slavery, which was something their forefathers did. I believe White America need to focus on seeing African Americans as a people and communicate with them ands understand them as Americans. At this time we must move forward and release the racism that many Whites and African American still hold. I disagree with Juanita about White people take responsibility; just the same way I can not take responsibility for my brother who has committed a crime.
I do not blame White America of today for slavery to my people. They still continual hold racism and certain boundaries they keep between us.
by Joseph at 12:45 AM on June 25, 2008
You may use HTML tags for style and links.
Kudos to the producers! As others have said, this is an important "first" step in popularizing the discussion of how white America needs to process the history and implications of America's original sin of slavery; it must ultimately absolve itself of and atone for the legacy and vestiges of white privilege, belief in white supremacy and black inferiority that slavery was premised on.
To those who say, "It wasn't me or mine", you are missing the point. All of white America, north and south, east and west, benefited historically and to this day from slavery and the relative privilege accorded whiteness. To those who say, "Stop whining; get an eduction and get a job"; consider the disparity today in school systems depending on where you live, that in many respects stems from the economic disparities that continue as the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow, not 8-10 generations ago, but only 2 generations ago.
White people coming to terms with this history, seeking self-understanding, absolution, reconciliation and atonement is not the final answer. There is much that blacks have to continue to do in their own regard. But it is high time that whites begin to deal with their history and its legacy. Until the dialogue exemplified by this documentary is taken up more broadly and brought to some degree of resolution, America will not have come to terms with what remains to be done for the achievement of a "more perfect union".
by John Butler at 12:45 AM on June 25, 2008
Having lived in the South all my life, I have never had any black person I know bring up the slave issue to me or anyone I know. Maybe it’s because in the South, we let the issue die. Everyone has heard of the ‘new South’. There’s nothing new about the South, it’s just a new generation who are tied of dealing with something we had no part in. In my part of the South we are more worried about our kids, making sure they have enough food, enough clothes, that they keep off drugs and don’t drink and drive. We are worried about keeping our jobs in this uncertain economy. We are not worried about apologizing for something we had nothing to do with.
by Melissa at 12:48 AM on June 25, 2008
Sorry, but I don't identify with the guilt of the white elite. My folks weren't here during the time of slavery and I feel no ancestral guilt over it. I've always lived in racially mixed neighborhoods, attended racially mixed schools, and worked in a racially mixed workplace. Black Americans are not abstract concepts to me, nor is the predjudice I've seen directed at them.
Was slavery wrong? You bet, but all I heard was whining from people who are now feeling social pressure to acknowledge their ties to that system. Where were they 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago? Their sense of guilt is their own; I see no need for me to be drawn into their attempts at reparations. I'd rather see people make a personal committment to living inclusive rather than exclusive lives, to break out of the white enclaves, to allow their kids to "mix", to break the generational sense of entitlement and privilege. You can make all the public "I'm sorrys" that you want, but unless the underlying mentality is changed, and people are just viewed as fellow human beings rather than a color or a guilt trip, the society will remain unchanged.
by F. Arvoitan at 12:48 AM on June 25, 2008
White guilt is unfounded ! American slavery of 200 years ago ? Get over it people. and grow up. The history of the human race has had its bumps in the road and the USA is no different. Fact is that there has never been nor will there ever be a utopia, so stop comparing our great country to something that never existed. Compare the US to Sub Saharan Africa instead, focusing on such stats as life expectancy or standard of living. We have it good !
by Tacitus at 12:48 AM on June 25, 2008
Having lived in the South all my life, I have never had any black person I know bring up the slave issue to me or anyone I know. Maybe it’s because in the South, we let the issue die. Everyone has heard of the ‘new South’. There’s nothing new about the South, it’s just a new generation who are tied of dealing with something we had no part in. In my part of the South we are more worried about our kids, making sure they have enough food, enough clothes, that they keep off drugs and don’t drink and drive. We are worried about keeping our jobs in this uncertain economy. We are not worried about apologizing for something we had nothing to do with.
by Melissa at 12:48 AM on June 25, 2008
An ultra-liberal's attempt to deal with her guilt while hoping she can cause others to take up her cross. She, like many, evidently knows little to nothing about the concept of slavery but much about how to perpetuate the entitlement generation's idea of how everyone owes them for something in which they, like she, had no involvement.
by Rob at 12:49 AM on June 25, 2008
As I watched the program tonight I couldn't help but remember the stories of my own family members who were involved in the slave trade. Whether they were traders, slaves or free slaves, the legacy of my family is dark. My family started from a mixture of European and African. In my family history, the children were encouraged to marry within the family to keep the caramel or fair colored skin. This was done to avoid slavery. The children born with darker skin were sold into slavery by their family for a profit of some kind. This documentary was wonderful for the people involved. It was good for me to see White Americans go through the processes of attempting to understand the depth of the slave trade. I have tried to think of ideas or conversations I would have with my White American colleagues. It is sad to say that I don't feel they would be open to discuss taking actions to heal the scars of slavery on our nation. I do feel that this film should be shown in movie theaters and schools across the nation and every person should digest its meaning. Everyone has a responsibility to make an effort to understand it and work hard towards a complete resolution. Thank you for making "Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North."
by Tashaka Budd at 12:49 AM on June 25, 2008
What an orgy of shame! I endured Traces of the Trade and discovered nothing new in it except for perhaps the disgusting depths that self-hating, bleeding heart white liberals, will descend to and self-righteously insist on dragging everybody else along with them.
What a twisted trip for white masochists, groveling before blacks who questioned and mocked them, who refused to shake their hand and who said they felt angry. White people ought to be angry at blacks always playing the victim and never taking responsibility for themselves - whether in the US or Africa.
Reparations are not the solution, especially if we subtract what blacks have cost America. Why should those who were never slave owners pay those who were never slaves? REPATRIATION is the solution. And looking at African blacks versus American blacks, some could conclude that for many the sacrifice of slavery is the best thing that ever happened. You certainly don't see blacks clamoring to return to Africa with any sense of proper pride, even though many claim to be "Afro-centric." Yet they'll stay and complain and try to shake down guilty whites instead of recognizing or admitting the common sense of Abraham Lincoln that still rings true today: the solution is racial separation.
"I will say, then, that I AM NOT NOR HAVE EVER BEEN in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the black and white races---that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with White people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the White and black races which will ever FORBID the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together, there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the White race."
- Abraham Lincoln
www.DavidBenAriel.org
by David Ben-Ariel at 12:50 AM on June 25, 2008
You may use HTML tags for style and links.
I will like to commend Katrina Brown for the soul serching documentary. The issue of slavery has been avoided in our national discussion for reasons beyond my imagination. In my opinion, most white people are unconfortable with discussing slavery and race matters. As a naturalized African American, I will be content with an official apology from our government, but sincere discussions on the evils of slavery and racism must continue. As a black man who have experienced racism , I can understand why some African Americans are angry. White America should do more to understand black sociology, it may alleviate tensions. I am very saddened by the level of racism in our society. Katrina saga in New Orleans was a national disgrace. I also want to use this forum to thank the numerous white citizens doing their best to stand up for fairness and justices, again thank you Mrs. Katrina Brown.
by Johnson Ebiotu at 12:53 AM on June 25, 2008
Saw the show on tv. Was okay i guess, i comend you though for braving such a Hot Issue.I'm Originally from Sierra Leone , One of the Countries Raped in this illegally Trade , I'm what you call a Creole from Feetown, Just wanted to Educate you on a Few Points you Might Have missed. Firstly , Slavery was Abolished not in Late 1890s as you Stated. Slavery was actuallly Abolished in 1772, Lord Mansfield Decision. Matter of Fact Britain & France attacked American Ships on the High seas carrying Slave Ships.This was to to lead to your American War of Independence. Check Sierra Leonean History. Secondly, How can any African in his or her Right Mind forgive either you or your Collegues when we are still experiencing what i call Neo Colonial Despair. A symptom not only including Price Dictations, but devalutions of our Currencies, setting Puppets Regiems in Africa & Constantly testing biological Weapons on us like Guinea Pigs. I mean Aids.Dont Forget both 1st & 2nd World War were fougt in both Africa, A Continent that nothing to do with it?And Lastly , Never Compare Our Plight or Liken it to the Jews .? I dont think any African wants to hear any of that Garbage.Dont know if this is a Scheme you are Pulling, cause our Generation of Africans will Never ever go thru what our Ancestors went thru.Times are about to change , just sit & watch.
by Dennis Auber at 1:00 AM on June 25, 2008
I believe on an experiential, not intellectual, level that the least interesting thing about us is the color of the one or two millimeters of skin covering us. The skin itself is very interesting. We breathe through it. We “see” through it. We interact with the atmosphere, other beings through it. The spiritual fire inside is what is interesting, nothing about the corporeal reality enclosing it, not where it goes out or in, or where it is symmetrical or asymmetrical, not the color of it. We apply these labels, black, white, fat, thin, young, old, beautiful, ugly, but it has nothing to do with the actual experience. This I believe, and, as I said, I know in a way beyond words. However, this is on an ultimate or spiritual level. On a mundane or worldly level, the color of one’s skin determines a lot about us in this life, where we live, whether we finish school, how much money we make, how long we live, etc. So, this confusion between a true color-blind reality and the mundane reality plane on which we live is some of the source of the problem. I believe this movie addressed mostly the mundane reality level, occasionally touched the other level but not very often. However, it works very well on that level to get people talking. I watched it because it occurred to me that my great grandfather was a Norwegian sea captain in the late 19th century. Since we know from the film the slave trade actually continued beyond 1875, it is highly probable he was involved in some of the ferrying back and forth of slaves, cotton, and rum, involved in the triangle trade. It made me want to find out more about his actual routes and job, although I don’t know how to go about researching this. I agree with the participant who felt that reparations are the “only game in town.” Just words, research, apologies, won’t make up for what was stolen from Africa. Many of the horrible problems left behind by colonialism in Africa are the direct result. And it is ridiculous to say “I wasn’t involved,” or even “my ancestors were immigrants” not slave owners or traders. Everyone was involved, immigrants who worked in factories in both North America AND in Europe were involved in this triangle trade. And we are all involved in the modern triangle trades going on, dollars to diamonds to cocaine, trafficking in humans has not ended. We are especially involved if we choose to deny it is happening. The prosperity of America and Europe were built on the slave trade. It fueled not only the local prosperity of the South, but the expansion to the West and “manifest destiny.” It resulted in the genocide of the Native Americans in “reservations,” and cycled back to Africa in the Bantustans. So now that the subject is broached, and I think Katrina did it very humanly, perhaps a website can be launched to chart these new waters, provide links and actual ways to help. Thanks.
by Katherine Williams at 1:01 AM on June 25, 2008
To the DeWolf family, I applaud your openness to come out and share the dark history of your family. I encourage you to continue this openness and continue to talk about how the sins of your family’s (Slavery). I watched the documentary with my 15 year old son and we both agreed that it took courage to expose a family history of slave trading.
I pray that God continues to use you to make a difference and working to try and bring healing to a much needed issue. One cannot dispute that Slave Trading was wrong and is wrong. I do not have the answers to what it will take to make race relations better, but I believe that dialogue and truth can go a long way and if God is willing a change will be made.
Let us continue to pray and ask God to help us heal. You pray and I will pray and together let us all pray.
Thank you for your honesty and openness. An excellent start in the right direction!
by Edna J. McDaniel at 1:02 AM on June 25, 2008
First, I respect your attempt at understanding the genocide your ancestors created and profitted from. I believe that you are sincere in revealing the inherited white is might mentality that your foerfathers made sacrosant.
Two hundred and fifty years of free labor and another hundred years of social and economic strangulation by a racist white America is still active for many Black people. No other race has ever been in bondage like Black Americans in regards to the institution of slavery. Thank you for at least opening up dialog to this institutional socio-political legacy of the historical slave trade and your family's participation. Last but not least, I'm a Black male who still have a hard time in communicating with white people because of my own bitterness for what I have had to endure living in a racist America.
by John Laird at 1:05 AM on June 25, 2008
I too find the program honest and candid. While I believe there are some that will still be too comfortable with their "white priviledge" to digest some of the finer points that the filmmaker and family members were making. I applaud even the audacity of the filmmaker and her family to take such a bold journey and to make a film to address it to the wider audience of the white American community. The comments that responded negatively simply are those not yet able to face the ugliness of the history and therefore shun any concept of any shame or guilt. These are the sad souls that we must forgive because they are so sad.
I give credit to those that for the first time are seeing the errors of their past perceptions and seek healing after seeing this film. I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone and start to be open to dialogue. While uncomfortable at first, it is essential to the healing process.
As uncomfortable as it may be for some to conceive, we live in a society in America that, due to the slave trade, has systemically made a group of people stigmatized as being inferior. It is because of the systemic racism that ALL Whites (without exception) have benefitted for hundreds of years that all shoulder the burden of the legacy of the slave trade (whether your ancestors traded slaves or not). Racism was in education, hiring practices, economic empowerment and politics -- all Whites had advantages over the years that Blacks did not have because their skin color. Acknowledge it and seek to change the effects of it --the underlining theme of the entire film.
What struck me was the comment of how even now that we are unconcious how our commerce finances the slave-like labor of 3rd world countries. How certain people in the world provide goods and services for pennies and live in obscene poverty. I found myself disturbed how I am guilty of being ambivalent about it even as a descedant of former American slaves and asked myself why this is so. I have resolved to also take responsiblity and change my behavior in this regard.
I thank the filmmaker, the family and PBS for venturing out to make all this possible. I think you have done the world a great service and certainly THIS is a step in the right direction of redefining the De Wolf Legacy (Once Slave Traders turned Truth and Reconciliation Leaders). How awesome is that?!Keep up the good works.
by Niya at 1:06 AM on June 25, 2008
What a bunch of liberal crap. Let Katrina deal with her guilt for the actions of her family without trying to drag the rest of us along with her. Slavery was a fact of life for thousands of years. What race was not a victim of slavery at some time or another. The machine age eliminated the need for slaves to do the work of building cities and producing food and other goods. Instead of giving more handouts we should support people like Bill Cosby and others who are trying to get black men to be responsible for the children they produce. Also, the attitude of many young blacks that doing well in school is "not cool" or is "trying to act white" is setting them up for failure.
by Dave Aumock at 1:06 AM on June 25, 2008
Mary Mura, June 24, 2008 11:28 PM writes:
"Those who benefited from slave trade need to be the ones to deal with their indebtedness to the people they wronged, not me. I feel a need to repay Native Americans, as I am living in and on the land that once was theirs. "
Mary yes you are living on land that once belonged to Native Americans, but you are also living in a wealthy nation, and that wealth was built on SLAVE LABOR.
No, I'm not black. I am as white as they come and my family came even later than yours but I feel an apology and reparations are needed. Slavery was indeed the black holocaust.
by Armen at 1:07 AM on June 25, 2008
I suggest the filmaker liquidate her and her family's assets and give the proceeds to predominately black institutions and or individuals of their choosing. They may then start over without the assumed benefits of slavery. Maybe this economic exercise will assist them in assuaging their feelings of
unwarranted privledge. Of course one can't give up there education( in this racisit , racist country), but how about 10 years working free in a black household. Of course one would also need to repay the benefits to their ancestors, so maybe their offspring could work the same arrangement for the next 100 years or so. Then again there is interest.
I wonder if this type of thinking will catch on with the Greeks, Romans, and every other society in the last 5000+ years who had endulged in slavery. We might all owe each other sooner or later.
Don't forget the reparations needed from some blacks in Africa who traded there brothers to the barbarian Europeans at a profit.
If you really want some redemtion, get to where the slave trade is still practiced and but a stop to those Arab and black traders imediately.
The whole notion is an exercise in self absored and arrogant behavior.
Keep your guilt to yourself, and lay off your ancestors or you may be judged in a few generations as a foolish snob.
Nice to put it on the country as a whole, considering the small percentage of slave owners (black and white) and there decendents. I know , I know we all benefited enormously from slavery. Tell that to my Irish ancestors.
If you think these comments are too defensive, that's ok. I thought the film was quite offensive and a monument to political correctness. We all have an idea of how political correctness is akin to the thought police. Keep it up.
Lastly, how many poor blacks have you invited to live in your house before you sell it of course to pay back YOUR debt.
by kevin at 1:08 AM on June 25, 2008
Hey Katrina,
My forefather was one of those black elders who sold my people to your family. He settled in Virginia as a "free black." My family also attend Ivy league schools & preparatory schools. I grew up in the second largest house in America. Growing up my father changed his name and kept us apart from his family. I don't think about guilt, or shame. We are all here now, and we must all keep working to make lemonade out of all these lemons.
Salaam!
by Karriem at 1:13 AM on June 25, 2008
Unfortunately, I did not view the full documentary. What I did view, was outstanding. Her/family's sincerity, willingness to be vulnerable and their expression of the total experience gives me much hope as an African American, that if not today, we can resolve the guilt, mistrust, fear and social/economic disparity we experience in this country "we built" together.
by Patricia Davis at 1:15 AM on June 25, 2008
Did not catch all of the show. I was surfing channels and found it and became interested. What I saw was moving and it is a story that more need to see. From the comments I have seen most of the people who watched it do agree something needs to change. Slavery is at the heart of the racist attitudes on both sides. The problem is, the people who really need to see this would not even turn on PBS in the first place. Things have come far, but there is still far more to be done to resolve the issues between black and white. We need adult conversations to figure out the solutions, not hatred to one another. There is enough hatred on both sides that this issue will never be resolved. Some do not want it resolved because if it is who can they blame for all the world problems then. I found the film rather powerful in its message and hope that it gets out to more people. I can say I am proud to be of the white race, though as soon as I say it many will lable me a racist. I know the white race has done many things I am not proud of like slavery, the near genocide of the American Indians, the forced imprisonment of anyone who looked Asian during WW II, the mistreatment of Chinese building the railroads, and even the mistreatment of many of our own race like the early Irish immigrants. Yet we have done some great things too. We will never solve these sorts of issues until we can agree that all of us belong to one race no matter what color your skin is or what relegion you believe in, We all are brothers and sisters of the Human Race.
by Tim Mondero at 1:16 AM on June 25, 2008
I was very moved by this documentry and I want to thank the members of the De Wolf family who participated in this story. Many things have happened and continue to happen in 'this world' that people of all races should be ashamed. That is why Christ made the sacrifice for All who believe and only He can set us free!.
In my community of mostly a white race we had a group of black Christians settle after Hurricane Katrina. I felt compelled to make an attempt to welcome them and in some way let them know I wanted to apologize for the racial discrimination that continues in America.
Upon my surprise visit to the headquarters for this group I was greeted with great apprehension and made to feel as though I was not welcomed. They want to be left alone. When I would not leave, I wasfinally allowed to speak to the Pastor/Leader's wife on the telephone who was nice but very defensive. I left feeling as though I needed to try harder to reassure this group that I meant well.
Later I visited their website and sent an email to the Pastor/Leader but no one ever responded. My email was an apology for the seperation of our race as well as complement them for the differences I acknowledge between them and myself, not as a white person but rather just as a person. I tried to show them I am humbled by, amoung other things, their natural talents and good nature. I am not a highly educated person but I felt I did my best and I do not harbor any ill feelings for them not having responded to my pouring out my heart to them.
It is my experience that while some people respond to hashing out problems I have come to believe that maybe a better resolution to issues as serious and as sensitive as apologizing and acknowledging slavery may be to just simply praise each other for who who are and for those natural abilities each race was given by God which is what really seperates from each other. We all know what they are but we do not emphasize those qualities in each other... not even within our own race.
Perhaps by focusing and praising those natural abilities we may one day be comfortable enough with each other that our apologies will be acepted as genuine.
I am opposed to reparations simply because that seems to me to add insult to injury and it can never take the place of damaged human emotions. As it says in the Bible: "It is easier to defend a fortifed city than to win the favor of an offended friend."
God Bless You and to this Great Country we All share!
by Shirley Shaw at 1:17 AM on June 25, 2008
You may use HTML tags for style and links.
Katrina, hi, the only way you could have known about what your heart was feeling was to actually go through with the project designed only for you. We were all born with special gifts and many talents, but most people never use all they have been blessed with ,including myself. You have inspired me with your film documentary. I have always wanted to do a documentary, but didn`t and still do not have the capital I need to make all the proper connections. Ghana is a favorite place in my life now. My son did a sixs week study abroad there before his college graduation. This is where he met his wife.(Rib) :). I am so grateful and honored to have her in my family. The time, care and concern you have put into this documentary, I beleive this is what God has called all humanity to do. Forgive, a time of healing and restoration, so that we can all come into unity. Sure it hurts knowing we, african americans have always gotten second best, but Christ died so that we all can have the best thing in this life.Now days, we take everything for granted. I`m happy and blessed we are not being charged for the air we breath, the sunshine we enjoy, the moonlight that is beautiful. The snow and rain. The sweet sound of birds on a beautiful morning ect... Your documentary have allowed many to stay focused on the real issue, LOVE.
by Pamela at 1:18 AM on June 25, 2008
I do not know what the answer is but reparation is not the solution. Too many cultures have been wronged in this country. Where would the reparation stop? Which race would be considered? Would the raparation be limited only to African-Americans? Chinese? Native-Americans?
What could be considered is helping everyone with higher education. Preparing young children with the proper training, mind set if you will, from pre-K to high school. Train them, show them how to get to college, and also include guidance for the sociiological experience that college represents. Another aspect of this training could be vocational for older children that show an interest or talent. Give all kids options!
by L.Merlo at 1:23 AM on June 25, 2008
When Katrina Browne spoke of "white Americans" she meant that small proportion of white Americans who are like the DeWolfs and their decendents. There are other white Americans who came to the Colonies under hardship, were spurned from places like New England because of their religion, were forced into the backwoods to scratch out a living while fightning off Indians. They worked in the coal mines and on the railroads. They never went to Harvard. If they finally got to college 5 generations later it was on the GI bill to a state college, and they were grateful. When ideas such as reparations and affirmative action are proposed, it is these white people who end up paying the price. Not the Phillips Academy crowd. Just because we are also white, don't assume that we have anything else in common in our experience to the DeWolfs or their decendents.
by Cracker at 1:24 AM on June 25, 2008
Did the people runing the family museum at least acknowledge that the house was built for the proceeds of the slave trade?
by Dee Hart at 1:31 AM on June 25, 2008
In direct response to Juanita's comment, slavery is not only the responsibility of white people. Black people also own slaves in the United States (though the numbers were not as great). We all need to stop pointing fingers and simply have an honest discussion, acknowledging responsibility on all sides.
by Natana Gill at 1:31 AM on June 25, 2008
I did find it heart warming to see people exposing their family's part in Amerca's not so pleasant past. What I find sad and a bit madding is the talk of money. Money will not undo the damage that has been done to African Americans (mentally and emotionally). So many of us still suffer from what I call "slave mentality". So many of us still don't see or understand that the old way of doing things is not the way that things are done today! The thing that upsets me is that a lot of white people still don't get it. It's not so much about what was done to my ancestors by your ancestors, the real issue today is what their decendents are doing to the decendents of the slaves today. I think the insult to African Americans today it to be told by white america, to get over it because racism does not exist in America today. The scary part is that a big part of white americans are closet racists, They know that they probably get away with lynching with a rope, so they do it in other ways. But be that as it may, I am still glad to be an AMERICAN!
by Norma Howard at 1:33 AM on June 25, 2008
I thank Katrina Browne for the courage to face her family's slave trade history in such a direct way. I thank her for sharing it with us. It is time that we face the ugly side of our American history and make reparation for it. This injustice affects us to this day, both blacks, whites, and all Americans. It is an open wound. It is time to heal it. This is a good step in the right direction by the white community (especially those of us who have ancestry that goes back to the founding of the U.S.) I agree that the white citizens need to begin to look this issue squarely in the eye for what it was and is so that we can hash it out amongst ourselves. I am ready for this conversation. Let's break the silence.
by Margaret Schiltz at 1:36 AM on June 25, 2008
After having watched the program, I have to say that I am somewhat disappointed. The premise of the story intrigued me. The historical, and genealogical, aspects of the film were quite interesting. But the majority of the family members did appear to me to be self-serving. I may be swayed as to the sincerity of the group upon further investigation into what actions have been taken after all the "soul-searching", and the camera was shut-off. I look forward to reading the book, perhaps it will give a more complete picture of the project, and a better perspective of the participants.
by Patricia at 1:39 AM on June 25, 2008
Interestingly enough I was watching "LA AMISTAD" last night. The connection is so obvious! To the De Wolf family members who took part...: Thank you for your courage. Your next stop is Congress. Reparation is one thing, but an apology and the adoption of a National or International Day of Reconciliation would make a lot more sense.
My ancestors earned their freedom by using armed revolts against the French in 1804 and my native country became independent. But I'll tell you this: Today I'm still angry at what brought us to this Continent in the first place, ( maybe even angrier than my ancestors after reading some of the comments posted ) because the issue of slavery was never addressed at the level you are suggesting. We cannot forget about it: Slavery was a particularly cruel premeditated crime against Humanity.
by OC at 1:41 AM on June 25, 2008
I was appalled by this political correctness drivel and marxiism. I wasn't surprised, of course.
The whole idea of "reparations" is ludicrous, not to mention having no standing at law. As for "reconciliation commissions", they are descendants of the show trials of Stalinist Russia where innocent people admitted to "crimes" and were executed or sent to the gulag, and Mao's "cultural revolution" where the past was exterminated and the public was "re-educated" (we call it diversity training). South Africa's reconciliation commision, after all, was a product of marxist Mandela and his African National Congress government.
White Guilt "liberalism" is the hall mark of Ms. Browne's film. As reality, it is definitely surreal, as propaganda it is likely quite effective in the political correctness hysteria sweeping american society.
Does anyone doubt virtually everyone in this film is for Barack Obama, racialist, for President?
by Randolph Phillips at 1:43 AM on June 25, 2008
My grandfather and grandmother immigrated to the USA at the turn of the century he died in the coal mines. My father almost died in WW II. The problem that the author has is a personal one. My family never owned a slave nor ever benefited from slavery. Pbs once had a series about the Civil War and the one quote that I remember is when one asked the Irish southern soldier why the south lost he replied "Cause the north had more Irish." Perhaps some Harvard elitists should educate themselves about immigration of Europeans rather than how their family broke all the laws only to enrich themselves.
by Willie Yanock at 1:43 AM on June 25, 2008
Thank you POV for allowing the De Wolf's to tell their story, tell it well, and
tell the trurth'. I'm reminded by something Albert Einstien said' " you can't solve a problem from the same conciousness that created it. you must learn to see the world anew.' another world is possible.. another us is possible, Alice Lovelace.
The hour of loss of dignity and peace Is surely not dead. Kenneth Patchen.
Let us begin to envision a new us.. it is necessary. We will either co-exist or co destruct. Everyboby should understand; that everybody brings a piece to the table and the table is not complete until everybody's there. Let's do this with a sense of grace. We can get to that place by using our imagination to go past and beyond this horrific ancient curse called economic enslavement.
Revision what Social Justice is.. is it still an American value? regardless of privilege or status. Katrina Browne, and the others provided a new legacy of inspiration for human rights activism in our own back yard.
I am a black woman living in Vermont, the whitest state iin our nation, and the state that voted overwhelmingly for Obama for president . Another us is necessary. Naima K. Wade, Cultural Worker and Writer Living in Vermont
by Naima K. Wade at 1:44 AM on June 25, 2008
Thank you POV for allowing the De Wolf's to tell their story, tell it well, and
tell the trurth'. I'm reminded by something Albert Einstien said' " you can't solve a problem from the same conciousness that created it. you must learn to see the world anew.' another world is possible.. another us is possible, Alice Lovelace.
The hour of loss of dignity and peace Is surely not dead. Kenneth Patchen.
Let us begin to envision a new us.. it is necessary. We will either co-exist or co destruct. Everyboby should understand; that everybody brings a piece to the table and the table is not complete until everybody's there. Let's do this with a sense of grace. We can get to that place by using our imagination to go past and beyond this horrific ancient curse called economic enslavement.
Revision what Social Justice is.. is it still an American value? regardless of privilege or status. Katrina Browne, and the others provided a new legacy of inspiration for human rights activism in our own back yard.
I am a black woman living in Vermont, the whitest state iin our nation, and the state that voted overwhelmingly for Obama for president . Another us is necessary. Naima K. Wade, Cultural Worker and Writer Living in Vermont
by Naima K. Wade at 1:45 AM on June 25, 2008
Good program. As a mixed Chippewa-Cree descendent of French Canadian trappers and traders (Metis or mixed blood) along with a generous mixture of various European immigrants, I tend to think about wrongs perpetrated on tribes rather than wrongs perpetrated on black slaves. Unfortunately, both races still suffer because of prejudice, and inequality of opportunity. Is it possible to actually have a national conversation about our national past?
by Sue at 1:50 AM on June 25, 2008
Like the abolitionists, Ms. Brown, of the DeWolf family, appears to be mounted for a fire and brimstone crusade which could result in anger and divisiveness.
Rather would I propose a restoration of the principles of a Constitutional Republic and the rights we have so recently lost, which could again be enjoyed by citizens of all races.
If Ms. Brown wishes to engage in self-flagellation for the wrongs of her ancestors, she should not demand that others be forced to join her in this folly.
Sharon S. Clark
Columbia, South Carolina
by Sharon Clark at 2:10 AM on June 25, 2008
This story, told in the usual PBS bland style, is about a bunch of anal, shallow supposidly highly educated masochists.who are trying to define guilt. Whiles owe absolutely nothing to blacks. Blacks in fact owe a great deal to the slave traders for bringing them across thousands of years of evolution and aculturation in civil society. It was not a pleasant experience, but rarely is anything worthwhile. People died to establish christain religion. Do the Italians, descendants of the Roman Empire owe me anything. Does Britan owe the US reparations for their Declaration of Independence. No. Did Homo Sapien owe Neanderthal for contributing to their demise. No. In every case, with pain the world evolves into a better, more sophisticed place in which to compete against Mother Nature who indeed will wipe out the weak without regard to race, color, creed or religion. Get real. Focus on the reality and stop creating illusory issues that have nothing to do with the survival of the human race. Katrina Browne obviously has a lot of idle time on her filmmaking hands.
by Pat Ballard at 2:13 AM on June 25, 2008
Very masterfully done. I found Katrina's narrative through out the film to be powerfully moving and sage with compellingly candor. Yes, there is a very real chasm in our American Society that was systemically designed and is perpetuated today on all socio-economic levels to ensure that African descendants are kept at in a disadvantaged position compared to the European descendants. [As was discussed on a recent Bill Moyers PBS.org program by the distinguished Harvard Professor, Glenn C. Loury, and scholarly described in his book, "The Anatomy of Racial Inequality."]
And as she concluded in the film, while holding back her emotions, affirmative efforts to ameliorate this human condition should begin with the process Katrina said begins with 'recognizing it, atoning for it (including some form of reparations, i.e. on a Social or Governmental Policy level)...and do something to constructively correct it by making the damaged party whole'. To begin that journey, our respective churches and religious organizations are excellent vehicles to begin that journey and act as our moral compasses to keep us headed in the right direction to attain that goal....
by V. Lewis at 2:14 AM on June 25, 2008
I believe that the slave trade was wrong and that as a society we are responsible. The "melting pot" of America is made up of people of different races and with different ancestors, but no matter where you came from, you are a part of this world. The tragedies of our past, and present, must be dealt with today so that our imperfections can be put behind us and our hearts can be put to rest, allowing future generations to be free of the social and physical strains that these issues create. I was not here for the slave trade, the killing of Native Americans, or the Holocaust, but I, as a human being, feel that these are issues that deal with us, as a worldly society, and need to be dealt with, without the preconceived notions about color, religion, or sex. We wronged, and if we do not forgive, and help to repair the damages done to our society we will never change, and never become truly free. I am here, for the genocide in Darfur, the killing in the Middle East, and the in action of the world to better itself. I, as a twenty year old, feel so much potential for my generation to find love and peace where others have failed, but the world can not be changed by one generation alone. We need to seek within our souls, and our hearts the a middle road, that does not forget, but does forgive, in the hopes of a better future. A world that does not judge based on external things, but rather looks within a neighbors eyes, into their inner soul, and feels nothing but love for this being,......this human being.
by Victoria A. Hurst at 2:18 AM on June 25, 2008
On the Concept of Reparations for the Enslavement of Ancestors
by John Perna © 2000 Permission to republish once is granted
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the chairman of Afro-American Studies at Harvard University, and other Black professionals, are now calling loudly for the payment of reparations to Blacks whose ancestors were slaves in America. These same Blacks, who claim that Whites owe them reparations, also claim that the ancient Egyptians were black.
There is a problem here. The ancient Egyptians were among the biggest chattel slave-masters in history. The record of the enslavement of the Jews, by the ancient Egyptians, can be found in every version of the Holy Bible. Other people (and other races) may have also been enslaved by the Egyptians. All the Blacks who believe in the concept of reparations for the enslavement of ancestors are free, at any time, to begin making payments to the descendants of all those; whom other Blacks in history enslaved. Obviously fairness dictates that they could start, at least, by making payments to the Jews. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, will this idea still sound good to the Blacks who are clamoring for reparations?
Slavery has been going on since man has existed. Slavery did not start in America. Everyone has ancestors who were slaves. There is plenty of slavery that is more recent than American slavery. Auschwitz makes the southern plantation look like a vacation resort.
Let's actually examine the Chairman Gates' concept of reparations for the enslavement of ancestors. His contention that all White people owe all Black people is based on the concept that those who are of the SAME RACE, as the former slave masters; automatically owe money to all of those, who are of the SAME RACE as the former slaves. No notice is taken of the fact that those who allegedly owe the money were never slave masters themselves, nor of the fact that those to whom the money is allegedly owed have never themselves been slaves.
There also seems to be a presumption that all of the slaves were black, and all of the slave-masters were white. Only a small percentage of whites, owned slaves (5% or less). In the official U.S. Census of 1830, there were 3775 free blacks who owned 12,740 black slaves. The first black slave owner was Anthony Johnson of Northampton, Virginia. His slave was John Casor.
http://www.usnationalslaverymuseum.org/aboutslavery.htm
A landmark case in 1665 involving the Black slave owner Anthony Johnson resulted in the courts’ ruling that slaves were considered slaves for life. Thus, in 1665 all states adopted enslavement laws. It was the Black slave master, Anthony Johnson, who sued and won his case in a Virginia court that changed temporary servitude into lifetime servitude. Thus, this Black slave owner, in Virginia, established permanent slavery. If there were any validity to the theory that the descendants of slaves should be paid by the descendants of slave-masters; THEN descendants of Anthony Johnson would certainly owe the most.
What it comes down to is this: Chairman Gates, and his reparations cohorts, are saying that a person is allegedly due money, or that a person allegedly owes money, SOLELY on the basis of his or her race.
Now let's put the shoe on the other foot AGAIN. Suppose that you are a Black man sleeping peacefully in your own home. Suddenly there is a knock at the door. It is the police, who inform you that you are under arrest, and that you are going to jail. Why? Because somewhere an unspecified, unidentified Black man has robbed a store.
"But I am innocent!" you yell.
"Yes, we know that, but you are Black, and a Black man robbed the store,
"The policeman answers. "We have to arrest you because you are Black."
Now, what is the next logical thing for you to say? Will you not immediately point out that it is an injustice for you to be punished for something that you did not do? Will you not loudly protest that it is racism to blame an entire race for the actions of a few? Of course that's what you'll say - and of course you'll be right.
Why are you only, JUST NOW, thinking of that?
How will you deal with the fact that there were slave owners who were Black or American Indian? To all the Blacks who are clamoring for reparations from Whites: Are you willing to also call for the descendants of all Blacks who sold or kept slaves to chip in too? Are you willing to hit up the descendants of today's Egyptians for your "fair share," and to urge them to also pay reparations to the descendants of the Jews; whom they enslaved? How do you plan to compensate the descendants of the WHITE people, who came to this continent as slaves? (The euphemism for white slavery was indentured servitude). How will you deal with the fact that large numbers of whites are the descendants of people who came here after slavery was abolished? How will you deal with the fact that large numbers of blacks are the descendants of people who came here after slavery was abolished?
And are you willing to ask those Blacks and Arabs who still sell and keep slaves in Africa, to this day, to immediately stop this practice, to free their slaves, and to pay them, and their descendants reparations?
The big problem with collective guilt is that it punishes the innocent. We now hear that some of the descendents of the slave traders are supporting the idea of reparations. Katrina Browne of the DeWolf family is one example. Are they offering to pay these reparations from their own family funds, or do the want someone else to pay? If there was any thought of justice in all of this, then the source of the reparations would be limited to nothing other than the assets that were inherited from slave traders and slave masters. In 1812, the DeWolfs owned more ships than the United States Navy. Would the descendents of the slave traders and slave masters volunteer to exchange their financial portfolios for the financial portfolios of the descendents of the slaves? The descendents of the slave traders and of the slave masters might learn a lot from the conversations that they could have with the descendents of the slaves, while they wait together in the food stamp and welfare offices. Would it not be simple common sense that those who benefited from slavery should be the only ones to compensate those who were injured by slavery?
We are told that "Islam" is not responsible for terrorism.
Why are we told that "whitey" is responsible for slavery? I'm just trying to get the rules straight on this collective guilt phenomena. It is perplexing to hear who it is; who is exclaiming about how peaceful most Muslims are. That's surely true, just as the vast majority of whites opposed slavery.
In all civil claims, when it is found that an injury was done, the injured party would only be entitled to be compensated exactly to the extent to what they would have had, absent the injury. In this case, that would be the standard of living of the average African. Exactly what are the damages, that resulted from being subjected to growing up in America, instead of Africa?
Of COURSE, if it was true that there was a valid claim for reparations, due to the enslavement of ancestors, that claim would be subject to corrections for value already received (welfare, subsidized housing, medicare, medicaid, food stamps, etc. etc. etc.) Anytime that a debt is over paid a refund is given.
For more information on reparations visit:
http://thenewamerican.com/tna/2001/02-12-2001/vo17no04_reparations.htm
If there is anyone, who is willing to accept criminal penalties,
and civil liabilities,
on behalf of everyone who is of their same ethnic group,
that person is invited to comment.
Hurry right in.
Please form a single line.
No pushing!
by John Perna at 2:22 AM on June 25, 2008
i think some of the comments made demonstrate the need for this type of programing. i don't think films need to be oscar worthy to begin dialogue among white people insofar as the privileges they enjoy as a result of white supremacy that came about as a direct result of the slave trade. the idea that someone from europe is not culpable is retarded. slave labor created the modern world. the sugar, rum and spices enjoyed in the west was cultivated by slave labor.
i think many people of african descent get the point, it's time for white people to begin discussing if we want things to change.
by naomi at 2:24 AM on June 25, 2008
I think white folks should thank katrina dewolf because she may be a seed to their own salvation. As a member of the National coalition of Blacks for Reparations, I know white will pay because the Creator has let me know that if and when black people request and demanded it....white people will pay for it. Only the ignorant whites that are full of greed and selfishness will not see the importance of this film and the good that can come out of this. In the past I didn't want white people to come to the realization that they must make amends because I wanted them to suffer under the terror that only the Almighty Creator can hand out. Now, I am willing to forgive white folks if they are honest about what happened and take the steps to undo the lies that they have written and taught about african people. Clean up this education system of the lies and the omission about what is true about African's, native americans and others they have offended. Now I can say its not so much the money but I would like to have the truth printed in the text books and taught in the schools. There are things that can be done to make up for what was done in evil and wrong but it has to be with truth
by Curtis V. Murphy at 2:25 AM on June 25, 2008
I am also descended from a slave trader, John Pleasants of Virginia. He imported both slaves and white indentured servants as part of his import business. He was converted by Quaker missionaries and upon his death, manumitted all his slaves. He was forbidden by law to do it while he was alive. When I first learned of my family's link to the slave trade, I felt sickened and guilty. I have many close black friends and now I think, did my family own yours? Just the idea that one person could own another is appalling to me. To see it in your ancestors' wills, when they bequeather people of color to their children, along with their household goods and animals, is a staggering experience. Will there ever be any way I can make amends for what my ancestors did? Only by striving to be a good person, to treat others justly and to teach my children tolerance and equality.
by Paula Waldowski at 2:36 AM on June 25, 2008
First of all, although this is a minor matter, the narration by the maker of the film was so uninspired, so dull as to make it difficult to stay with the film. It may have nothing to do with the thrust, the true import of the subject, but you still have to add a certain "show business" element. That aside, the fact that the slaves were sold in the first place by black Africans was touched on only briefly; it was mentioned to an African historian who slipped past an honest answer by citing that slavery was part of all civilizations. True enough, but the difference here is that African themselves set the action in motion by selling off their own people for some rum and handkerchiefs. Or whatever. I recall a young black college student remarking to me once that he was surprised, and perhaps even shocked to learn that black Africans were the original source of the slaves. You needed to address this question in greater depth, and confront the African-American women who were angry and vociferous with that fact and get them to respond. I saw that was not going to happen, and quit the program midway through. I was also turned off by the reaction of many of the Dewolfe family members, who didn't address in any depth the fact that they themselves were not complicit and, if they didn't themselves profit from the trade of their forefathers, really should not feel any guilt. There was a kind of remorse that I don't think was justified.
The only truly interesting thing I gleaned from the film was the fact that Thomas Jefferson was complicit in the business. Yet another indication of his hypocritcal nature.
Al Barkow
by al barkow at 2:40 AM on June 25, 2008
Excellent documentary! Congratulations to Ms. Brown. As a naturalized American, I have always been shocked at the lack of historical memory that most people in this country have, coupled with the persistent racism that still surrounds us. Americans, unlike almost any other culture that I have met around the world, forget too easily and too quickly. I think this is an excellent example of how other healing processes could take place in many of the country's communities. But it does have to include not only the African American community, but also the Native Americans peoples. All over North, Central, and South America we need to make reparations to the millions of indigenouos people that were killed, enslaved, and are still marginalized and/or exploited.
by C. Gomez at 2:42 AM on June 25, 2008
That was a very good documentry. I didn't realize what it was when it started and it kept me interested. I find my own views to be somewhere in the spaces between what was presented here. I fele no personal guilt over the slave trade but I feel the racism that continues today (which by the way can be seen in some of the above comments). I feel the general prevailing white supremacy in our nation is more than enough to warrant significant reparations. But I doubt that would be a panacea for either European American or African Americans. The legacy of white supremacy lingers in people of all skin colors. To me it is essential to stop seeing people as "black" or "white" because that is the way the racist caste system is able to remain embedded in our national mentality even though counsciously we don't want to continue it. People should read George Lakoff and othersabout how framing works. The framing of our metaphors using "black" and "white" (and red, brown, yellow, too), for people maintains the hidden agenda of racism just by forcing our mental framing into the cagegories created by tose who advocagted "white"supremacy. What was lacking in the film was the exploration of the question of the "white" abolitionists and the "black' slave traders. Slavery was not just a black verses white issue. Three were people of all colors on all sides of the enslavement question.
by Gregory Wonderwheel at 2:43 AM on June 25, 2008
I for one feel not ONE IOTA of "white guilt" about the slave trade. My ancestor came to America from England in the 1600s as an INDENTURED SERVANT, as did @ 2/3 of the whites who settled in America during the time of the slave trade. These were "white slaves", who, even if they did work off their indenture to their overseer, might end up owing money for food, shelter, etc. and be intendtured forever. Their plight was not much different from the plight of black slaves. Indenture went on until the 1800s in America. That is TWO THIRDS of all white Americans alive in the 1700s. . One could argue that all of the blacks in this country at that time were slaves, but I don't see anyone making a documentary about British indentured servants.
am also the descendent of men who fought, and died, in the Revolutiona and the Civil War, (not to mention WWI and WWII) who fought for all of our freedom.
My other ancestors came recently from Scandinavia, which did not have a slave trade. If you want to shed a tear, watch "The Immigrants" with Liv Ullman.
For the other 1/3 of descendents of the colonies that owned land and owned slaves, wallow in your guilt. You want to make reparations? You can make reprations to me, and all of the other descendents of the Irish, Scottish, English and German indentured servants in early American history.
by Julie at 2:49 AM on June 25, 2008
I am 1/16th Choctaw. My initial response to this program was to focus on the way indigenous peoples of this continent were treated long before slaves were imported, sold, and abused. I do not minimize the inhumanity of that behavior. When I realized that the song, “Strange Fruit” referred to blacks murdered by hanging, I was horrified. Hatred is hatred. It doesn’t matter if it makes a profit, eliminates your enemy, strengthens your position or inflames the passions of war. Churches have long taught that God cursed blacks, and did not oppose this vile behavior. As a result, I would not seek a church’s blessing to assuage my suffering or grief involved with slavery. I think churches have enough to answer for.
My Great Grandmother was full-blood Choctaw. Everyone “knew” that Native Americans were unclean savages and that Genesis said that God had cursed blacks. Abusing either was considered “acceptable” by whites.
Accurate education is essential for ALL. We know Columbus did not discover America. How could this be when Native Americans were living here when the first white men arrived? We cannot change the past. The present still tortures us as humans. We read of the violence that occured in Rwanda. In 100 days, over 800,000 Tutsis were slaughtered. This was black on black violence. There is tribal, religious, and political fighting going on all around the world today. How can the U.S. make a difference everywhere when it cannot handle its own affairs?
My Grandfather never owned land. He farmed rented land his entire life. My Grandmother had a 2nd grade education. He lived a hard working, sweat of his brow, meaningful life that ended when he was plowing a wheat field at 82 and had a heart attack on the tractor. He never said, “My people were mistreated,” or, “The government owes me land.” I don’t think it ever crossed his mind.
I have a friend who could not get in college due to affirmative action. He’s Italian. They were looking for a certain number of blacks. He is still prejudiced today. He believes he was robbed of his chance to be a success. I’m not sure I agree, but he will die believing that.
We sit silently while major corporations ship U.S. jobs overseas. If this continues, no one – black or white – will be able to find work. Gas prices keep rising and the housing market slumps. We are in a recession and no one is paying attention. We shop to save money and we support slavery in 3rd world countries. Now we have to worry about the toys we buy for our children because there are no labor or safety laws in those countries. This is why major U.S. corporations move their companies off shore. Why do we continue to support them like sheep being led to slaughter? I can only lead to our own demise – black or white!
Slavery has not ended. It has switched locations. It is not time to apologize for slavery. It is not time to apologize for murdering or lying to Native Americans while the U.S. government stole their land. I believe there should be some reparation, but I wouldn’t know where to begin. I do know that it is time to repair the structure that we all live in. If viable jobs are available, housing is affordable and education and health services can be had by all, and if the U.S. budget is balanced and the U.S. economy is strong, everyone will benefit – black and white.
There are some who were raised racist and who will die racist. Will you apologize for them, too? You can’t deposit an apology in a bank and it won’t feed children or heat a home. Fix the real problems. Give everyone an equal opportunity. Educate everyone who wants an education. Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Learn to understand the differences between all cultures. Think globally, but act locally. By doing so in our day-to-day life, I believe we all can make a difference.
by Ruth at 2:51 AM on June 25, 2008
I applaude Katrina Browne and her family for having the courage and moral integrity to grapple with the issue of slavery. The reality is that they have benefited from the slave trade. If not whollly economically, at least psychologically; because growing up black in the U.S means shedding and beating back the profound sense of unworthiness and exclusion from mainstream American society. Nonetheless as a AA, my heart is open wide to forgiveness.
by onaje at 2:54 AM on June 25, 2008
I really appreciate this documentary on this subject of slavery.As a Black Man
in so-called Freedom land.I 'm still angry at many WHITES that don't seem that this old history of rich slave trade.With BLACKS, we sould get over it.No one tell the JEWS "to get over it".And many of them still don't surrounded themselves with other WHITES in America.But,many blacks have hugged the pale american..I from Detroit.I have move to Arizona[2.5 yrs. ago].And have been called the N-word by Whites and Spanish Americans..But,I kept 3 great people in mind Jackie Robinson,M.L.King,Malcomn X,and the Greatest Man, Jesus Christ..And Ms.Juanita Brown,Do you have a Boyfriend or are you Married?....LOL...UR BEAUTIFUL
by Anthony Swint at 2:54 AM on June 25, 2008
I have many issues with the film. She is correct that "we didn't do It". If someone committed murder eight generations ago should their ancestors go to prison today? That would be ridiculous. I have no aversion to discussing the issue. We can talk about it all day. My family came to this country in the early 1900s. My family was not here to participate. But, the film suggests I should feel guilty due to being White. I am VERY, VERY proud to be White. In the scene at the church the comment is made that "white" people are not whole due to the issues discussed. My family and what I have accomplished in life makes me whole. I am a parent of nine children. This late in life I am about to graduate college. I will be the first in my family to do so. If the film maker had paid her own way through school, and worked to supply for her family, she would feel differently. I have had no special priviledge. Any person of any color could accomplish what I have. Anyone can work hard. Many of the decendants of the slaves are doing far better than most White people. There are no professional basketball players in Africa. 50 cent would not be "50 cent" in Afrika. Those people are a product of our history. Also, it did not go unnoticed at the beginning of the comments section White was not capitalized, but black was.
by rodney holland at 3:00 AM on June 25, 2008
Thank you Katrina and Family for opening this discussion from your point-of-view. I have not read much on the topic of reparations, but my gut reaction to general idea has always been that no amount of monetary reparations could EVER atone for slavery. I have read a few of the posts and emotions and opinions on the topic and on the film are varied and strong.
People have been commiting atrocities against other people for ages.
One thing that I think can be difficult for us to grasp (about the African Slave Trade) is the lasting multi-generational impact of being CUT OFF from your ancestry. One of my ideas of reparations is to offer those descedents of slaves who are interested access and assistance in tracing their roots back as far as possible, similarly to the way Henry Louis Gates, Jr did in the African American Lives series. Another idea is to take it to the next level and subsidize pilgrimages to west African slave ports for descendents (Cost prohibitive I am sure - but an idea)
Since viewing the film, I think that a huge step toward 'making things right' is talking honestly with each other - not just about slavery - but other things that divide us - so that we can really understand each other.
Thank you for sharing your journey and for inviting us to participate in the "next step".
by Kara at 3:01 AM on June 25, 2008
For all those saying, "my ancestors weren't slave traders "or "immigrated after the slave trade" so I'm not responsible, the answer is this. Surely you are not responsible, but you benefit just by being white. Long after slavery was over there existed many opportunities that whites could take advantage of that blacks simply could not just because they were black, for example in the Great Depression. This gave your family a leg up whether you like it or not.
If a the son of a bank robber was living the highlife with expensive houses, cars, wealth and a good education wouldn't we think that's wrong? Why should the son benefit off of stolen money? Wouldn't we want that money to be distributed back to the people? What's stolen is stolen.
I think as a Black person the best reparation that the United States can give is to improve the education systems of the black community. More money should be earmarked for smaller schools, quality curriculums and paying teachers the salary that they are worth so that they can do their job and improve education thus improving lives.
by Cam J at 3:02 AM on June 25, 2008
I was very impressed with the DeWolfs that chose to participate in the discussion. It must not have been easy to realize how involved their ancestors were in the slave trade.
It's sad that the family members couldn't go into the old ancestoral home during filming.It was so symbolic of how we look at and think about slavery in our country. We want to put our heads in the sand and deny its existence or get angry with people who bring it up in discussion or justify it by giving it some normalcy - "Slavery is.just a part of history". That does not make it right.
I am past angry about the issue of slavery. Now I am dealing with a type of sadness about the whole situtation. It is time for an apology from our federal government and an honest discussion about slavery and all of its effects. Yes its effects. Slavery did not stop with the Emancipation Proclamation. It is hard to heal when your feelings are not validated and quickly dismissed by society.
I hope this documentary opens up the lines of communication for those who are interested in healing our nation. I know I am. Are you?
P.S. I don't know who was singing but, the song is also sung by U2.
by N. White at 3:06 AM on June 25, 2008
People are forgetting that the word slave comes from the slavic people. So many were taken into slavery that they bagan to be called slaves. what about repaying those people for what happened to them hundreds of years ago.
by dora holland at 3:06 AM on June 25, 2008
With the deepest respect for Katrina Brownes honesty,courage and humanity, I would like to offer my thanks for a remarkable film. Being of Dutch decent (as I assume the de Wolfs must have been) I too must in some way be guilty for these unspeakable crimes.
So long as we ourselves remain the slaves of power and greed in an effort to fuel our ascention towards a largely fictitious illusion of self importance, we shall remain a small and silly people.
by R.Hageman at 3:06 AM on June 25, 2008
"...Who can separate his faith from his actions, or his belief from his occupations?
Who can spread his hours before him, saying, "This for God and this for myself; This for my soul, and this other for my body?"
All your hours are wings that beat through space from self to self.
He who wears his morality but as his best garment were better naked..."
Oh wow Katrina. You have done something amazing and clearly ARE an amazing soul. My family has only seen things from the Black side of things, and to see this rare soul-bearing and your converting the idea of "guillt" to "grief" so people can act together in love - that was DEEP and sacred.
I'm smilnig at the thought of you in seminary realizing the whole world is church to an awake soul.
"...Your daily life is your temple and your religion.
Whenever you enter into it take with you your all..."
Some of the comments here surprise me. But even those to whom this is so foreign, threatening, or incomprehensible - perhaps your work will plant even in them
as a seed.
One plants. Another waters.
I feel like you are fulfililng a destiny.
Amen.
by deon at 3:08 AM on June 25, 2008
I sent a really long and complimentary post and briefly there was a "recent comments" quote from it. What happened. I typed for 45 minutes!!!!
by Winston Johnson at 3:16 AM on June 25, 2008
Thank you so much, Katrina, for doing such a outstanding job by making TRACES OF THE TRADE. You have made a huge contribution to the national conversation that is only beginning.
Yes, we all need to come together, move forward together. The challenges ahead are so great, such as we have never faced throughout our history as a nation. Our humanity and our civic stewardship are being called upon as never before.
I would like to draw your attention, and all who see this, to Douglas Blackmon's historic book, SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME. Here is what I wrote on Amazon:
"In what may well be one of the most important works in non-fiction to emerge in the 21st Century, investigative journalist, Douglas Blackmon, has authored a compelling and compassionate examination of slavery's evolution, practice and influence reaching far into the 20th Century. Blackmon's, Slavery by Another Name, is certainly a prizeworthy study by a writer whose acumen for the highest in journalistic standards combined with an unusual gift for storytelling makes this historic work both enlightening and inspiring.
As an African American (bi-racial Black/White) I can attest to the facts and stories Mr. Blackmon presents, as told to me by my father who only upon his deathbed, felt safe enough to reveal. Growing up in Jasper Texas in the 1920's, he was picking cotton at age 7 and driving tractors at age 9. The atmosphere for Blacks was a living holocaust, where my father witnessed the lynching of his boyhood friend at age 13, where oppression was a daily experience for Blacks; even in the most simple terms of human interaction, where making eye-contact when addressing Whites was considered untenable and subject to harsh retribution.
Indeed, Mr. Blackmon goes far beyond these traditional understandings of racial practices, and brings new, deeper knowledge of how slavery had merely been retooled to accommodate the unforeseen realities of emancipation, allowing it to flourish for many more decades in what Blackmon calls the "Age of Neoslavery".
Resulting from the recent history-making speech on race by Presidential hopeful, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, there is huge public interest in reaching a more comprehensive understanding of race relations in our nation. The fact is, public response to Sen. Obama's speech has uncapped an overwhelming outpouring of public interest, writings, and dialogue.
Mr. Blackmon had a similar experience back in 2001, when his article appeared in the Wall Street Journal on how U.S. Steel Corp. relied on the forced labor of Blacks. This too received massive public response expressing appreciation and sincere interest to learn more. Hence, after 7 years of exhaustive research and interviews, Slavery by Another Name arrives at a time our nation, facing a historic general election, is contemplating race as never before. And Mr. Blackmon's pioneering work is helping us to break new ground toward a path of greater insight and reconciliation."
TRACES OF THE TRADE is no less significant and I strongly urge all to promote it to others as much as possible.
Thank you again, Katrina, for such an outstanding and valuable gift.
by ELLISON HORNE at 3:39 AM on June 25, 2008
My husband and I just watched the show, and we both are from Northwest Montana. We are just beginning to see our first few black families move here, and it's really ...Interesting-invigorating-strangely frightening-BECAUSE we have never been around African-American folks. Frankly, we have no known predjudices, but there's a tension we can't understand. We figure it's from previous racial B.S. we've been raised with. Jen
by Jennifer and Ryan Maroney at 3:41 AM on June 25, 2008
Katrina Brown, & Family,
What a wonderful gift you have given to America in the beginning of the 21century. This documentary should be in every libary & community center in America, as a model for dealing with one of the most intractable issues in America, Slavery, & Racism.
The film is full of honesty, courage, & commitment concerning a deep wound in the soul ofAmerica, that must be healed in order for America to truly ,live up to her greatness !
This film gives me much HOPE, that we as a nation are up to the challange !
by Robert Hill at 3:46 AM on June 25, 2008
Dear Sirs,
I have a computer and am writing to you on it so I am privileged more then most in the world, aren't I.?
Yet our family is more low income then middle. We had two learning disability children that the school system refused to make programs for as the law said. I had to quite my profession and my attempt to get more education.
I can't tell you how that has affected our lives in every aspect.
How are children grew up but didn't make it well in this world because people refused to do their jobs. Because people are prejudice.
How people that can afford vacations; afford new, safe cars; afford health care or afford healthy food rather then so much mac and cheese and rice as fillers; how those people don't even know they are privileged. They don't even realize that because their parents were college educated or owned a successful business or their Aunt or Uncle or cousin, that they had a better chance in the first place. That they worked for their degrees but they had the "chance" to work for their degrees because of the privileged place their family had in our society.
I am a Caucasian woman of 55 yrs. old. I can't tell you how my life would have been different if my generation had been encouraged to get strong educations and not marry and have children as our female place in this world. Now I am dependant on my husband's retirement, so forth and so on. I have the brains to have added my own retirement, my own "benefits, but the prejudice, the status known, expected for my social class never "told" me these things about how our world really works.
We won't even be able to afford the new TV system coming out so won't be watching PBS anymore next year. Who was arrogant enough in this world to think they have a right to make us all get new TVs and who can afford that.
All that to say, there is privilege, prejudice, unspoken class systems EVERYWHERE. Some worse then others and I am not saying that is "right". But I am saying it is. It is in this human race, has been threw out history.
Can we try to be aware if we are privileged. Can we always try to help in some way with whatever small or large amount of privilege we have those less fortunate then ourselves. Absolutely yes.
In our lesser status we still send a little through Christian Children's to a youngster in Equator. But just do it, whatever "it" is in your own life.
But to select one race, one class, one income level and apologies from all others in that group - I think only those who have not struggled in regular life would think of such a thing.
Just do "right" in whatever station you are in life. Get on with living in what is a difficult world for most of us, get on with helping, get on with doing your best in fairness. Not inventing some fake apology or reformation or whatever and then including everyone of that race - how foolish. We are all individuals and we have not all acted the same, we have not all had the same privilege no matter the color of our skin. Don't put me in a class because of the race I am no matter what race that is, no matter what class.
It is wonderful the DeWolf generations faced what their ancestors did, how they made their money. It is wonderful that they now know there is responsibility in privilege and they will be aware of that in whatever situation that now comes into their lives. But it is no bigger, no different, no better then any of us.
And where are the generation descendants of the African people that betrayed their own? Where is their realization and apologies?
Just get on with life, now, or most likely you will again put yourself above others in the process of trying to help.
Here you are making riches, money still off your slave trading family history by writing and selling your book?
Just get on with living the best fairness you can with what you have been blessed.
Thanks for a chance of expression.
Sincerely,
Linda
by Linda Anderson at 3:59 AM on June 25, 2008
An important contribution was made by Katrina and her 9 relatives who took their dark history and exposed it to the light for all the world to see. For them and for us who saw the film, it is redemptive,bold and courageius in telling the truth of the disenfranchisement of African Americans at the hands of her family and the beginiing of an honest dialogue about how to heal and take responsibility for the sins of the father. Thank you for this all too important contribution and getting folks to "look" and not deny the reality of the founding of America: Only then will the healing begin!
by PATRICIA BUTLER at 4:11 AM on June 25, 2008
Everyone must be treated the same under International Law, National Laws, and Local Laws, NO EXCEPTIONS!
The United States will not change until it Treats all People in the Middle East the same.
When Iraq invaded Kuwait, the United States put together a coalition to force Iraq out of Kuwait.
When Iran complains about the illegal Israeli invasion and illegal occupation of Palestine, the United States talks about illegally invading Iran, instead of putting together a coalition to force Israel out of Palestine.
by Anton Grambihler at 4:18 AM on June 25, 2008
I thought that what you did was a very brave and admirable thing, and I really do have to commend you on it. As a white person, myself, who was born and raised in the South, in the deep South, ironically in the "Bible Belt", the sad fact of the matter is that racism is still very much alive in the Deep South "Bible Belt". My father is still very much a racist, he even has an ink portrait of Jefferson Davis on the wall of his law office, and about half of his clientel are African-American. The sad fact of the matter is that many whites feel very much removed from historical slavery and thus feel very much unapologetic for it.
by Grady Henry at 4:22 AM on June 25, 2008
I came across this documentary on TV tonight and was completely drawn in--
I found the comment in the documentary about being complicit in horrible things happening "out of sight, out of mind" to be particularly poignant--People were complicit in the slave trade even if not actively involved, and they benefited from the results and goods from that trade, not only back then, but now too. And even now we are complicit in other horrors as well when we buy products made by people grueling in sweat shops, as well as our intentional and unintentional continuation of both slight and great social inequalities handed down from generation to generation in American society. Even though my ancestors had no direct connection to the slave trade and slavery, as a white American I still feel guilt and horror and responsible for relatives' and ancestors' and my own complicit behavior, unintentional or not, and acknowledging that is a first step toward communication and facing reality.
* * *
Comparing slavery and the slave trade to the Holocaust (as one women did at the church near the end of the documentary) is just the beginning:
Why is the slavery of Africans and mass killings of Jews not also compared to the destruction of Native American peoples and the horrible treatment and internment of the Japanese in WWII, not to mention many other less well-publicized genocides and atrocities all over the world?!?
Why are all of these incidents taught so separately, when they are all connected?!? The history books all portray these events as something that has happened back in the past, contained in their respective countries--when these events are still very much here with us today, the echoes resounding loudly all around us, and everyone is walking around deaf--or with cotton stuffed in their ears.
Each of these atrocities is "an elephant in the room" --making up a whole lumbering herd that everyone in American society and beyond blithely ignores on a daily basis. These elephants need to become visible and be accepted for what they are today, and not just what they were back then.
by Andrea Wuenschel at 4:31 AM on June 25, 2008
When I stare out from this skull that contains my brain, I do not see myself as an appearance in any form or as a particular racial color. The social stigmas etched within my memories are only silent with the realization; we are simply platforms of observation. What we chose to do with our lives-the choices that inspire action, is directly related to the manner we opt to view the world. Our daily responses create a reality that surrounds our being and establishes co-creations with all in our presents. Every daily moment we are interpreting and generating information that tell the world and ourselves what we are as a person.
Reparations and apologies change nothing but a minor moment’s shift in energy. However, an internal shift in attitude creates the power to make the world a better place. Understanding the negative nature of judgment and discovering the power acceptance gives fulfillment to existence and peace to the soul. The simple act of approaching another without preconceived notions dramatically alters the reality of the situation. Understand yourself and you understand the world.
Centuries ago a great sage once said, “I make no apologies, I make change.”
by Ron Paquette at 4:39 AM on June 25, 2008
I'm so glad I watched this.. Though I found the reactions of the family frustrating and even maddening at times, it was very moving when they finally opened up, thankfully. It was truly a journey in every sense, a gradual awakening, not only the family but for myself the viewer.
I wish I had had the awareness and courage to have discussed race with my former close black friends. Unfortunatley it wouldn't have been very productive on my part because my prejudices were buried so deep. At least now I have the good sense to be appalled and then work through them when they emerge, We need to make discussion of race and slavery a national priority. Learning about it in high school was traumatic and overwhelming for me, as it must be for other students. That would be a good place to start. And I need to figure out how to do my part. Katrina Brown is certainly doing her share.
by Madeline at 5:20 AM on June 25, 2008
Greetings Katrina,
I commend you and your family members that had the courage to have an open dialogue on your family's involvment in the slave trade.
There were many imnportant messages contained in the documentary that hit home for me but the one statement I wholeheartedly agree it the statement I believe you made about making all of this history (on slavery) available.
For the record I research the history and genealogy of slavery among the so called Five Civilized Tribes of Southeastern Indians also known as Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole.
The issues you bring up in your film are quite similar to the issues now being fought in these tribes with special attention on the Cherokee Nation with member of the Congressional Black Congress sponsoring legislation to have issues of citizenship resolved to the descendants of the enslaved people of African ancestry of the Cherokee tribe as a result of Treaties ratified in 1866.
The fact that Native Americans have been complicit in enslavement of Africans is another one of those litle known stories of slavery in North America that gets little to no attention but the issues of "reparation and reconcilliation" are just as important in the five tribes as they are for the United States which was also complicit in the institution.
I say all of this to illustrate that your story though compelling is only a small part of the story of slavery and as you develop strategies to deal with the issue as it pertains to your family, there are other stories that should be included in the discussion so that a fuller picture of this horrible period in our country's history should be fully explored, discussed, written about and other films developed to expose the country to a history that does not get discussed which inhibits our ability to heal as a nation.
I certainly would like to hear more about what you and your family will be doing to promote dialogue on this issue so that if there are strategies I can utilize in my efforts to bring the history of enslavement of Africans among the five tribes to public view.
Again, you are to be commended for bringing this story to light. It is efforts like yours that may possibly help others open up their family's records that can help the descendants of those enslaved to begin healing in their family because of the inability to connect to our ancestors as you have been able to understand your genealogical history.
by Terry at 6:13 AM on June 25, 2008
A national apology acknowledging the wrongs of slaves is to state that the exploitation of another human for economic purposes is unacceptable. Today the term globalization is a convenient means of distancing the US consumer from the ongoing economic abuses in which we all participate and derive some benefit if even unwittingly. To apologize for the wrongs of slavery past is to put in question the current economic system that is built on low cost labor: a system where profit is put before humanity. Given the powerful interests that govern the global economic system, it is improbable and regrettable that an economic system built on respect; dignity and personal freedom for all individuals can be put into practice. Humanity has progressed very little, if at all since the dawn of “civilization.” We remain a primitive people.
by Bill at 6:38 AM on June 25, 2008
Greetings,
I just had to respond to all of those who have made comments regarding Native Americans, one, as if it is a monolithic community and of one "pure race of people."
I was especially moved by the comments of I believe ruth, the 1/16th Choctaw. Apparently Ruth is not familiar with her own history of enslavement of people of African and African-Choctaw ancestry.
Indeed, the history of enslaving people of African descent is not something that "whites" had a monopoly on. If for no other reason, this film should be considered a first step to enlightenment for the majority of people in the United States, including so called Native Americans.
I have always found it interesting that people identify with "native americns" and their oppression but seem to lump all "native americans" into one boat. At the same time the history of enslavement of Africans among the so called Five Civilized Tribes is not getting the exposure it deserves and leaves many in the "native american" community and the Five Slave Holding Tribes ignorant of their own complicity in slave trading and oppression.
This is why this film is important for the beginnings of a discussion of slavery, oppression and I might add Jim Crow as the direct policies of the nited States and the Five Slave Holding Tribes that contributed to the margianlization, oppression and economic tragedy that is felt by those of African descent.
There is much to discuss about this subject and with some of the comments of the posters it is clear we have a long way to go to beginning the healing process over this issue. The "native american" community seems intent on lobbying for their "reparations" due to their status in america, but they don't have the same sense of purpose for those among them that have oppressed, marginalized enslaved Africans among them. For more information on this subject go to the website below:
www.estelusti.com
by Terry at 7:05 AM on June 25, 2008
I thought the documentary was very good. In the last two years, I've only met a handful of caucasians (mostly historians, preservationists, and a few educators) who have no problem with candidly discussing the history of slavery in this country. It needs to be addressed. Our US history needs to be all-inclusive. Only then will people began to understand each other and realize why feelings and emotions run so deeply. When people know and own where they come, they can make wise decisions as to where they are going. The film needs to be shown in schools and discussed in the classroom.
by Joanne Spencer at 7:38 AM on June 25, 2008
The film was the usual good quality that I expect from PBS. However, my impression is that the DeWolf family seems to victimize themselves over the issue. You cannot characterize the family, their population, or for that matter, even the white Southerners in those states that wanted to keep slavery during the Civil War. Many people owned slaves, but did not mistreat them, even though the institution was wrong. The Civil War was an economic war, and slaves were part of that economy. If one reads Mark Twain's writings, it was the Northerners who moved to the South who were the most likely to mistreat the slaves. Maybe the DeWolf family was part of this economy, but nothing in the family, past or present, characterized them as abusive.
by Louis Paul Toscano at 7:39 AM on June 25, 2008
If Black Americans are due "reparations" from White Americans, why are they not due reparations from European's who started the Black-White slave trade? And why are they not due reparations from the Black Africans who enslaved them and sold them to Whites. And why are the descendants of the slaves held by Egyptian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, Russian, Empires as well as India not due reparations. And we have not even gone beyond the injustice of slavery, to the other injustices that have always been with mankind.
Truth and Reconciliation commission's would be a wonderful idea, if the slave owners and slaves could be brought together. The idea that I, the descendant of poverty stricken immigrants, driven from there homes with no alternative but to indenture themselves to have a chance to survive, who arrived in the US in the 1880's owe something to the descendants of slaves is far fetched.
Injustice has been with man since the beginning. If we try to undo that injustice, it is an endless task. Most of us are the descendants of "victims of injustice".
by Shaun at 8:12 AM on June 25, 2008
I have been looking forward for some time to seeing this documentary and I am not disappointed. The descendants of the DeWolfe traders who participated in the documentary are to be commended for their courage and convictions. This unfortunate part of history will be fully understood and acknowledged only after a truly sincere and complete apology from the highest levels of the government is delivered. The Canadian government recently gave such an apology to the canadian natives for its' part in the history of the abuse suffered by native children at the hands of church and government organizations. The path is now cleared for true reconciliation and compensation. The canadian apology could serve as a blueprint for such a move in the U.S. Acknowledging the truth about the injustice of slavery will set everyone free to make a better world.
by Yves Bernier at 8:40 AM on June 25, 2008
I think that the key question was asked by a young student in Ghana. He asked if the slave trade had made the white people feel superior to the black people. An honest answer to this question is essential if the whites and blacks are ever going to come to terms with the issue of race in America.
by Paul Lemoine at 9:02 AM on June 25, 2008
I watched this documentary and was intrigued. It was a shameful part of US history, but I am offended by blacks and the De Wolf family who believe “white” people should sit down and dialogue with blacks and ask for forgiveness and make it right (reparations) with descendants of blacks. The collective white guilt does not affect me. Should ALL white people in the United States feel guilt and shame about slavery? Should the Irish and German who came to America in the US in the late 1800’s feel guilt, should the scores of Polish, Italians, Germans who came to the US in the early 1900’s feel shame and guilt? Should the Eastern European peoples coming to the US recently feel this collective shame? Why should the descendants of non slave owning, immigrants feel shame? Why should they pay reparations? Yes, the whites came voluntarily and the blacks came in the bottom of ships with chains and whips on their backs.
Yes, slavery Was and Is a terrible thing that still happens today, but as a descendant of a non-slave owning family I do not feel shame and remorse or seek to apologize for slavery. Get over it.
If the DeWolf and other descendants of slave owners want to apologize for their ancestors I say go for it, but don’t apologize for me and I offer no apology to the descendants of slaves.
by Larry Lind at 9:09 AM on June 25, 2008
It amazes me that there are comments by Whites who provide the typical knee-jerk response to such topics as those raised in the film, i.e. "I'm not a racist", and "My family didn't own slaves". How naive and ignorant. What many Whites fundamentally don't understand is that the issue is the legacy of slavery, and how that legacy has provided Whites with the privilege they have today, and it's about the various forms of institutional racism that permeate our society, courtesy of slavery. I don't want any White person's money, and, quite frankly don't want or need his/her apology for slavery. What I do want is for Whites to raise their level of awareness regarding the legacy of slavery and how it has benefitted them. It matters not whether your ancestors have been in the United States since its creation, or whether you just recently arrived. As a White person, whether newly-arrived or established, he/she benefits from privilege.
by Marcy Webb at 9:26 AM on June 25, 2008
I find it interesting that many black Americans I know are being hypocritical.
On 1 hand they are very angry for what happened to their ancestors and how it affects them to this day (as they should).
But on the other hand, they knowingly (just like all of us) participate in modern day evils, like buying clothes or a pair of shoes for $100 that was made by slaves (yes, they are slaves whether you like it or not) in Asia.
They get mad at "look what happened to MY grandparents" but shine the light on modern day evils that we are participating in, and they look away.
by James at 9:39 AM on June 25, 2008
By the number of comments denying the problem it is eye-opening to me to see how many racists watch PBS. So I'm speaking to you people like Julie, Al, Randolph, and others who are whining about this program. If you don't feel a "personal' guilt then I can understand that, I don't either. But if you don't feel a guilt for participating in a society that is still racist and still very largely built on and keeping up "white" supremacy, then you have your head in the sand. Just look at the US Senate. There have only been 5 Senators with African ancestry in the entire history of the Senate, only 3 since 1900. A fiction of "white" was created in order to create a social club called "white supremacy." While you may not have had ancestors who were slave traders or salve owners (and you may be in denial about this too), you are living in a society that is imbued with white supremacy. Until you have removed that white supremacy from your own consciousness and from US society then you are guilty, not for the past but for the present.
Reparations are not for the past that is no longer, but for the past that still lives in the present.
The everyone who wants to do something, including the people African ancestry. The single most important thing you can do is to stop thinking of your self as "black" or "white." Anyone who is proud of being white or black is only keeping alive the mental fiction that was created by the social club of white supremacy. Every person who identifies themselves with a color-coded label is keeping the system and mental framing of white supremacy alive in their own consciousness. Even when it becomes black pride, it is still a category of thought created by white supremacy because it is using skin color as the frame.
Ancestral pride such as Irish pride, Lakota Pride, Chinese pride, Ghanian pride, are at least one step removed rom the color-coding of the caste system, even though they still are a form self-identity by tribal nationalism that almost inevitably leads to social comparison, competition, and conflict.
Differentiation is a necessary component of consciousness, without it we wouldn't have consciousness at all, so social and ethnic differentiation can provide a rich tapestry of human experience. But if we believe too literally and identify too strongly with our ancestry, that will only lead to causing pain and harm in the name of our ancestry.
The basic component of all social conflict is the us-them divide and the natural tendency to associate us with "good" and "them" with bad. If we believe in the "white" and "black" framework then we will inevitably call one "good” and the other "bad" even if it is subconscious. The studies that were in the landmark Brown vs. School Board case (replicated even today) showed that children in our white supremacist society called "white" dolls good and "black" dolls even when they called themselves “black.” It is a definite improvement if kids who are taught to call themselves “black” can learn to call themselves “good” because everyone should have a basic felling of their own goodness. But if the “white” and “black” categories are maintained, then the “blacks” who call themselves “good” with inevitably call “white” people “bad.” In other words, they will exchange white supremacy for a feeling of black supremacy. This is the way consciousness works when categories become polarized in the “us-them” oppositions.
The only way out that I see is for each of us to come to an understanding of our own innate goodness as a human being and a living consciousness that does not rest on any category of self-identification such as color. Identifications such as ancestry can add to the enjoyment of diversity, but they too can’t be the basis of our feeling of self worth if we are to be able to enjoy our diversity without it becoming a new source of conflict. As I note in some of the comments, even when we self-identify with an ancestry and not a color, we become ancestry supremacists, such as taking pride in being Irish and harboring the secret feeling of being better than others because “I’m Irish” (or “I’m African” or “I’m Native American”)
The balance we all have to find is how to feel good about ourselves without turning that into feeling better than others. .
by Gregory Wonderwheel at 9:43 AM on June 25, 2008
Reconciliation is possible when the wrong was committed by ourselves or those we have known - parents, grandparents. Thus, the efforts that have been made in Germany and in South Africa. The racial divide in the U.S. is a broad social problem, not a matter of individual or family introspection. The War on Poverty of the Johnson Administration was an attempt to help. My family was in Europe when slaves and slave-owners built this great country on land that was available to them because of ethnic cleansing and genocide. The early exploration of the New World may have been funded with assets confiscated from Jews when they were expelled from Spain. Our effort to do what is right today cannot be shaped by brooding about past sins.
by Henry P at 9:48 AM on June 25, 2008
Rachel Cohen commented (near the top) "Why did my tax dollars go to pay for this exercise in group therapy for the filmmaker and her relatives?"
It's funny how it all comes down to money for some people. That's all some people think about. Rachel, I am GLAD my tax dollars went to this. What better family to go thru this than the family of the biggest slave traders in US history.
Also, think about what this is doing. This is setting the example for the nation on how to work through this difficult conversation, and to show that it is normal for us to struggle through it.
Now, if they took our dollars and never filmed it or showed it on TV, then yes, I would question the use of my tax dollars. By doing this with tax money, they NEEDED to get this on national TV.
Sounds like you might be a slave in a sense, to money as your master. We can't filter every single thing in life and it's value based on how it impacts our wallets. Sometimes we need to think bigger than the color green.
by James Allen at 9:54 AM on June 25, 2008
I'm an 80 year old from East European parents who came to Canada a hundred years ago to escape the fuedal system in Hungary. They were given land occupied by our aboriginal Indians. Should I feel guilty? NO! We cannot reverse history. Should I be concerned? Yes! I must live so as to bring justice into every aspect of our life for all living today. If we need to apologize, where do we draw the line?
Katrina played the 'religious 'card. Should the descendents of Abraham apologize and to who? Should the Israelites apologize to the Amorites, Cannanites and others for taking their land after the Exodus? Should the Babylonians apologize to the Jews? Should the Romans apologize for how they treated the Jews, the Anglo Saxons, the Gaulls and others? Should my own people, the Ugrics apologize to the inhabitants of Hungary and Finland, whoever they were for displacing and assimilating them? And what about the Picts, and Scots and Angols and Dutch snd Friesans in England? Who apologizes to who? etc. etc. Life goes on. Looking at the past through 21st century glasses gives a distorted image. I also ask anyone, whether black or yellow or brown or white, who today harbour a grievance against the 'white atrocities' if those atrocities had never occured, where would they be today? That is would they prefer that their ancestors had been left in Hungary, or China or Africa or whereever and would they prefer that the benefits of the European culture had not been brought to them?
The scene in the dining room was most telling about Katrina and her family. The wasteful, snobby discussion about which University to attend, (I have a Baccalaureate in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Saskatchewan,) reminded me of an incident in the book by Thomas Merton," I Choose Silence" where there is a similar discussion to the dining room scene about Columbia vs other Universities iuntil finally a wise member of the group speaks up to remind his comrads that the University one goes to pales in importance to the privilege of going to at least one.
Last point: I recall that Jesus said not a word about Roman apologies but he said a great deal about about peace and love, including your enemy.
by William Svab at 9:56 AM on June 25, 2008
Having said all that, as a white person, I am about to say something that a lot a black people will not like.
In 2008, I don't think that the legacy and the benefits of slave business really "help" us whites anymore. The "benefits", financial/perks/ whatever, have faded over time.
There may be a few rich families that still benefit from initial stock holdings of companies that were built on slave labor 150-200-250 years ago. But most people I know today, white AND black, either fail or succeed in life based on their own hard work and family enviornments they grew up in.
If you take an inner city white kid and an inner city black kid, both from equal family status/classes/net worth, and if both kids make the same decisions (amount of work in school, community, and first jobs), both have an equal chance today. The white kid will not have a better shot, unless he lives in the south or Appalachia.
50, 40 even 30 years ago, the white kid would have an advantage. But in 2008, I guarantee you I didn't benefit at all from wealth or priveledge that came from slave labor.
It's a different story regarding native americans, but that's a whole different conversation.
Any mistreatment of black Americans today is a result of racism, not the legacy of the slavery business. Racism is a human problem ALL societies struggle with, and it would be here in the USA even if slavery never happened, and if blacks just moved here on their own will.
by James at 10:09 AM on June 25, 2008
This program was very enlightening. I really had no idea that New England was so completely immersed in slave trade. And for sure, I will never see a stone wall the same way again. I appreciate that some DeWolffe family members were willing to make their journey a public one. It was beneficial to see their minds shift and grow during the program and to begin to acknowledge the enormous consequences.
And thanks to Bill Moyers for previewing the show. I might not have seen it without his encouragement.
by Cynthia W at 10:21 AM on June 25, 2008
I thought the film brought back a lot of information from a past history that never begins healing because of so many people like Ms. Browne bringing up the past. I do believe that we should never forget history, but I also believe that we must learn to stop dwelling in the past, the past can stir up a lot of bad emotions that were not even there. They spoke of Black people being angry well so are a lot of Hispanics who are portrade as immigrants by whites. The film spoke of asking for forgiveness, but it takes more than just saying I am sorry. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS! There are many white children now who are learning to interact with Black children, Hispanics and Asian (people). Don't put the burden on these children of something other white people are feeling guilty about. I believe that Katrina and white people that feel like Katrina should stop dwelling in the past. I am not saying to forget because we will never forget what happen to the Jews, how bad Puerto Ricans were treated, the land that was taken from Mexican people, how Asian people continue to be mistreated at times, how gays are not given there rights to live free, how women fought for there rights to work and still are being mistreated because it is said that we can not do "a man's job" What about all of this. It is not just black people suffering the whole world is suffering. White people are not the only people who have treated people bad, every race in this world has treated another race bad. I seen even the same race treat there own race bad. I have heard of the same race killing there own race. Katrina and all of your supporters we have to be open minded this change does not start with an apology from white people. It begins with ACTIONS. I am a hispanic woman, married to a great man and I believe that if we all learn to except each other and work together our world would be a better place.
by Lea L. Soto at 10:30 AM on June 25, 2008
I first found out about the program on Bill Moyers' Journal. I knew it was going to be provoking, but didn't realize how much until after I watched it. I feel Katrina did a very courageous thing by making this film. By the time the group was in Cuba, I found myself weeping. Not only for the millions of Africans, but also for the pain and shame of these courageous members of the De Wolf family. I don't know that I could have been as brave if I was in their place. What came from their experience was awe-inspiring. Not just an idea of reparation, but also the commencing of a dialogue not only between black and white, but between white and white.
One of the African-American woman stated that the slave trade was their holocost. It made me ask myself the question did the later generations of Germans go through the same process of reconcile for their country's responsibility of the Jewish holocost?
I just want to thank Katrina for bringing such an important topic to light. I know there will be many who won't want to hear this story, just as she said that many members of the De Wolf family didn't respond when she ask them to participate. Katrina, you have no longer any reason to be ashamed.
by Michael Cindrich at 10:37 AM on June 25, 2008
As a history educator, I was most engaged in the piece for it's historical value. That is, the fact that New England was much more complicit in the slave trade than most textbooks acknowledge. As to the "group therapy" and "woe is me I was born into wealth and inherited it from the slave trade"....
hogwash! I mean most Americans are descendants, should we really trace our roots, of something evil. Perhaps slave owners, perhaps military who mistreated native Americans, perhaps just bigots. Move on ! As individuals I believe what is vastly more important than "making restitution" (as if we even can !) to the African American, is to befriend African Americans. Developing friendships with African Americans has helped me learn vastly more about them as a race than can a textbook or a trip to Ghana to discover my longlost ancestral link. I'm all for tracing heritage. I have traced my own to both Ireland and England. But we will always find things we may not like. So I think the real benefit is in knowing oneself, not in hoping to bridge some gap that can't be bridged.
In effect, I just don't think there really are concrete reparations that can be had here. I believe both sides of this coin, white americans as well as african americans, can make steps towards reconciliation, vastly more important in my mind. We can do this by getting to know our fellow brothers and sisters.
by Joey at 10:57 AM on June 25, 2008
Everoyne seems to be focused on monetary reparations. While a more economic balance in the United States and elsewhere is needed, internal or spritual reparations are more important for the now. Slavery was about more than owning slaves. Slavery was a profitable business to the United States and the world. Direct slave owning fueled export and imports of all "civilized" nations. For this reason the United States and their co-conspirators as a whole should make reparations to all Africans no matter where they currently reside. This however is very unlikely to happen because exploring the gravity and brutality of slavery and the mental defects it created (for Europeans and Africans) will never truly or wholeheartedly be accomplished. European-Americans will not dig deep enough into their psyche to rid themselves of their superiority-complex nor will they fully accept responsibilty for their dehumanizing peoples of color. Reparation to me is a lengthy process. It begins with clarification and accepting the reality of history from all points of view (not just the European view), a dissolving of our current government system; because democracy and capitalism are strengthened by inequality and ethnic discord; and a new system created from the input and acceptance of all ethnic groups. A monetary reparation will not resolve or repair ethnic conflict nor heal the psyches of the enslaved and the slave owners. Ms. Browne has good intentions with her research but even she was unwilling to investigate deeper into her psyche to purge herself of the slave owner's mentality. To read further about the psychology of slavery please read "Breaking the Curse of Willie Lynch: The science of slave psychology" by Alvin Morrow or "Breaking the chains of psychological slavery" by Na'im Akbar. Research is the key because without knowing the full scope of the issue how can you decide an effective solution to resolve it.
by t peoples at 11:03 AM on June 25, 2008
Although it may be true that all of us have indirectly benefited from the use of slave labor in America, blacks are not the only group of people who were abused and exploited in the development of commerce here. The Chinese who helped lay railroads were also abominably mistreated. Native Americans were disenfranchised from their rightful lands as well by force or by violation of treaties made by whites with different tribes and nations.
As a member of a family whose migration from Europe did not precede the late 19th Century, I feel no responsiblity for what happened before my ancestors landed on these shores.
It is time for both side of this issue to take the moral responsibility for their attitudes. Blacks are not the only angry Americans, I am tired of hearing the mantra of reparation. If true forgiveness is to take place; whites need to raise their consciousness about what happened and blacks need to let go of anger and forgive.
by Rachel DiLor at 11:03 AM on June 25, 2008
I found this to be a truly honest film, full of authentic feeling. As a white woman who taught at Howard University and lived in DC for many years, and and had a long relationship with an African American man, I have not been able to arrive at a comfortable place with race issues to this day. My mother would not agree to even meet my boyfriend, which so discouraged him it broke up our relationship. It was the final blow. My parents were immigrants from Europe, and I did not understand where their bias came from, as we lived in ND, where not a single black person was in evidence. I applaud Katrina's third way, and believe it is the only way. Many of my African American friends have long ago given up triying to find reconciliation. They have lives to live, and they are doing so. This will be a very long journey to reonciliation, and from my point of view, it will only occur when Jesus Christ returns to this earth and cleanses it. There is no political will for reconciliation, there is too much greed and pride. My path is to tread the path of reconciliation as an individual. That is all I can do.
by Carolyn at 11:18 AM on June 25, 2008
I read some comments from others on this site and i realized some people aren't getting the point of the film. A woman (Mary Mura) wrote that she is from German and Croatian immigrants who arrived to the U.S. after 1880 and that they did not benefit from the slave trade. I think that Ms. Mura is misinformed this country became an economic powerhouse because of slavery. That is why people migrated here in the first place to have a better opportunities but one must aknowledge this country profited off of slave labor over 400 years therefore all people have benefitted from slavery. I think that is the point of the film. We must aknowledge these things in order to heal.
by Lisa at 11:29 AM on June 25, 2008
Wonderful film! Thank you all for sharing your journey; it could not have been easy.
I am curious as to what the response has been for you (the 10 family members) as you have returned to your communities now that the film has aired. What has the response in Bristol been? I am also curious if the ancestral home that is now a museum has changed their literature!
Thank you!
by Claudia at 11:33 AM on June 25, 2008
Where do Ms. Brown and the DeWolf family get off extrapolating their family's participation in the slave trade to, presumably, the involvement of all, "white" people? I am a 68 year old "white" person. My family came to this country in the early 20th century from Eastern Europe, where our position on the abuse continuum was closer to that of slaves than their captors. While we cannot claim exemption from the expression of historical black/white racial bias, WE HAD NO PART IN THE SLAVE TRADE!
I saw Ms. Brown's film as another example of monied Eastern elitist WASPs engaging in moralistic breast-beating and self-indulgence so that we, the great unwashed in the hinterlands, can clearly observe their intrinsic moral and intellectual superiority. These folks even made sure that we were aware of their background. As usual, the Harvard Man, when asked the location of the nearest restroom, can never resist conveying in his reply the fact that they had restrooms at HARVARD. My hope is that the people who appeared in the documentary remain involved in such inane activities as making poor "documentary" films and sharing wine at the Episcopal church!
If we're going to feel historically sorry for someone I'll go with the Native Americans, whose land we took and culture we destroyed. In fact, let's dispense with the entire historical sorrow thing and deal with the mega problems facing Earth in the 21st century! Anyone out there got an idea how to create an endless supply of carbonless fuel to allow Ms Brown to travel to her next location for the making of her new film on the continuing inequities arising from the Potato Famine??
by Jim Sigman at 11:44 AM on June 25, 2008
I was hoping this doco would have been more about the slave trade and less about a group of well-bred wasps needing to feel good about themselves. In 1850 less than 1.5% of Americans were slave owners. Even in the South this translated to less than 5% of the population. The DeWolfs were part of this elite and it's admirable that the film showed the need to place responsibility with the actual perpetrators instead of giving them a free ride on the myth of collective guilt. Repatriations are also a myth. There is no 'repair' possible for the African Holocaust, segregation or anything else. Injustice becomes a part of what a person is. If he or she survives it, they can forgive, bounce back, hate, flounder, remember, forget, deny or make the best of what's left but there is not "repair". My sincere and loving advice to Black America is that it will be a quicker means to an end to rely on your own strengths to prosper. Don't wait to be "given" anything, even if it's due. There will always be strings attached or unintended consequences. But on the other hand never stop teaching, showing the rest us that from the greatest of forced sacrifices cams the greatest gifts to our culture and society. You will prevail.
by Fred - New Orleans at 12:30 PM on June 25, 2008
As an african american, southerner, history grad of both HBCU(Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and an Ivy League University, and a christian, i found it fascinating and a relief to finally see northerners taking some responsibility for that peculiar institution that WE they were the major players in.
We too often read and study the scapegoating of slavery on the white southern plantation owners--Traces of the Trade mentions this on a few occasions, but it needs to be driven home. All the Northern states-less so in Vermont, New Hampshire-were explicit slave holding states and were not, as conventional wisdom would have you believe-the proud abolitionist saviors. We know that William Seward, Ben Franklin and even Abe Lincoln's family while in Pennsylvania owned slaves. We also know that attitudes towards black africans in the American north, was not one of acceptance, equality or kindness, but a often as brutal and definitely as neglectful as other areas.
What i dont hear in this short and unfulfilling documentary is the understanding that people of color are still seen as the other today. In Miss Browne's Boston and Philadelphia, are some of the worst divisions of race in the United States. The legacy the slave trade wrought in the north is even more insidious, i feel , than my native Charleston SC, Missisippi or Texas. The filmmaker doesnt address the fact that most whites and blacks in her New England live utterly seperate lives and where are the friendships, the Interracial relationships and marriages that should occur between blacks and liberal, Ivy League graduated whites? I see nothing in the documentary that address that, only the attempt to assuage the DeWolff's guilt by discussing reparations.
It is when blacks and whites learn to love and live alongside one another that there will be true change, not a pay off by guilty white liberals to wash their hands of it.
I also wonder what the Episcopal church really does to make a direct change on racial divisions and reconciliation? I belonged to a dialogue group on racial reconciliation while in Portland Oregon a decade back. I saw first hand the timidy of the whites to talk about race and the lack of historical, emotional understanding of the fact that blacks are just as human as whites and the divisions often are ignorance and fear. I see that in this documentary as well. A group of elite americans, highly educated and well spoken and yet they could not verbalize the fact that they live in white worlds and that the simple change would be to cross the racial lines to MAKE FRIENDS with blacks and people of color-NOT just intellectualize about Blacks and how they feel about the slave trade.
No amount of reparations will solve this!
by Kevin Jackson at 12:36 PM on June 25, 2008
This comment has been removed by the moderator.
by George Allen at 12:44 PM on June 25, 2008
I am interested in the fact that despite the fact that PBS indicates several show times after the original one on 6-24-08 that CET in Cincinnati is not airing the show at any other time. Not even less than prime times like 3:00 am. As another descendant of slave traders from who missed knowing about the show in time for me to see or record it I am disappointed that it was not considered worthy of even one additional showing. I have no ideas if CET monitors this blog but wanted to express this opinion. I did listen to the podcast of the interview and was glad to hear it.
by Doris at 12:55 PM on June 25, 2008
its very difficult to read some of these comments. i realize no one is forcing me to--but how can i ignore all the capital letters and exclamation points?
traces of the trade is personal, and certainly controversial. so it makes sense that from some corners there's resistance and objection... but why all that RAGE against the privilege of the group in the film?
their transformation and honesty over those 90 minutes should speak to many people. if it doesn't, would it really take more than a 91st minute to reason with how these nine people obtained their privilege?
trace... it back to the day they were born, of those particular "wasp-y" parents. nobody can object to popping out on their birthday, for better or for worse. seriously, none of them could say "no thanks, no slave trading blood in my veins please".
they were born into a certain life, and while they were living it, they got the chance to understand their place in the world. most of us strive for that.
and in the film they're addressing these PERSONAL issues, publically. beyond that, they point out simply how those things mirror SOCIAL issues facing america.
katrina asks if it wouldn't be better that we could all be made aware too, of the roots and realities of our society. and she'd like the dewolfs to lead, however they can.
they've recognized the privilege that allows them to do so, after all.
!
by andrea at 12:57 PM on June 25, 2008
Slavery was and is a horrible institution. It's beyond degrading because even degraded people are still human. Slavery is dehumanizing.
Having said that, I found the documentary and its participants annoying, and selfish. Selfish you say? They are asking the entire country to have more than just a dialog to free her and her family from their legacy and guilt. My mother came to this country in 1960 and my dad came from a relatively poor family- he was no slave owner- and always taught us to treat people of all colors with respect. Most people in America come from a background similar to mine in that they and theirs had nothing to do with racism, slavery, and prejudice. We shouldn't have to talk about slavery, feel any guilt about it, consider "terms" that heel "our" past.
Catherine, you have issues, that much is obvious. It looks to me like your Harvard ilk does also. If you want to heel something, go ahead. But stop asking white people to feel and share your guilt and pain. We don't deserve it, and quite frankly neither do you- but that's your issue. You talk like this country(the entire country?) needs to come to terms with slavery. Well, I have new for your miss, hundreds of thousands of white people died putting an end to that horrible institution. What do you want people in Wyoming to do about it today, huh?
I suggest you and your family try to find some descendants of people directly affected by your family's involvement in the slave trade and do something for them but leave the rest of us alone. Your sins are your own, not ours. I'm not surprised though that a liberal Harvard family would want the rest of the country to bare the burden.
by David at 1:06 PM on June 25, 2008
Many will assuage their guilt of slavery and racism by voting for Obama, then who needs to pay reparations then. It is all ridiculous. Just acknowledge it, forgive, change your attitudes people who have different color skin and move on. dont try to purge your guilt with a vote or a whine by the episcopa; church and liberal spending.
it is funny how they chose the black man who most supports repartations, not john mcwhorter who doesnt.
by Kevin Jackson at 1:16 PM on June 25, 2008
Kevin asks, "where are the friendships, the Interracial relationships and marriages that should occur between blacks and liberal, Ivy League graduated whites? I see nothing in the documentary that address that ...."
That's interesting, Kevin. Did you assume that those of us in the film do not have friendships, and even marriages, with black (and other non-white) people? Do you feel that it would have helped if this had been spelled out in the film?
It's true that some DeWolf descendants in the film had not had much experience interacting with black members of society. Tom, for instance, writes about this in his book, and he's not the only one who spoke about this on the trip. Tom's also the one who comments in the film that it would be "hard" for him to be the only white person at a black play or concert. As you correctly note, black, Asian, and other non-white Americans are even today too often seen as the "other" and live their lives separately from whites.
However, for the most part, we in the film do represent a cross-section of (white) American society. While the separation you describe is a part of that society, so too, increasingly, are interracial friendships and marriages, and our family definitely reflects these trends, as well.
by James DeWolf Perry at 1:20 PM on June 25, 2008
Kevin (Jackson) writes, "it is funny how they chose the black man who most supports repartations, not john mcwhorter who doesnt."
Actually, in the film we speak with Charles Ogletree, a Harvard law professor who supports reparations, and Glenn Loury, a Brown professor who raises objections to the idea of reparations.
More importantly, Kevin, it's clearly not enough to simply acknowledge the past and move on. Whatever the right solutions might be, and I'm certainly not endorsing reparations here, the plain fact is that the legacy of slavery lives on, not just in our attitudes, but also in the economic and other material circumstances of many black Americans today.
As long as we can trace the effects of slavery, and the century of brutal discrimination which followed, to the circumstances of many members of society today, it won't do to simply suggest that it's all in the past and can be forgotten.
by James DeWolf Perry at 1:26 PM on June 25, 2008
Before watching this program, I thought that slave traders had been unscrupulous, pirate-like individuals-- little did I know that they were upper-crust New Englanders! I also had not realized that slaves were owned by Northerners too; indeed, by people around the world. Granted, the voyage over to America was not exactly a QEII experience for the Africans- in fact to me it was the most horrendous aspect of the slave trade- but once they were settled on the plantations, their lives improved. Make no mistake, the tribes of Africa had been at war for decades, and the slaves who were sold were already in captivity. They were sold by their African captors, sometimes in exchange for cannons (not just rum) which were used on other Africans. In short, life in western Africa in the 1700 and 1800's was not the idyllic paradise dreamed up by Hollywood script writers. Life was harsh and historians say that the argument cannot be made that the lives of slaves would have been better had they remained in Africa. The ones who survived the inhumane trip across the Atlantic were indeed fortunate in many ways. The fact is, life on the plantation was not that bad for the majority of slaves. Some were taught to read and write, and most were converted to Christianity. Europeans who visited the south before the Civil War wrote that the slaves they encountered were well-fed, well-clothed, well-treated-- much better, in fact, than the laborers in Europe at the time. This surprised them greatly for they had believed the rumors, as some people still do today. Slavery, as has been pointed out, was a world-wide phenomenon for centuries. The DeWolf family, I'm certain, saw themselves as entrepreneurs, and very successful ones at that. To see the world through their point-of-view requires us to take a step back in time, and to realize the way things were back then. Things have vastly changed since then, of course, and the practice of buying and selling human beings is long gone. Let the past be the past.
by Janie Behr at 1:28 PM on June 25, 2008
James, i recognize after the fact that your brother, having lived in Charleston, actually married a black woman. But had to go to the website to find that out. But the documentary itself doesnt show this. it shows a few blacks in the congregation in Bristol, the few black professors that were hand picked for promoting the reparations angle(none from the other side). But no where does it show friendships, whites and blacks in real relationships, except the one co producer. Where are the everyday black people of your communities, the adopted children, the black neighbors, workers, etc.
We can all say we want to end racism, to purge ourselves from the past issues of slavery and to learn from them but it is futile act for a group of elitists to act as if they see regular black people as humans, as equals. I live in the same neighborhood in Philadelphia as the Episcopal church in Pine Street and have attended before. I dont see it brimming with interracial life and love. a few blacks here and there but if one knows philadelphia one knows the extreme racial and economic divide here.
It is a northern city, 80% democratic and tons of liberals, and yet, white women still cross the street when a black man comes toward them. whites still socialize with whites and blacks with blacks.
So, James, no it was not apparent at all in the documentary that you guys understood racial integration, racial harmony and/or felt comfortable with black people or had real relationships with them. I found it hilarious, as an Ivy league, to watch everyone one around a table acknowledging your education backgrounds without being able to understand the one major issue. That blacks and whites dont know each other as humans, and so we keep having academic floggings and guilty sidebars about how we can over come. I never can understand why all the education in the world still hasnt produced simple change, simple action. We seem to need documentaries to tell us what we already knew.
it should have been a reparations doc, as thats what it seem to turn into.
by Kevin Jackson at 1:39 PM on June 25, 2008
David Ben-Ariel wrote: "Reparations are not the solution, especially if we subtract what blacks have cost America. Why should those who were never slave owners pay those who were never slaves? REPATRIATION is the solution."
When you say "repatriation," do you mean that White people should return to Europe? Based on the content of your post, I'm assuming this is not the repatriation you desire. This reeks of the old, tired refrain, "Go back to Africa." Let me remind you that this is Native American land, first and foremost that did not belong to you in the first place.
by Lynelle at 1:40 PM on June 25, 2008
Thank you for a sobering yet hopeful film. I learned a lot. To me, the film's most powerful moment - out of many - may have been when Tom described his journey from thinking "That's just how it was back then" to "This was an evil thing and they knew it was evil." That's a huge leap, and the fact it inspired him to work for resolutions at the Episcopal conference shows that people can move from recognition to action.
For people who do want to talk deeply - then take action - on racial equity, please let me recommend the organization Everyday Democracy, where I work as a writer and online organizer. Everyday Democracy (formerly the Study Circles Resource Center) has been working since the early '90s to help communities hold large-scale, inclusive, action-oriented dialogues for change on many issues, especially race. We have a discussion guide, "Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation," that is specifically designed to help communities have these conversations (and we also have a guide for affinity-group dialogue, too; that is, a tool for white people to talk about racism, as the film suggests). Both can be downloaded for free at the Everyday Democracy website at http://www.everyday-democracy.org/en/Issue.1.aspx
I've posted a few more thoughts on the film at our DemocracySpace blog:
http://democracyspace.typepad.com/democracyspaceorg/2008/06/watch-discuss-t.html
Thanks very much for advancing this critical national conversation.
by Julie Fanselow at 1:41 PM on June 25, 2008
It was an interesting show to say the least but I have a few thought about it pro and con. From a personal point of view I think that you can not just look at slavery as black and white. Out of slavery came shades of color and a change to what people consider color. As a Jamaican-Amercian who has "black" family and "white" family it a blessing that we are here from the union of my great grandmother a slave from Senegal and my grand father a German. Now should I feel guilty about the slave trade? It is my heritage as awful as that may be.
What I think is more important here is that we do not set these lines of division up but allow the moment the present to be. Why should we spend energy and money to look at this past when there are issues that we should address today. Child slaves in 3rd world countries...the homeless on our strees...the lonely elderly...the lost in a world of depression.
These are things that are happening now and we choose to spend our energy on the past? I can not do anything to help my grand mother who was more then likely taken to Jamaica in an awful manner and away from her homeland. I can show compassion to those in the present moment and honor her by hopefully trying to ease their pain.
Really you don't have to look that far back to find something to be compassionate about.
by K. Kirk at 1:44 PM on June 25, 2008
Another issue in the reparations is who? who benefits? Mr. Ogletree assumes and with seeming support from some in the DeWolf clan, that only the poorest blacks should be served by reparations, not all african americans who suffered. So are reparations to be another welfare scheme? Although my family hasnt been in poverty since Reconstruction, and we paid for our education without the help of government or charity for 5 generations, we are still ancestors of slaves in America. Our ancestors suffered too, but it seems that under the views of Mr. Ogletree and others, only the bottom sector of the african american community should benefit from reparations.
hmmm, thats not really repairing anything. Thats just again, assuaging the guilt for what happened and trying to win the sympathy for the masses. I nice little trick i notice white liberals do everyday. They tend to recognize those blacks who they stereotype as black, but ignore the middle class and other classes of blacks, as somehow not really black, not really "a project" they can work on.
i say NO to reparations, unless the DeWolf clan chooses to pay themselves--thats on them. And definitely NO to selective reparations, that is politically motivated and guilt driven.
by Kevin Jackson at 1:52 PM on June 25, 2008
As the film began, I assumed I would see another poke at the South regarding the treatment of Africans and the almost "holier than thou" attitude that generally accompanies a lecture on human rights from anyone in new England.
It is hard to feel sorry for the participants, but at the same time refreshing to see the look of dimay,denail, and finally acceptance on the faces of these "privilidged" folk.
Being reared in the DEEP South my attitude is one of sad denial also and have been reminded of our backwoods, less than opportunistic way f life for a long time.It must be a real wake-up not to be able to coyly "blame " the "great unwashed" and sit contentedly on the laurels of such a proud and "important" ancestory.
I"m sorry .... no wonder your grandmother didn"t "have the stomach". The film was so sad on many levels,and I felt dirty after viewing it . Kinda shakes the whole tree of undesireable fruit. Shame
by Franklin Leach at 1:53 PM on June 25, 2008
America could never begin to repay African Americans for all of the damage that has been committed. Every indigenous people that has encountered caucasians on their shores were 'doomed'. How tragic is it that "God" and religion only seemed to justify and even encourage the slave trade? Good work PBS. L. Perry
by L. Perry at 1:54 PM on June 25, 2008
Kevin, you've obviously noticed that my uncle, Dain, married a black woman. But it's not because he lived in Charleston, S.C. as a boy. As you can easily discover online, my aunt and uncle met in Boston, just a few years ago, at church.
It's true that the film focuses on white DeWolf descendants, and on their conversations with select groups of people. As you say, our black friends, neighbors, and colleagues are not featured in the film. But you shouldn't assume that we don't have such relationships, and aren't comfortable with them.
I agree with you about the often extreme separation between whites and blacks (and others) in many aspects of our society, even today. Ironically, this separation is often less in many "elite" settings, such as ivy league universities, but it is hardly gone.
I also agree with you that much of the solution to our nation's enduring problems with race will consist in the gradual elimination of the lingering barriers in our society to relationships without regard to race.
by James DeWolf Perry at 1:57 PM on June 25, 2008
The United States has been committing horrendous war crimes every since the US Senators became representatives of the Special Interests Groups instead of representatives of the States. After this the United States turned a European War into WWI and has been a War Monger and has funded war mongers ever since.
How many people died in Vietnam from Napalm? How many have died in Iraq? How many have died in Palestine? How many have died in Lebanon? How many Pregnant Women had babied die in their mothers wombs when they died from Cluster bombs secretly provided to Israel?
These are the crimes that we the current citizens of the United States need to be held accountable.
by Anton Grambihler at 2:03 PM on June 25, 2008
Mr Franklin Leach, dont feel sad. only 5% of white southerners owned slaves, most were poor farmers and small merchants. The history books and the powerful in academia, politics and culture did their best to smash to the south and blame them for what was a national issue, a national tragedy.
As a black southerner, who studied and have degrees in the area of history, i lept with joy that finally the northerners--like my school, Brown, were beginning to recognize that the Northerners were at the center of the slave trade in America. But this not new history, if one goes beyond the abysmal public school textbooks and read all the history thats out there--begin with Prof. Leon Litwack's-"Been in the Storm so Long" and anything by Cash, Woodward, Genovesie, E Franklin Frazier. The peculiar institution of slavery is discussed in total and we know that Northerners owned, sold and traded in slaves. We know how the institutions were built and how the people benefited and we know who didnt benefit--namely the poor farmers and the landless.
I like another book by a fellow Charlestonian named Edward Ball. His book, "Slaves in the family" actually acknowledges and tries to build relationships with the people descendant from his slaves.
also, mr leach, never look down and think less of yourself for being backwoods--the northeast liberals dont want people to know that much of the northeast outside of the industrial centers is backwoods and no different that the deepsouth in attitudes and viewpoints.
by Kevin Jackson at 2:07 PM on June 25, 2008
Kevin, you also seem to be under the impression that members of the DeWolf are wealthy and could pay to repair the consequences of American slavery themselves. That's simply not the case.
You raise an interesting point about who should receive any reparations, however. Why do you believe that middle-class Americans, or those who are even more well-off, should be considered for reparations? Isn't Professor Ogletree right that the "American" remedy would be to focus assistance on those who need it most, and not merely to use skin color or ancestry as the basis for offering benefits?
by James DeWolf Perry at 2:14 PM on June 25, 2008
Mr. Dewolf Perry,
i think you misunderstood me. I didnt say he met and married her in SC, and yes i knew he was livng in Boston. But the issue is, he at least crossed that barrier and isnt just talking the talk but walking it. I am married to a proud New England WASP protestant from NH.
The issue isnt that you didnt show your black friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc., but that you all seem so stunned by Ghana, Cuba and the history of slave holding in New England, especially in places like Bristol, Boston, New London when you "do" have black friends, ... I have Israeli friends, i think i know and wish to study more and more about the plight of Israel, jews and the diaspora. I have yankee family through marriage, it is imparative that an educated man, if i am truly educated, would desire to know about their life, their history, their culture. I am not stunned by thinks i read and hear about New England, as i live in this great country and it is apart of our history. It is sheer laziness to just stumble on what was apart of a typical 7 grade history textbook.
having black friends and friends different than ourselves, if they are true friends, neighbors, is to have them in our homes, not just saying hi in the office. it is asking about them, their lives, their histories. it is not just surface bonding, but truly venturing into the hard areas. There should not have been a shocked look on Katrina Browne's face as to the treatment, the horror, the facts of Yankee slaving, as she lived in Philadelphia--where today, blacks are still in dire situations with crumbling schools, high drop out rates, homeless and poverty, some of the worst violent crime in the nation. All she would have to do is look around her not have to travel to ghana or cuba, but north philly or south boston to see it.
by Kevin Jackson at 2:20 PM on June 25, 2008
Mr. Jackson, It would be untrue to say I felt "bcakwoods" or less than. My obvious reluctance to feel responsible is accompanied by a real pride in my own heritage. The repulsive nature of the entire era is a shame on human-kind. My problem comes with the attitude of "better -than " displayed by many from that region . I truly am sorry and know it took some fortitude to show this film,but still feel helpless at times to do anything. How about Give the money back and let the two slaves ancestors ride in the coach this fourth of July
by Franklin Leach at 2:20 PM on June 25, 2008
Mr. DeWolf Perry,
I only assumed you all still had the wealth of your family by the sheer fact that you all brought up the reparations issue and who should pay or how it might work. Persons who dont have priviledge and means would not be asking others to think of how to repay something they didnt cause. Your family opened the dialogue as a personal one. The issue of your families responsibility and role in the transatlantic slave trade, so i think it would be imperative that your family decide how or if you would be working on reparations. But not to somehow use this family history as a way of guilting others into the scheme.
As for your question about professor Ogltree, i think he is dead wrong about reparations. it is not reparations if it is only to assist those who He or YOU feel should be assisted. What if you family had been affected by your families slave trade(who knows if we werent) why should a kid in the ghetto be given reparations while my family does not? There is nothing fair, equatible or intelligent about that. It seems it is just trying to give out handouts to the poor to calm the masses, but it is utter without common sense. It is not reparations but a payment to the welfare system--which i think has been done already and yet some failed.
by Kevin Jackson at 2:32 PM on June 25, 2008
This was a thought-provoking documentary but dismissing the African contribution to the slave trade (providing the goods) with the brief scene of a historian dismissing it as the solely the actions of a few kings denies the mirror image of the entire town of Bristol being involved in the trade rather than just James DeWolf....the african kings also had to have someone capture and herd the people, forge their shackles, give a final washing-up to the newly minted slaves, and build the fortress including the door of no return. It is a shameful legacy for humanity to deal with but genes and skin tone alone do not define the culprits. We all have in our DNA the ability to accept and participate in this kind of travesty. It continues today. Maybe we should examine the circumstances that supported slavery yesterday and still support it today, rather than blame historical figures and specific races for promulgating it.
by Kevin Koch at 2:34 PM on June 25, 2008
Traces of the Trade was extremely captivating. Initially when I saw the advert I thought I wouldn't bother watching it. But I turned it on and, to my surprise, I was immediately compelled. I am of Mexican American and Native American decent, and am scholar of Ethnic Studies and the Theatre. I agree with a previous post which suggested that people read "The Mis-Education of the Negro." This is one the most important books I have ever reads. It opens your eyes to a huge dilemma in America; so many people in this country have been miseducated and have allowed themselves to live the truths of others, as opposed to seeking their own truths, seeking knowledge, and educating themselves about the core of humanity in America and beyond. I commend Katrina and her family members for the journey they took. A journey in search of truth, no matter how devastating or beautiful the truth may be. I also commend Juanita for her work on the film. I thought it was a powerful way of educating the 'mis-educated," and it was a well done film. Finally, I wanted to speak about the African American Woman in Africa who refused to shake the hand of a white man. Please know, she is living her own truth...as each person does. And while this may be largely a black and white issue, it is ever so important to see each individual for the person they are, the compassion they carry within and the truth that they live. Many Blessings, Nicole
by Nicole at 2:37 PM on June 25, 2008
Janie your statement that life on the plantation was not that bad for the majority of slaves is erroneous. I doubt these Europeans who visited the south before the Civil War knew what they were talking about. Speaking as a American Haitian, I'm sure that life on the plantation was not pleasant for any slave. What good is food and Bible lessons if your not Free!
by Blayer Pointdujour at 2:37 PM on June 25, 2008
Traces of the Trade was extremely captivating. Initially when I saw the advert I thought I wouldn't bother watching it. But I turned it on and, to my surprise, I was immediately compelled. I am of Mexican American and Native American decent, and am a scholar of Ethnic Studies and the Theatre. I agree with a previous post which suggested that people read "The Mis-Education of the Negro." This is one of the most important books I have ever read. It opens your eyes to a huge dilemma in America; so many people in this country have been miseducated and have allowed themselves to live the truths of others, as opposed to seeking their own truths, seeking knowledge, and educating themselves about the core of humanity in America and beyond. I commend Katrina and her family members for the journey they took. A journey in search of truth, no matter how devastating or beautiful the truth may be. I also commend Juanita for her work on the film. I thought it was a powerful way of educating the 'mis-educated," and it was a well done film. Finally, I wanted to speak about the African American woman in Africa who refused to shake the hand of a white man. Please know, she is living her own truth...as each person does. And while this may be/seem largely a black and white issue, it is ever so important to see each individual for the person they are, the compassion they carry within and the truth that they live. Many Blessings, Nicole
by Nicole at 2:40 PM on June 25, 2008
Janie your statement that life on the plantation was not that bad for the majority of slaves is erroneous. I doubt these Europeans who visited the south before the Civil War knew what they were talking about. Speaking as a American Haitian, I'm sure that life on the plantation was not pleasant for any slave. What good is food and Bible lessons if your not Free!
by Blayer Pointdujour at 2:41 PM on June 25, 2008
This was a terrific documentary from a truly remarkable family willing to share their journey with us, this is the true meaning of WE THE PEOPLE. To accept accountability is a higher-functioning action that we are now beginning to embrace - perhaps as a necessity. It is certainly an indulgence and a luxury. When it's kill or be killed, dog-eat-dog one is ether the eater or the eaten. This paradigm, and others like it (conform or be ostracized, for example) is really not the most attractive choice, but when presented with only two options can it be a fairly simple decision to make. When we are allowed the luxury and education (itself a luxury - and perhaps, increasingly, a necessity) to evaluate what our options really are we may become befuddled. There's a reflexive response which is to retreat to one's initial understanding and framing of the situation, one which says if it's them or us, better it be them (who suffer) and us (who don't - or not as much) if we are able to have any say in the matter. And thus the weakest are prey and aggrieved and the strongest are predatory and relieved. The other initial response may be to "wish it were different" without any idea how to create such a paradigm change (just how exactly are those done, anyway?). Such a position easily is dismissed as "unrealistic", unpragmatic and impracticable. It is unfortunately too easy to skewer this family (and hey, we should all be able to laugh at ourselves and our foibles), to see the filmmaker's pov as a typical white girl's impotent gnashing of teeth in the face of a harsh reality (an exercise in pointlessness, self-flagilation and futility), without seeing the, potentially large, impact that the mere (or not-so-mere) act of courage itself in taking this journey, has on changing what our options are and how we view them. Both white and black people, while approaching this from opposite ends, need to do take this kind of personal journey. Or, in any case we have the option of doing it. And why do it? Simply because it is the more attractive option. And we are now smart enough to be able to recognize it. Or anyway, we might be.
I would suggest that the filmmaker's ending evokes our possibility in the most crucial way and as we struggle for the answers to "what next" and "how" we recognize that it is our collective personal journeys -on which we all have equal footing, if not equal courage (and courage is after all, something which can be learned and taught -inspired) - which is the answer. It's a funny thing how the door keeps opening when we take this approach, and it becomes pretty interesting, less of a problem than a creation. Which, after all, is enjoyable. I hope in the moments where this family struggled to break out of a sort of damped-down humanity, to feel their own suppression (one necessarily required to perpetuate a trade in slavery), and in confronting it move past it, they were able to get a little more wiggle room for themselves, hopefully also overcoming some of their condescension and guilt (which can become self indulgent in the worst way). And I hope the family, the filmmaker, and her brave interlocutor friend continue to be inspired in their efforts to get us all to think about how to improve the situation. Because it definitely needs a lot of improvement!!!
by jane grey at 2:41 PM on June 25, 2008
And maybe we should be trying to fight modern day slavery around the world and not just looking for ways to pay for the past. We have our Darfurs, we have our sex trafficking, and issues of women being brutalized around the world. I think we can find ways of really using reparations, by fighting so that others will not remain in slavery today.
We blacks should be at the forefront of these issues, as we have been victims of this kind of man' inhumanity. Whites should be at the forefront of trying to develop real relationships with blacks and others, not just superficial ones, so that we all are apart of the solution and not the problem.
by Kevin Jackson at 2:43 PM on June 25, 2008
Of all the positive ways I can imagine for engaging the reality of a moral tragedy and its personal challenges, Katrina Browne's family journey tops my list.
For many of our ancestors slavery offered an economic opportunity. Sailors, shipowners, barrel makers, textile mill owners and workers, investors, distillers, plantation owners, even African kings found economic benefit. As one family member asked "How would we have made a living in Bristol, Rhode Island if we had lived in those times?"
How to reconcile the seductive economic attraction of slavery with its deeply evil, inhumane consequences is our challenge today. Thank you for this presentation. I shall watch for further efforts by this family and others.
by David W. Hunt at 2:57 PM on June 25, 2008
I apologize if I misunderstood, Kevin, the connection you were drawing between my uncle having lived in Charleston, and his marrying my aunt.
Please don't leap to criticize those of my distant cousins who weren't aware of the full history of slavery and the slave trade. It may be history that is found in some seventh-grade textbooks, but it was not found in the typical textbook when most of them were growing up. (Tom, for instance, writes powerfully in his book about not having been previously exposed to this history.) In fact, I can attest, having spoken with secondary-school teachers and with high school and college classes about this topic, that many students even today are still not being taught the basics of these aspects of our history.
The fact that Katrina wanted to discuss the possibility of reparations in her film isn't a sign that we're wealthy people. It's a sign that she recognizes that benefits of slavery accrued to all Americans, and that she believes Americans ought to address the lingering harm from that institution.
You'll notice, also, that only one of the ten of us even supported the idea of reparations in the film.
by James DeWolf Perry at 3:00 PM on June 25, 2008
i could think of many more positive ways thank making a documentary, while i commend her on doing it. It does nothing in truly bridging the gap of the evils of slavery, or seeking absolutions from teh Episcopal church. why not go to a Baptist church that is black and ask for redemption?
it is a typically elitist way of getting around the issue. I thought, the cousin from Oregon and the other cousin who got angry in cuba because it was just becoming an academic exercise and not really crossing the street to know , really know black americans who might have had ancestors that were victims of the slave trade. Going to cuba and Ghana were cop outs, when they could have gone to areas around the US to really make amends.
by Kevin Jackson at 3:04 PM on June 25, 2008
james,
I definitely didnt see only one of the ten, but I will look at it again. The issue is why would you even think about reparations if you dont have the means to pay it out? It seems like something people would do if they plan to reach into others pockets to do that.
as for the education system, perhaps that was not the experience of most of your cousins and even with Ivy educated, they were miseducated by the system. I am second generation attender of Brown University, in my 40s and have taught school here and abroad, i dont see how one would have escaped learning about the transatlantic slave trade since i have mentioned the great historians earlier who have been writing about this since before any of your cousins-sans the one with a night school degree, was even born.
but if you say so. it is a typical answer for someone who doesnt really wish acknowledge the truth but i will give it to ya.
by Kevin Jackson at 3:11 PM on June 25, 2008
Kevin, I agree with you that it felt strange to be in Ghana and Cuba, when I was more concerned with our own society. You can hear my frustration in my comment in the film, about wanting to focus on the "living consequences" of slavery today.
As for your suggestion to go to a black church and ask for redemption, I don't feel the need to ask anyone for redemption, at least not for anything I haven't done. That's not what this is about, at least not for me.
As for why Americans might consider reparations, if they don't personally have the means to pay it out, what makes you believe that reparations would be for individuals to pay? I've only heard that argument before from those who think that people should pay for the sins of their ancestors, and that doesn't sound like an argument you'd make.
As for learning the history, I'm not sure why you believe that most Americans would know about the role of the North, for instance, in the transatlantic slave trade. It simply isn't in most general history textbooks, and few people, in my experience, read that sort of history in their adult lives. (You and I seem to both be exceptions to that general rule.)
by James DeWolf Perry at 3:22 PM on June 25, 2008
I have not read all the posts, so I am not certain this point has not been made about reparations. Where would the money come from? If it comes from state or federal government all taxpayers, black, white and brown will have contributed. This does not seem to be an equitable way of repairing the damage, real or imagined, that white America inflicted on black America. Businesses do not suffer lawsuits without consequences. The cost of reparations will be passed along in higher costs to consumers, all consumers, and lost jobs. This is but a single reason that talk of reparations leaves so many Americans cold. There is no way to amend the past. We can only change what happens now.
Which leads to my second point. Ms. Browne's film seemed heartfelt and sincere. And shallow and useless. All the talk in the world will not help the problems black America faces today. Will Ms. Browne's guilt stop a single out-of wedlock pregnancy? Will her acceptance of complicity in the slave trade prevent a single gang related shooting? Did her globe trotting create a single job for an African-American? Actions, not words are needed now. The Anglican Church can ponder its complicity in the slave trade and it might make a whole lot of rich white people feel better. It should instead invest in the African-American community. Deeds not words are needed now. Apologies are meaningless at this late date.
by Tony Bradley at 3:28 PM on June 25, 2008
I have not read all the posts, so I am not certain this point has not been made about reparations. Where would the money come from? If it comes from state or federal government all taxpayers, black, white and brown will have contributed. This does not seem to be an equitable way of repairing the damage, real or imagined, that white America inflicted on black America. Businesses do not suffer lawsuits without consequences. The cost of reparations will be passed along in higher costs to consumers, all consumers, and lost jobs. This is but a single reason that talk of reparations leaves so many Americans cold. There is no way to amend the past. We can only change what happens now.
Which leads to my second point. Ms. Browne's film seemed heartfelt and sincere. And shallow and useless. All the talk in the world will not help the problems black America faces today. Will Ms. Browne's guilt stop a single out-of wedlock pregnancy? Will her acceptance of complicity in the slave trade prevent a single gang related shooting? Did her globe trotting create a single job for an African-American? Actions, not words are needed now. The Anglican Church can ponder its complicity in the slave trade and it might make a whole lot of rich white people feel better. It should instead invest in the African-American community. Deeds not words are needed now. Apologies are meaningless at this late date.
by Tony Bradley at 3:29 PM on June 25, 2008
As an educated, i disagree, it is or was there as of the 1990s. any Gen X kids should have learned it between the 6th and 12th grades, esp in public school. Perhaps northern schools used a different textbook but in the South we definitely learned about the Northern part of the slave trade, indentured servitude, northern racism in new york, philadelphia up to the Civil War.
reparations, i dont think you seem to get is what was talked about in the documentary, illiciting comments from black professors. If it is not talking about paying for the sins of the past then what exactly is it? It is who is responsible, who and how should it be rendered, should the government(as one of your cousins or uncles said) make apology for it, or should we not embark on it. But if individuals who have opened the box about their family history to the world, want to discuss reparations, are they discussing it as individuals and how the situation my be solved or are they talking about others businesses, fortunes, governmental, or familial? I am not sure what you mean by reparations?
by Kevin Jackson at 3:33 PM on June 25, 2008
To Larry Lind who wrote: "Yes, slavery Was and Is a terrible thing that still happens today, but as a descendant of a non-slave owning family I do not feel shame and remorse or seek to apologize for slavery. Get over it. "
Larry i am not jewish nor did i live in germany either but i still have compassion for the lives lost during the holocaust and it is my duty as a person of faith and as a human being to try to break racial barriers that have contributed to slavery, racial genocide and the jewish holocaust. Despite your ancestors were not involved in the slave trade as mine were not involved in the jewish holocaust does not free you from racial superiority and prejudice. The entire world is responsible for the damage that has been done to all of us and "Getting over it" isn't the solution the healing begins with you.
by Lisa at 3:34 PM on June 25, 2008
Apologies!!! I wasn't sure if I was using right term "interlocutor", I meant as a sort of cultural go-between or representative, and looking it up only just now came across the minstrel show association. (!!!) (I'm pretty sure I'd never heard that connection to the word in my life). It just goes to show you how INTRACTABLE and unavoidable the subject is!!! I apologize for my ignorance about this other meaning of the word, and the meaning itself - but it's hard to apologize for something so vast and all pervasive that, damn, you can't even use a word without it having an association to something so shameful! I mean, I know it's kind of random but I really do think this was just me grasping to find the right word (which it more or less seems to be) only to find it so horribly tainted. It's hard enough being white and dealing with this, it's gotta be 10,000x harder to be black and have to be confronted with this kind of thing all the time.
by jane grey at 3:39 PM on June 25, 2008
This was a terrific documentary from a truly remarkable family willing to share their journey with us, this is the true meaning of WE THE PEOPLE. To accept accountability is a higher-functioning action that we are now beginning to embrace - perhaps as a necessity. It is certainly an indulgence and a luxury. When it's kill or be killed, dog-eat-dog one is ether the eater or the eaten. This paradigm, and others like it (conform or be ostracized, for example) is really not the most attractive choice, but when presented with only two options can it be a fairly simple decision to make. When we are allowed the luxury and education (itself a luxury - and perhaps, increasingly, a necessity) to evaluate what our options really are we may become befuddled. There's a reflexive response which is to retreat to one's initial understanding and framing of the situation, one which says if it's them or us, better it be them (who suffer) and us (who don't - or not as much) if we are able to have any say in the matter. And thus the weakest are prey and aggrieved and the strongest are predatory and relieved. The other initial response may be to "wish it were different" without any idea how to create such a paradigm change (just how exactly are those done, anyway?). Such a position easily is dismissed as "unrealistic", unpragmatic and impracticable. It is unfortunately too easy to skewer this family (and hey, we should all be able to laugh at ourselves and our foibles), to see the filmmaker's pov as a typical white girl's impotent gnashing of teeth in the face of a harsh reality (an exercise in pointlessness, self-flagilation and futility), without seeing the, potentially large, impact that the mere (or not-so-mere) act of courage itself in taking this journey, has on changing what our options are and how we view them. Both white and black people, while approaching this from opposite ends, need to do take this kind of personal journey. Or, in any case we have the option of doing it. And why do it? Simply because it is the more attractive option. And we are now smart enough to be able to recognize it. Or anyway, we might be.
I would suggest that the filmmaker's ending evokes our possibility in the most crucial way and as we struggle for the answers to "what next" and "how" we recognize that it is our collective personal journeys -on which we all have equal footing, if not equal courage (and courage is after all, something which can be learned and taught -inspired) - which is the answer. It's a funny thing how the door keeps opening when we take this approach, and it becomes pretty interesting, less of a problem than a creation. Which, after all, is enjoyable. I hope in the moments where this family struggled to break out of a sort of damped-down humanity, to feel their own suppression (one necessarily required to perpetuate a trade in slavery), and in confronting it move past it, they were able to get a little more wiggle room for themselves, hopefully also overcoming some of their condescension and guilt (which can become self indulgent in the worst way). And I hope the family, the filmmaker, and her brave interlocutor friend continue to be inspired in their efforts to get us all to think about how to improve the situation. Because it definitely needs a lot of improvement!!!
by jane grey at 3:43 PM on June 25, 2008
Reparations make about as much sense as hanging the filmmaker for crimes of her ancestors. The motivation behind this film seems all too familiar -- welfare for those who least need it. I'm amazed how those with the most education always take the path of least resistance. Unwilling or unable to use their own capital to produce anything tangible, they're always first at the hog trough for money. Finally, it's ironic that on the heels of the Civil War that brought an end to slavery, involuntary servitude still remains alive and well today, thriving ten times more ubiquitously than at the height of Southern civilization. Only no one today calls it slavery. And its no longer confined to just Blacks. Anyone with a job today making less than a living wage to support a family is a slave. Sure, you may argue that people have freedom to quit and go elsewhere to work. But this only means another low-paying job. Just because one is free to job-hop does not mean it's not slavery. If Southern society had allowed slaves to plantation-hop, would've the Civil War been averted? Slavery today transcends all races, all religions, all ages and both sexes -- even including children. Hardly anyone alive is exempt, that's how bad involuntary servitude is. And for the tens of thousands who come of age for employment daily, chances are greatest that it is the educated who exploit the uneducated. Look at those Ivy Leaguers in the film. They believe it's their birthright to sit in a restaurant while underpaid fellow humans serve them. It's the same story outside the restaurant. Everyone wants a slave, be it for child care, house cleaning, retail service, car washing, clothes washing, take-out -- there's no end to the extent those with money will go to enslave their fellow man. To change this now endemic imbalance, it'll mean destruction not unlike the collapse of the South during the Civil War. The American Revolution opened the eyes of the French, who sought to end exploitation using violence. One day soon, the eyes of the victims of exploitation will awaken to finally correct a system engineered by people who are far more evil than those who practiced slavery in the South. This filmmaker could never produce a film about modern-day slavery. To do that she'd have to set aside denial, and admit there's a dual universe -- one in which she lives, and the other in which 100 million Americans are exploited by a system set up to benefit only the educated and wealthy. Meanwhile, the filmmaker belongs to that corps of elite who never grew up, never did anything real, never sacrificed, never suffered, or never learned the essence of empathy.
by Jack at 3:43 PM on June 25, 2008
sorry that was "as an educator" lots of grammatical errors, sorry folks.
thanks tony bradley, you said it properly. If the Episcopal church, liberal institutions, slave holding families and individuals want to give reparations, hey i am all for it, i could use money for gas these days. But asking regular americans to repair what individuals, organizations and government did in the past is absurd. We fought a war over it, we changed the constitution and the welfare, affirmative action address many of the issues of repairing the issues.
It is only now for the guilty or those feeling guilty for it to own up to it. Those who are not involved should not be taxed or harrassed into feeling guilty for the past.
Reparations doesnt repair the hole in the hearts of America. only one on one dialogue, one on one friendships and love. most think it is too difficult to make a change, so they talk about the surface stuff. but i rarely see, and i live in a city almost 50-50 black/white, i rarely seem people crossing the racial lines to make friends and lovers, to invite others into their homes and lives. What i see is broken lives. the gap between the rich and poor growing, the educational system failing black and brown and white students, and the intellectuals just blowing hot air.
if the family truly wanted to repair the issue, it would be to help with bridging the gap of Americans white and black. It would focus on economic, structural and social issues but also religious ones. NOT blaming God for our sins, but looking at ourselves and saying what are we not doing to make a change.
where are the whites in the black churches of america, where are the blacks at the white country clubs of america, where are the poor at the corporations in america, where are the wealthy in the libraries and public parks? we have not begun to bridge the gap and the miniscule attempts to talk about it only seem to be from the voices inside the liberal academy. I dont see POV or Frontline every talking to normal middle america about the racial divide
by Kevin Jackson at 3:53 PM on June 25, 2008
Janie your statement that life on the plantation was not that bad for the majority of slaves is erroneous. I doubt these Europeans who visited the south before the Civil War knew what they were talking about. Speaking as a American Haitian, I'm sure that life on the plantation was not pleasant for any slave. What good is food and Bible lessons if your not Free!
by Blayer Pointdujour at 3:58 PM on June 25, 2008
Lisa,
As a descendant of family members who came to the US in the 1920’s I and my family had nothing to do with slavery. Yes, my family came here on the own accords, but I should not be goaded into the collective “White Shame” of this film. Yes, blacks were treated badly and inhumanely and I agree totally that Reparations should be paid only to actual individuals that were slaves, just like we paid actual reparations to only the living Americans of Japanese descent the US put in internment camps during WWII. We as a country only owe the Native Americans anything they ask for. I believe the Native Americans should get Free houses, Medical care, Free Tuition to any college in the US on top of a monthly stipend. I don’t however believe one penny should go to the 4th and 5th generation descendants of slaves.
How is it me being of European descent automatically make me a racist and prejudice of individuals of other races. You madam are Prejudiced as hell. You have judged me and consider me a White Supremacist. You probably were taught in school that white people are bad and every white person is a racist. I have read what goes on in college campuses these days. I consider myself an American; I don’t attach any race, ethnicity or heritage behind it.
As far as the Jews go it was a terrible happenstance in world history. Slavery was blight on US and world history. I do feel sympathy for ANYONE that is a victim. Today all over the Middle East and parts of Africa slavery is in full affect. The factories of India, China and other third would countries are greased by the blood and sweat of Modern day slaves. The Sex trade is rampant throughout the world. I madam do feel sympathy. I do not however feel shame for slavery now and back in the creation of the US. I cannot and will not apologize for the deeds of other men. (White and black) who profited during the American Slave years. So, I say “Get Over It” American blacks and bleeding heart liberals.
LL
by Larry Lind at 3:59 PM on June 25, 2008
God bless you for having the courage to face your family's part in the slave trade. I pray that your example will inspire others to do the same. As an Afrcan-American woman in my sixties, I believe that God is setting the stage for a reconciliation between the races. Your story made me realize that I have a role to play also by mpt jp;domg grudes for the past. May God give you peace.
by Johnnie Henderson at 4:21 PM on June 25, 2008
I applaud Katrina Browne and the Dewolf family for their courage. Recently my courage has been centered around ancestry.com; reaching deep within myself to sift through the slave schedules looking for the people who owned my paternal great grand mother.
I have learned that I have to question the abolitionist movement. I have learned that it is unlikely that this evil didn’t taint every white person during the time of the slave trade in some way shape or form. I have learned an additional definition for institutionalized racism.
I hope that it is possible for white America to realize, accept and understand, even if they fail to see how they have personally benefited, how these activities to amass such unprecedented wealth are an abomination on humanity. An abomination that continues to haunt Black Americans.
by sheron adams at 4:26 PM on June 25, 2008
This film was one of the most excessive displays of self flagellation that I have ever seen. I treat every individual as I would like for them to treat me. That said, slavery was a fixture in almost every ancient society (and still exists today). Every one of my gr gr grandfathers owned slaves but I am here to tell you that ALL of their guild vis a vis slavery and everything else went to the grave with them. I accept NONE of it. As
others have said, if there had not been slavery, there would have been no blacks in this country, so bad then led to good now. That is the way life works much of the time. Many slaves went back to Africa and settled in Liberia and look what a mess that they made of that venture. Look at EVERY black nation in Africa today.
They are all messed up in every way. If I were black, I would be thankful that I didn't live in Somalia or whatever. Whites have to go over there and set up aid organizations to help the blacks and THEY (over there) seem grateful. They should
have been doing all this for themselves. I don't know what the black's problems are
but I bitterly resent them trying to lay blame on current America for what happened to their ancestors. The Jews are trying to make us feel guilty vis a vis the holocaust and I accept none of that either. The whole idea of succeeding generations being blamed for the sins of their fathers is stupid and irrational.
I notice that few blacks want to escape our "persecution" and migrate to
Africa either. Finally, that video was just an attempt to make a buck and get
attention, in my opinion.
by Lannie Walker,Sr at 4:42 PM on June 25, 2008
This film was one of the most excessive displays of self flagellation that I have ever seen. I treat every individual as I would like for them to treat me. That said, slavery was a fixture in almost every ancient society (and still exists today). Every one of my gr gr grandfathers owned slaves but I am here to tell you that ALL of their guild vis a vis slavery and everything else went to the grave with them. I accept NONE of it. As
others have said, if there had not been slavery, there would have been no blacks in this country, so bad then led to good now. That is the way life works much of the time. Many slaves went back to Africa and settled in Liberia and look what a mess that they made of that venture. Look at EVERY black nation in Africa today.
They are all messed up in every way. If I were black, I would be thankful that I didn't live in Somalia or whatever. Whites have to go over there and set up aid organizations to help the blacks and THEY (over there) seem grateful. They should
have been doing all this for themselves. I don't know what the black's problems are
but I bitterly resent them trying to lay blame on current America for what happened to their ancestors. The Jews are trying to make us feel guilty vis a vis the holocaust and I accept none of that either. The whole idea of succeeding generations being blamed for the sins of their fathers is stupid and irrational.
I notice that few blacks want to escape our "persecution" and migrate to
Africa either. Finally, that video was just an attempt to make a buck and get
attention, in my opinion.
by Lannie Walker,Sr at 4:44 PM on June 25, 2008
I just wanted to say that, I appreciated the attempt to start closing gaps between the races. I'm an african american with cuban background, who enjoyed the documentary. In the future I would like to be informed of any bills that may come up for vote concerning bridging the gaps...Thnx
by Paulette Oliver at 4:53 PM on June 25, 2008
I totally agree with Kevin. I can not believe that Mr. James DeWolfe never heard of any kind of slavery. Especially in the months of black history. So are you telling me Mr. DeWolfe that you have no ideal who Martin Luther King is because it is consider a holiday and evry school speaks of Martin Luther King and what he faught for FREEDOM! FOR BLACK AMERICANS I was not born yesterday Mr. Dewolfe please give me break. Find forgiveness in yourself, stop feeling guilty and stop lieing to the world! I never heard of such a thing. It is mind bothering.
by Lea L. Soto at 4:59 PM on June 25, 2008
Total admiration for the members of the DeWolf lagacy to do this work...
With that said, I want to say that slavery underlies our entire consumer life -- I don't relate to the history of the East Coast but I certainly do relate to "manifest destiny" as it was forced into the west, the enslavement of Indian peoples from north to south into south america --for gold, silver, etc. for an elite lifestyle still going on today.
And it is just plain as day, the earth itself is our slave. How many of us of any race or gender, deeply realize how we take for granted the right to own and profit by any living thing. Water, air, land -- to rape at will and profit by. Capitalism at the point of a gun.
Invisibility began with the "right to make a profit" instituted in the European rise to power-- and all races were enslaved and divided from one another.
We have a long ways to go.
But then again, my gratitude to the Civil Rights movement, a far greater legacy in this nation than the taking ownership of Grandmother Moon by planting the flag on her in front of the entire world using the minerals of her body, the furnaces of the manufacturers, the transport of the rails and so on to accomplish an twisted assumption of elitism that has yet to be brought out of the invisable barriers we live in each and every moment.
by Joan Price at 5:02 PM on June 25, 2008
Also, to Mr. Dewolf Perrry. I don't think that just the lower class should be considered for reperations, iff any are forthcoming. This country was built on the backs of all slaves, and all descendents are mistreated equally.
by Paulette Oliver at 5:04 PM on June 25, 2008
Lea, I haven't said that I wasn't familiar with American slavery prior to the filming of the documentary.
What Kevin and I were discussing is the fact that there are certain basic aspects of that history which several other family members in the film were not aware of, and which many Americans are still not aware of.
The role of the North in slavery and the slave trade, for instance, or the extent to which the impact of slavery lingers in our society today, are topics which are taught in some schools now, but not in most, and were rarely taught to older Americans when they were in school.
by James DeWolf Perry at 5:07 PM on June 25, 2008
With respect, Paulette, I'm not convinced that all descendants of slaves are equally mistreated today.
While it's true that all Americans who are perceived as being black are subjected to much the same treatment on account of race, there are significant differences when it comes to class or social status. Much of the focus of the reparations movement, meanwhile, isn't on compensation for that sort of treatment, but rather to account for the dramatic differences in education, jobs, wealth, and so forth between blacks and whites, on average. There's a big difference between any of my black Harvard classmates, for instance, and one of the people whom Ogletree refers to as the "bottom-stuck." I also don't hear Ogletree suggesting that he, himself, should receive reparations, and I think there's a good reason for that.
by James DeWolf Perry at 5:13 PM on June 25, 2008
Dear Katrina,
Perhaps there is a Third Way. Blessings to you, your family, and our human family. Thank you for the compelling documentary.
by MaryM at 5:21 PM on June 25, 2008
Although, understood and appreciated. When Tiger Woods tried to acknowledge all of his ancestry not just his blackness.. He was made to realize at the country club that he was still just a nigger. I think the same is true for all blacks regardless of class.. Although handled differently, discrimination is the same for us all... In my experience anyhow.
by Paulette Oliver at 5:27 PM on June 25, 2008
Mr. DeWolfe Perry:
Racism an class distinction are still with us. Lets see how fast the Federal Government will run to help the people of the Mid West flood vs. the Katrina victims in New Orleans.
That is a prime example of race & class discrimation. I live in New England and still the problems. Most Northerners feel that they did their part in stopping slavery by having ancestors that fought in the civil war. The fight for equality and "RESPECT" has yet to be won.
When will people realize that "RESPECT" is what African-Americans and Native Americans and all people want an deserve.
I would also like to know if the Lyon House Museum has included any information on the DeWolfe being slave traders to their exhibits? As to the statement in the film regarding schools not really covering the informatin on the slave trade and slavery more throughly, look at who writes the history books most of them are done by Whites. It has only been recently that schools have even covered that the US falsely imprisioned Japanese Americans during WWII.
Our country needs to learn "RESPECT" for all them maybe we can all heal.
by Dee Hart at 5:49 PM on June 25, 2008
I am an African American mixed with Native American, who is in seek of my ancestral heritage. The most I can piece together is that we started in the south and ended up in the north. I can only imagine why that is, but lack of records and the passing of the elderly, has left that question open. I could only imagine why most of the elders in my family would not even talk about what they had been through. And I feel the pain on their hearts for having to die without any post traumatic stress disorder treatments or hope that their children would not have to endure as they did. So Katrina, it is a blessing in itself to be able to have records and documents to look up to see who your ancestors are, and what they did.
I do not expect any white person to feel guilty or apologize for any of their ancestors’ mistakes. (Acknowledgement of the truth will always set you free). I would only hope that they can look beyond their own stereotypes of African Americans (which were passed to them from things they witnessed as children) and not be on the offensive all the time. There was a point in my life where I felt I had no choice but to get a piece of the American pie the best way I knew how. I went to college, and others decide to horrific things, however from their viewpoint “why else should they care, what do they have to lose.” This is a mentality that the enslaving process has left with some educated and non educated African Americans. Imagine having to tell your children the accomplishments your parents and grand parents made while being enslaved, freed, enslaved and in today’s terms discriminated against. To be given freedom in America in 1865 only to still be fighting for freedom rights in 1965 and for the first time integrating a high school prom in Georgia in 2007, etc... I have tried to ignore it and move on but I personally get attacked by racism a lot, sometimes more subtle than others. I only wish the best for my children, so I try to tell them the truth early enough so they can build the strength at an early age to face the inevitable that my ancestors did not warn me about because of the shame, guilt, embarrassment, PTSD etc…
There should be more people willing to do the research of their family history and understand why they have the privileges that they have, whether fortunate or less fortunate. As some may say they worked hard to get what they have, and believe me they probably have, however, I can work just as hard and receive significantly less results. Take a look at healthcare, education, mortgages, communities, and the Forbes billionaires list and know too that we would like a shot at the equal opportunity of the “American Dream.” How many African Americans really deserve to be on the Forbes billionaires list? After all, the stop light, cotton gin, and other major inventions where invented by African Americans. How much has really been stolen from Native Americans and African Americans? I would have to say “ALL.” In a sense the American dream has been transformed to mean that the powerful gain their wealth from the less powerful and the unfortunate. For instance, we get a high interest rate on a $120,000 home for a 30 year note and yet the well off can pay for a car worth $300,000 with a small interest rate over a 4 year period. Let’s open the door America and imagine what can be accomplished together as one in a “Perfect Union”. Once this door is opened, I hope and only hope that the same individuals that are having difficulties dealing with the opened door, are able to have the courage to face their ancestral demons and cast them out in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God Bless you and thank you Ms. Browne for having the courage and audacity to care as much as I do. I do have two questions for you. Are the other 191 descendants in your family being more optimistic of your approach for reconciliations and reparations? What are many whites scared of when having this conversation?
by Jonathan Taylor at 6:10 PM on June 25, 2008
In response to a question, Linden Place, the Bristol mansion featured in the film, has now welcomed us with open arms. They are devoting attention to slavery and the Bristol slave trade, and they were the first location to sign up to host Tom's book tour.
by James DeWolf Perry at 6:27 PM on June 25, 2008
If all black Americans are to be referred to as "African Americans" then shouldn't whites be called "European Americans"? I suggest that we all be Americans first and drop this hyphenated nonsense. It's a paradigm of sorts to see racism as a one way street. Anyone who considers themselves African and justifies their own racism on distant slavery should emmigrate to Africa.
by Tacitus at 6:37 PM on June 25, 2008
I watched the show and found it to be a disturbing show of self flagelation, I felt like this was being used as a cheap way to absolve themselves of some self imagined guilt. As for the issue of slavery/racism in this country that is an issue that will have to be discussed no matter how painful the subject, the problem is I fear never going to go away as some will always find the outcome not to their liking. We should also be discussing the slaughter of the American Indians as well, this is also a dark stain on our history.
by Steven Finnegan at 6:53 PM on June 25, 2008
You may use HTML tags for style and links. As a decendant of slave "owners", (emphasis that owning a person is impossible) on both sides of my family, I welcome the discussion of the tragic legacy slavery has left us all. I was touched by the final reaction of the residents of Bristol. Can you imagine that level of healing for us as a county?
by Page Ogden at 6:55 PM on June 25, 2008
Reparations can only have generational meaning within the context of those offended by those who offended them. And the definintion of "offended" vs "offender" really means "who won the war"; for it is always the victor who writes history. Once the water breaks and the child is born, he is free of the sins (if any) of his father. In any other context, reparations is another form of "gimmee" and more "food stamp licking." The word "slavery" is relevant. It was until only a couple of hundred years ago a form of civil society for thousands of years. It was only when it became obvious that machines could work better economically than slaves that the concept of human ownership became dated. A better definition of modern day "slavery" is government dictatated economic relationships wherein one works and someone else profits from that work. In the future the concept of dominance of human beings over others will be dictated by those with intelligence and cognitive superiority. Everyone else will be a "slave" to those that possess more of these attributes. Mother Nature will rule in this regard without any "guilt."
by Pat Ballard at 6:57 PM on June 25, 2008
I'm overwhelmed to know that there are some Anglo-Saxons that are willing to admit that their ancestors owe a great deal to the Indigenous People and the Afrikans that they enslaved. The missing information should be in the history books. The history of this country must be talked about before this country can move on in a positive direction and each individual can do what the CREATOR put us here for. The day the world admits that Jesus The Christ is BLACK, this goal will be complete. All most people want is to be left alone to live their lives in peace.
by Juanita gore thomas at 7:10 PM on June 25, 2008
This was the most moving documentary that I have ever witness. I commend the members of the DeWolf family for having the courage to confront their evil legacy with hopes to purge them from the heavy emotional burden that this knowledge will most definitely cause them!
PBS, as usual, is at the forefront of the expansion of the mind and the human spirit. Kudos to you for presenting this material. It is so long overdue. Even though we may have a few naysayers who could never accept responsibility the main point is to elevate our minds especially in this most important election year. This documentary was right on time!
by Tori Lynn at 7:33 PM on June 25, 2008
This comment has been removed by the moderator.
by Tori Lynn at 7:39 PM on June 25, 2008
I also thought the documentary was brave, powerful, and important to our general discussion on race in America. As black female who fought my way out of the legacy of being born black and poor in America, It bothers me that whenever a discussion on slavery is initiated, I hear this loud "shout out" from many whites who seem to think the goal of most blacks is to induce white guilt or blame. I really would like all people to acknowledge and to some degree understand that the effects of slavery linger to this day. To understand that not every poor black family is in this predicament simply because they're lazy; many struggle every day to get past the effects of generations of oppression, poor educational opportunities, low expectations; and subtle prejudices that saturate our educational, religious, political, medical, and legal systems. We don't want a free ride, just a decent chance.
by Desiree Johnson at 7:54 PM on June 25, 2008
This film was one of the most excessive displays of self flagellation that I have ever seen. I treat every individual as I would like for them to treat me. That said, slavery was a fixture in almost every ancient society (and still exists today). Every one of my gr gr grandfathers owned slaves but I am here to tell you that ALL of their guild vis a vis slavery and everything else went to the grave with them. I accept NONE of it. As
others have said, if there had not been slavery, there would have been no blacks in this country, so bad then led to good now. That is the way life works much of the time. Many slaves went back to Africa and settled in Liberia and look what a mess that they made of that venture. Look at EVERY black nation in Africa today.
They are all messed up in every way. If I were black, I would be thankful that I didn't live in Somalia or whatever. Whites have to go over there and set up aid organizations to help the blacks and THEY (over there) seem grateful. They should
have been doing all this for themselves. I don't know what the black's problems are
but I bitterly resent them trying to lay blame on current America for what happened to their ancestors. The Jews are trying to make us feel guilty vis a vis the holocaust and I accept none of that either. The whole idea of succeeding generations being blamed for the sins of their fathers is stupid and irrational.
I notice that few blacks want to escape our "persecution" and migrate to
Africa either. Finally, that video was just an attempt to make a buck and get
attention, in my opinion.
by Lannie Walker,Sr at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2008
This was a great documentary. It's nice to hear the real truth about this country's history. The school books seem to blot out alot of unpleasant truths. The real truth is that the English stole this land from the Native Americans, made the blacks work the land for free, and continue to use immigrants and minorities to do all the hard labor.
by Elizabeth at 8:26 PM on June 25, 2008
This was a great documentary. It's nice to hear the real truth about this country's history. The school books seem to blot out alot of unpleasant truths. The real truth is that the English stole this land from the Native Americans, made the blacks work the land for free, and continue to use immigrants and minorities to do all the hard labor.
by Elizabeth at 8:27 PM on June 25, 2008
This is a very powerful film that brings up a full of range of emotions.
Very informative a thought provoking. I learned a great deal about a history of slavery in the North that I was not aware of. The perspective of a white American filmaker and her family is very interesting. A film that all should see.
by Joe Patterson at 8:47 PM on June 25, 2008
At the foundation of slavery was the simple premise, White are superior to Blacks. Therefore, Blacks are inferior
American wealth and social structure was built on this same premise.
Therefore, if you were born White in America (no matter when your ancestors got here), you benefitted from the effects of slavery. It doesn't matter if its your fault or not that slavery existed....but it is unjust to those that don't have any benefit because they weren't born with the favored color of skin.
The only thing to do now is to seek to change the system to allow access to every benefit by everyone regardless of skin color, race or creed.
by Your Conscience at 8:50 PM on June 25, 2008
Does the fact that Africans sold other Africans into slavery make it alright for generations of White americans to stigmatize a race of people as inferior?--Of course not!
The only reason you bring up this fact is to excuse the behavior of white slave traders from their evil, dehumanizing and ugly misdeeds. STOP IT, people! Shame on you!
It is what it is, EVIL, UGLY AND DEHUMANIZING. Stop trying to justify it.
Africans chiefs sold other africans. So What!
Blacks in america owned other Blacks. So What!
It is what it is. All slavery is evil, dehumanizing and ugly.
Can either of those African chiefs or Blacks Slaveowners have had the same advantages in a systemically racist American society as whites have -- I think not.
There are unique benefits in America from having white skin, there are priviliedges that even now are taken for granted. You see, White priviledge EVEN means that you have the luxury of not having to realize that you have it.
by Your Conscience at 9:06 PM on June 25, 2008
The premise for slavery in America (different slavery situations have had different premises) was financial. Slaughter of Native Americans was financial. The comments made on these posts prove to me beyond a doubt the slave mentality still exists today. Whenever you can dismiss a film trying to put some context into the racial issues of America, (by saying, it's the past forget about it, I wasn't here, I don't benefit from slavery..........) by not acknowleging our entire economy did and still benefits from the free labor, be it Native American, African American, Asian America......slavery, it reverberates through these cultures today and probably will forever throughout generations. Yes, African Americans held slaves, Native Americans participated in the slaughter of their own people, self-deprication has often been documented.
I can tell you how slavery has affected my family and will continue to affect it. I am of African, European, and Native American ancestors. Because of the stigma of race mixing in America my family has no written documentation of where we came from or who we are. Word of mouth history gave us our racial identification, a white great grandmother, an African great grandfather, a Native American great-grandfather on my mothers side who were northerners. The southerners were much more secretive. On my dad's side, I had a Native American and African grandfather and a white looking grandmother who we were not allowed to ask how she got white?
I knew from birth I was a black American and later an African American. In the 70's "black revolutionaries" taught young blacks the real American history and we were furious because of the deceit. I don't know if this deceit will ever be completely overcome. I believe the DeWolf's are trying to address this deceit and for those of you not interested, be quiet and get on some other website.
I have since learned to come to terms with who I am but I still desire to know my ancestors history to tell my children and grandchildren, and this is true throughout America. If you know your ancestry and are not interested it's okay, but if, because of fear of someone elses racial attitudes, your ancestry was hidden, you do care.
My grandfather served in WWI, my uncle served in WWII, and my son served in Desert Storm. We love this country, but discussing how to make it better is what makes it so special.
by Julie at 10:18 PM on June 25, 2008
I feel that the time for truth and reconciliation for this "unspeakable crime" is long past us. Attempts to relive the past and find some sort of comprehensible answers makes this issue more painful and this national disgrace heavier to bare. The continual reminder that the criminals of the "slave trade" were never punished yet florished and their heirs inherited unimpeded all the harvest of that bounty serve no one well. This younger generation of Americans who have thus far demonstrated their unwillingness to further these racials divides perhaps will seek another route in bringing comfort to a nation and its people who are exhausted from carrying this guilt.
by Patricia at 10:20 PM on June 25, 2008
Just a thought regarding the film last evening. Yes it was quite eye-opening in the extent of the benefit garnered by the communities at large.[ie. The production of all the supplies to keep the enterprise going. From shackles to pitch and tar, etc] Clearly many many people lent a hand to perpetuating the suffering and profited as such. It was the kind of experience one gets if you visit Brookgreen Gardens below Myrtle Beach SC.
The Gardens are lovely ,but if you walk the old rice field overlook near the Wall Lowcountry Center you hear a story being told from the voices of the workers who lived and died constructing those fields. And even more profound is a visit to the Center itself where if you look closely at the floor you will notice you are standing on a composite of aerial photos of all the Waccamaw river basin and contributaries from the NC state line down to below Georgetown. Literally thousands and thousands of acres and all quilted with the thousands and thousands of the still visible today rice fields where in the life span of the slave working them might have been 2 years if they made it that long.And that is only one estuary in the Southern Lowcountry stretching from NC to Louisiana.
Although history is one of my focuses, I just never got the magnitude of the suffering and misery incumbent with whole slavery issue until standing on that floor and realizing the scope of what was laid out before me.
My point is this. As human beings sometimes something has to come along to push us off zero. I don't care, Northern or Southern, White or Black, Muslim, Christian or Jew and you can go on with whatever political ,religious, national, historical divide you wish to assign. This feature has brought us to the place again where we must ask ourselves individually' Wherein lies my own integrity? Do I keep my peace with every new example of repression I witness regardless of it's seeming innocence? Or do I speak out at the real risk loss of my security, be it financial, social or even physical? The post I've seen here lead me to believe many of us need more wakeups like the POV.
by William C Ramsey at 10:43 PM on June 25, 2008
Please comment on your views of 'white privilege' before this journey began and contrast them with your views after learning the impact of the slave trade on your pathway to success.
by Patsy Smith at 10:52 PM on June 25, 2008
You may use HTML tags for style and links.
It moved me to tears.
Lincoln, Nebraska
by JoEllen at 11:04 PM on June 25, 2008
Ms. Browne and the Dewolf family, I want to thank you for your honesty and courage in the making of this film. I am glad you made this film and hopefully this can start a real and open dialogue about race relations in this country. Do not dwell to hard on the woman in the film that refused to shake your relative's hand....the woman was probably shocked that you all were there and a little bit upset that her chance to reconnect with her African roots was being interrupted. I mean what was she suppose to say? It was all probably new to her too and she was not into having an "Oprah moment".
However I am saddened by a lot of the comments being made here. To those of you who are white and think that because your family did not directly own African slaves that you did not benefit from slavery you are wrong.
Slavery and psuedo-slavery continued upto the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So Black people have really only been free and full citizens for just about 44 years. In the meantime, white people were given every advantage while Black people suffered under extreme racism & oppression ie Jim Crow, segragation, poll tax, grandfather clause.../the rise of the KKK. You forefathers got access to jobs, loans and better housing as well as (MOST IMPORTANTLY) protection of your civil rights. Black people paid taxes and fought in all of Americas wars from the American Revolution to Vietnam and were not considered to be humans, to have rights that any white man had to respect and no representation/protection under US law.
When I think of my great grandfather being born into a sharecropping family in the South and orphaned at very young age because both of his parents died due to yellow fever. Yet he made it, suffered extreme racism for example he obtained a job with Commonwealth Edison back in the day and the new white, probably irish racist immigrants, refused to work alongside him (riding in the truck) because he was Black. So the supervisor stuck my great-grandfather in the lockerroom where the white men would then accuse him of being lazy. (I never understood why the irish hate Black people so much when they too suffered at the hands of the british.)
Through all of this ill-treatment he bought property, owned several businesses and managed to send my grandmother to private school and there is a park named after him in Kankakee, IL. My great grandfather was great man. No white people and/or this country ever gave my family any handouts as white people like to say all of the time, my people were only given a hardtime.
To Melissa, the reason Black people do not bring up slavery and segregation, simply black people do not know a lot of their history because Black families/elders did not talk of this painful period. I am just finding out a lot family history myself by pressing the older folks to talk about our family history. I just found out my other grandfather is in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Yes, Africans had slaves but their slave system was completely different from the European Slave System. Their slave system was more of a servitude system families were not broken up and the Africans educated their slaves/servants,etc...but trust me after watching this film, I want reparations from them too, whether monetary or an apology...
In response to some other comments, yes African slaves were owned by free Blacks, Native Americans and whites in America because this was the system at that time but it was the US government that continued seek and use slave labor to build up America into what it is today. So the US does owe monetary reparations as well as psychotherapy to the descendants of African slaves.
Hec, Black people did nothing to Japanese people but they were given a Presidential apology and reparations with my tax dollars when they were put into concentration camps here in the US. So what is right is right and fair is fair. You white people always talk about an honest days wage for an honest days work, my ancestors were never paid, never made whole. And it continued after slavery with sharecropping system, Jim Crow and out & out racism in the North.
by Viniece at 11:46 PM on June 25, 2008
I am black and not interested in white privilege. I intend to fight for every right I believe belongs to me and I will circumvent any "privilege" in my way. My concern is how my black son is treated by some, and I mean "some" white people in America, and without cause or reason. They don't know him or what he has endured or how proud I am of what obstacles he has overcome and how decent and hardworking he is. They don't know he has defended their freedom in this country with his life. Yet they grab their purses and their little children as they walk the sidewalk next to him. This is what still exists in America and the poor ladies aren't even aware of what they do, or that I notice.
by Julie at 11:47 PM on June 25, 2008
To: Katrina Brown
You demonstrated strength of character, as well as courage, by publicly acknowledging your ancestor's complicity in the slave trade. The program, "Trace of the Trade; A story of the Deep North" expressed not only empathy for the slaves, but, also regret for your family's role in their suffering.
Our family follows the high moral principle written in the Bible: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written; Vengence is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah. Therefore we rest our hope and confidence in God's promise that the rulership of Christ Jesus over the earth, every vestige of man's inhumanity to man will be abliterated from the restored paradise earth. It is our heartfelt desire that persons like you will enjoy the realization of this promise.
Lorene Webster
email: lwebster@tmiengineering.com
by Lorene Webster at 11:49 PM on June 25, 2008
There are many instances of comment with reference to persons of various European decent who want to know why they should feel remorse, guilt or otherwise anxious about the inequitable history of their adopted homeland.
Most claim to know that their genealogical time lines have relatively short roots in America which implies innocence in the prior facts. Perhaps, this answer will satisfy them of their present roles and responsibilities to their fellow citizens.
As an American of African decent, the first thing I must ask you is if you people are even trying to understand the heritage to which you can attribute your present status? As reported by Mrs. Browne, the wealth created by the institution of slavery founded the nation and formed the bedrock of the economic opportunities that attracted your late coming ancestors decades after the practice of involuntary servitude was ceased. The history of peoples thrust together in such endeavors as nation building doesn't simply end at some demarcation point. Though it may change focus such that what was of primary importance to an earlier generation might move to the background with a later one, rarely do the facts disappear altogether.
The positions you take in these self-incriminating post are cowardly and hardly worthy of the pioneering legacy of this nation. If this accusation angers you, perhaps you should re-watch the documentary. You have missed the point of the lesson if you believe that the privilege you may enjoy today isn't deeply rooted in a culture embedded in a tradition of racist bigotry.There are millions of men and women imprisoned in America by these kinds of biases. The walls of their prisons are composed of false perceptions based on fear. You are installing strong bars to cooperation. The gates of your consciousness are constructed of prejudice founded in ignorance. Your minds are locked into an inability to distinguish the depth of the historic greed from the continuing and persistent hypocrisy of present realities; where the inequality of employment rates along racial lines, attest to the failure of your social morality.
There are millions of American of African decent who still suffer indignities at the hands of people who do not hire them, avoid them and refuse to socialize with them in any manner; especially any that would lead to their economic benefit. Is this an accurate description of you?
What can you do is the next question that is most often posted.
The answers are not as simple as 1,2,3. Yes, there surely are dangerous psychological fences that need to be torn down by Americans of African decent. However, the hope of our common heritage is that the cause for those obvious effects would be removed so that higher reasoning might take hold and our community thereby be finally healed. Would you make a lie of hope?
The future is now. What you must do is, give hope a chance. This day's opportunity isn't simply economic, as in reparations. It is also not rudimentary, as in cutting an annual or quarterly check to your favorite non-profit with a valid 501-3c charter to serve some affiliated ailment whose roots are fed by the privileges of racial segregation.
Our world faces new challenges and God in his wisdom created differences in peoples to accomplish his will on earth. What we should have learned is that the only thing new under the sun is understanding. Can you understand the origins of our commonality? If so, then you will not assume that you have no responsibility for righting the wrongs of the history of this experiment called democracy some and the United States of America by others. If you will, let fear and loathing fester and prosper. At some point, you will be held responsible by some future generation, just as were the DeWolfs.
by ML Hayes at 11:53 PM on June 25, 2008
This is why i believe that reparations should not be forthcoming, because what Mr Ogletree believes is reparations is not reparations, it is a handout to the poor. so why not give it to all poor people regardless of whether their ancestors were slaves, since we are not actually going to be repaying the ancestors of slaves, only poor ones. my ancestors were as much a slave as anyone elses, why wouldnt i receive a reparations check?
so, are you saying sir, that only poor blacks are truly the victims of slavery while those of us who have become successful have no pay or suffering or issues around enslavement?
it is a ridiculous argument to have if we are not dealing with slavery, but payments to poor blacks.
by Kevin Jackson at 11:53 PM on June 25, 2008
There have been many reparations paid in America by a different name, like the "New Deal", "Food Stamps", "Farm Assistance", Tax Rebates, etc. This is nothing new in America. It only causes "agitation" when it is coupled with slavery.
by Julie at 12:09 AM on June 26, 2008
Reparations.. I say go for it. I say we set up a Guilt fund and anyone that is so guilty or has pent up White Guilt should give to this fund. I bet it makes about $10. A report released said US citizens made over $300 billion in contributions to charitable organizations last year. Lets see how well this :White Guilt Fund does. I say Americans have given enough to slave descendants. If you force them to pay more, how many blacks in Africa will get contributions next year?
by J Howard at 12:18 AM on June 26, 2008
Big thanks for this program. I appreciated the courage and honesty all participants showed in grappling with this charged, thorny, challenging issue.
As a middle-aged white woman who was born & raised in East LA, attended college in Washington DC in the late '60s, worked in Dr. King's Poor People's Campaign and did community support during the riot following Dr. King's assasination and the aftermath, I am deeply grateful to have the CONVERSATION ON RACE advanced by this program. During that time in college and beyond I spent over 5 years searching my soul trying to be as honest as possible in identifying elements of racism in my thoughts, feelings and behavior. It was a rigorous and very helpful exercise. What I came to realize was that I didn't eliminate my race-triggered reactions--I continued to have thoughts, & feelings activated by noticing race--but many of those thoughts and feelings DID change as I paid attention to them and attempted to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for my internal responses and my external behaviors.
I currently work as a psychotherapist and have studied a field called Evolutionary Psychology--which basically studies how the human mind & brain evolved to support individual and group survival. I now believe that TRIBALISM IS UNIVERSAL--that it's in our DNA. BELONGING to a group is deeply essential to us, and identifying our group as special and differentiating ourselves from others is universal. I don't think we can elimate these things--BUT WE CAN TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THEM. This is what is so frustrating to me--we have turned racism into such a morally reprehensible thing that none of us is comfortable owning that part of our humanity. HOW IN THE WORLD CAN WE GROW IF WE CAN'T TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT OURSELVES? How can we see that our actions and attitudes have an impact on others--how can we be interested and responsive to how we impact others if we can't acknowledge these things? We have CONFUSED ACKNOWLEDGING these parts of us with CONDONING them. White America needs to atone for our history of racial crime. I see the first step as acknowledging these proclivaties in our daily lives.
Thanks for taking a big step in encouraging us all to look in the mirror.
by Karen Rogers at 1:01 AM on June 26, 2008
Interesting array of reactions. Just a few more thoughts. Once again I urge whoever is skilled at this (which I'm not) to create a website for ongoing dialogue and work. Malcolm X said that white people have to learn to love black people, not vice versa. Many people at the time took this as a statement of inequality. But as one black woman said in the film, she has to be in a minority almost all the time, and rub up against white culture, denying her very existence. She was suggesting white people need to structure in this experience of being in the minority in order to become sensitive to it. I think this is another way of saying what Malcolm X was trying to say. Regarding the experience of trying to reach out to black people and being initially rebuffed, I find this depends on the circumstances. Dealing with families who have been through unspeakable horror and deprivation, one can't expect the same reception. I find sincerity and perseverence carries the day. Take the "I" out of it. Just be there and be open. Also there are regional differences in the temperature of the relations between the races. In a setting, where people of color are 45% of the population, such as in NYC, there is more after hours, leisure time integration. In a more uptight place, such as Oklahoma City, where I am now, integration takes a little more work. Finally, regarding reparations. I don't believe anyone means from one set of individuals to another, rather as was suggested in the film a commission to decide the best way to spend the money, on those "stuck" on the bottom, or to Africa for HIV treatment and education and fallout such as AIDS orphans, or simply for better government, which is the key to resolving most of the horrible problems there. There are lots of constructive ways such funds could be used. And, yes, the tide is turning in that direction. Those who call it "liberal drivel" will be left by the wayside.
by Katherine Williams at 1:27 AM on June 26, 2008
Aloha...
I came across similar Family History in moving to Hawai`i-back in the late 80's. [Dillingham family]. My parents then experienced some very traumatic events (family karma?) RIGHT in the locations/on the `aina where my ancestors had committed their acts.
I subsequently was invited (ironically) to study the Yoruba & Condomble' traditions in Honolulu and Phoenix, and was told the following by a Babalwao(Priest of Yoruba). There are three types of "Karma" one must deal with; What you do now, in this life. What you did in your own past lives. AND what your immediate Bloodline did. It's not a "race" thing (per see...we're all African...if you go back to the beginning)...(white and black)...although all whites in America are the heirs to the wealth built by free slave labor (a LOT of our wealth). If you personally, want to know what needs to be made right (what you must do to balance your Karma)... look to your own "Ancestors!" Know your people and their acts (good and bad). Many cultures look back 7 Generations.. and unfortunately... it's no excuse if you choose to forget the history and think it's all "over" now. The energy unleashed into the Universe will find a way to balance things... one way or another. Take my word for it!
by S.A. Attix at 2:54 AM on June 26, 2008
I think the major issue with every program that looks at the Black experience with slavery ends in the 1800’s when slavery was officially abolished. And white folks say get over it already that was 300 years ago and I had nothing to do with that.
I would like to say yes slavery was over 300 years ago officially but unofficially slavery in America has only been now going out of fashion. It was only 40 years ago that blacks and whites couldn’t use the same bathroom or able to use the same water fountain. One of the gentle men in the program said for himself that he still harbors some feeling from the segregationist era. They are still 20% of people that say they wouldn’t vote for a black president; a year ago nooses were hung in the south to intimidate black youth. Yes slavery is over but the mentality is still alive and kicking in 2008.
I once felt that all white people were evil, but I moved to Ohio and then got 5 DWB (driving while black) in one year, once it was for speeding but he was unsure of how fast I was going and another I was not licensed driver even though my license was valid. But I have also met some genuine white people and no longer think that all whites are evil.
I (speaking only for myself) don’t blame any white person alive now for slavery, do I still believe that many believe the same way their ancestors do yes and until they are no more nooses hung to scare kids and until I no longer get pulled over by the cops for no reason I will continue to believe that.
by Andre at 4:44 AM on June 26, 2008
The true condition of the human heart has not changed since Adam in the majority. False acclamations of reform have only yielded more hurtful “façades” to the victims. Imperialism continues today as attested to by the many engagements of war today. There are a few who are aware of the problem of the human heart but are powerless to effect anything more than personal change resulting in personal freedom from guilt, though that only comes from spiritual assessment and shame.
by Karmy Mina at 4:56 AM on June 26, 2008
As I watched your documentary, and realized that you were seeking and apologizing for a history that you had not created, my tears began to flow. In America I am the legal definition of a Black American. In doing some minor research into my own genealogy, I discovered that my Great-great Grandfather was Native American from the Susquehanna tribe. My Great-great Grandmother was an escaped Indian slave,from Virginia born in Mexico City, Mexico in the mid 1800s. Both escaped to Amherst, Mass. during the time of the abolitionist movement.
Many of my descendants were the children of white enslavers and female Africans, also sold into enslavement.
I believe that mankind was then and is now, standing in front of the chalkboard of the universe, trying repeatedly to grasp a key cosmic lesson, as the Teacher patiently and mercifully hopes we will learn.
I believe that, through the understanding of human flaws, wisdom is gained, then hearts and minds can be healed.
I personally think that asking this tainted & corrupt system to even consider reparation, is like asking pirates to to share their ill-gotten stolen treasure. Instead
more barriers dividing race,religion & class need to be revealed,openly discussed and ultimately removed, so that the playing field is leveled and we can ALL be free.
by R.George at 6:29 AM on June 26, 2008
You will do nothing but create another injustice if you force those who were not guilty of the sin of slavery to pay for your family's sins. There is no way to calculate something which is incalculable, which is the sins of one's ancestors who were living in a different time without the advantage of our modern perspective. The only solution if to forgive and move on, not further punishment.
by pm at 6:42 AM on June 26, 2008
Why are so many people speaking so negatively, with hatred, anger and ignorance? Why are people saying that they don’t feel any guilt? I thought this documentary was about Katrina Brown ancestors and not so many of you individually. It’s as if so many people of this forum found themselves guilty of being a racist too. Ah, don’t talk tough or arrogant you do reverently fear GOD (The Creator Of Life) don’t you. I know that you know that He actually know what you truly feel and believe in your heart about other people. I bet all of those people who had lived their lives mistreating other people and whose spirit has now left this world are regretting their actions now! Will you be one of them too? Not me, I am currently listening to this teaching by Dr. Frederick K.C. Price titled “Race, Racism and Religion”. I’m determining to get all of this ugly filthy garbage out of me if it’s in me. Anyway I myself was horribly upset to learn how much involved the church was in this evil mistreatment of human beings. Aren’t You? Just imagine they baptized you first in the NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, take your name give you another name and then put you on a big ship, chained by your feet and hands and off you go to a foreign land, different language, weather etc.etc.etc. Hmm by the way I honestly don’t think that it matters which race of people did what. What matters is that human beings mistreating other human beings in such a horrible way!
Katrina Brown, Hurray for youJ Maybe PBS should air your documentary again during the fall so that more people will be at home to watch it. Katrina Brown I would like to also add that you pleased ALMIGHTY GOD without a doubt because of your zeal to try to right a wrong or heal some inner wounds. Although you are truly innocent Katrina your heart; through your documentary told the world that you were sorry! You must be a super kind personJ
by MIRACLEMEU at 7:34 AM on June 26, 2008
Who are you to impose your will upon me ?
Who lied to you and told you
that you should be the rule, rather
than the exception?
Who are you to impose your will upon me ?
You who ripped me from the forests,
from the plains, from the deserts,
from the songs of wild earthly creatures.
Who are you to impose your will upon me ?
You Faun, who deify yourselves with
your documents, your gems belonging
to the earth, your dwellings built
on blood soaked land.
Who are you to impose your will upon me?
You, whose forefathers cried to the creator
for freedom and a new way.Yet when your
prayer is answered, you would
oppress and enslave those He sent to free you.
Who are you to impose your will upon me?
You, who practice necrophilia with
a toxic and oppressive system,
then you utter salutations "peace
my brothers snd sisters" prosperity."
Who are you to impose your will upon me?
You self-aggrandizing adjudicators,
who deem me primitive, though I
reverenced this planet earth Earth, sacred,
whole and abundant.
Who are you to impose your will upon me?
As though I, born a commodity,
survivor of the tribalcide, the proletariat,
am to live a contented dehumanized life,
to fuel the insatiable monetary beast.
Who are you to impose your will upon me?
What would you have me to become? A mimic?
To complement you
and abase my heritage and self?
Look back and study our ways.You Who
Would Impose Their Will Upon Me, and
remember the ancient oppressors a'fore you,
how they did persecute me. For with my reward
they did purchase their fatal end.
Look back and study our ways, learn quickly.......
You Who Would Impose Your Will Upon Me,
for our mother is dying.... Who then will allow us to suckle?
Will we ask the moon? Or perhaps another neighbor
Mars,Jupiter? If we cannot share the breast of our
own mother,we certainly won't
be able to suckle another.
Look back and study our ways, You
Who Would Impose Your Will Upon Me .
Know that you could never create, as in
the manner of Elohim.......better, no never........
c.1994 roberta george
by R.George at 7:52 AM on June 26, 2008
I found the film verry inlighting as well as educational and moving. I com-mend the family members that took the time to trace there family past. I feel that America has been heiling its self since the beganning of her engurey. We must all look at the hurt and pain from our owen indivisial state of mind. We can never erace the past, nor will we ever foeget, but we can forgive. Time heils all wounds. love for your brother well speed up the process. If you feel guilt help some one that needs help the best you can. Rememember this sham that america face was done by everyone whites in America and Blacks in Africa. We cannot change the past it has already been written. However, We can each make a difference in the presince and future. I would recommend having a second tripe. this time include a few open minded black Americans. Ms. Brown vew points was well spoken. however, I feel the vew points of a mixed group would make more people open up and allow everyone to feel comfortable. From a man of color who see's no colour.
by Ron Brown at 8:48 AM on June 26, 2008
MIRACLEMEU wrote, “Why are people saying that they don’t feel any guilt? I thought this documentary was about Katrina Brown ancestors and not so many of you individually. It’s as if so many people of this forum found themselves guilty of being a racist too.”
Why should I feel guilty? Why should I feel guilt about something that happened hundreds of years ago by individuals who are long dead? Why should I feel guilty about my DNA characteristics that make me White (Caucasian)?
I never owned a slave. I never beat up a black person; I never stole from a black person. I never killed a black person. I have never performed any negative deeds to a black person, so why should I feel guilty?
I do not have White Guilt. I do not have White Shame. Yes, slavery happened and it was terrible. Millions of people suffered.
Miralclemeu implies because I have no guilt and I haven’t been indoctrinated and brainwashed by modern universities that I am a racist. I am not a racist. I have a job in Human Resources that deals with Equal Opportunity and provide training and conflict resolution for racial manners. MM needs to stop being so prejudiced and assume that all white people who haven’t begged for forgiveness of their fathers sins are Racist.
It is time to remember the past and move on. Those that are stuck in the past will never evolve into anything and will always find someone to blame for their own failures.
Larry Lind
by Larry Lind at 10:00 AM on June 26, 2008
I agree with Larry Lind and I am hispanic. Who is MIRACLEMEU to call those who are against this ridiculous film ignorant. We need to learn to be more open minded. I can not believe that James DeWolf Perry never heard of slavery. I can believe maybe that he never saw a book on slavery but to not know about slavery would be like him telling me he never knew who Martin Luther King was. We celebrate that day every year and even if you don't celebrate it because you are a racist or for whatever reason, you see it on the television. This blog was create because every one is entitle to their own opinion and if you like the film great and if you didn't fine, but it does not mean you are an ignorant person, guilty of being a racist because you did not like the film. Lord knows I am not a racist. I have family members who are black and I love everyone and can get along with anyone even ignorant people like MIRACLEMEU and James DeWolf Perry because we all have to learn to be honest and open minded. I am really offended by what MIRACLEMEU posted I think you need to review that film again with an open mind and realize that this film makes no since for a lot of people and many people's view it was made out of pure guilt. I believe MIRACLEMEU you need to read what you posted again and apologize to everyone because ignorance is not a good thing to be called and assuming what you think people are it is even worst. I can say you are an ignorant person because of everything you posted only someone ignorant would say and judging others that is not Godly. You assume we are all racist because we were given the freedom to post how we felt about a film and did not understand why a lot of people were upset about a film who claims they never were taught about slavery (Give me a brake) that is ridiculous and if you don't think that this would annoy a black person off well it annoyed me off and I am not black. I am very open to every ones opinion and yes it was a thought that Katrina felt would make a difference and I can see where she was coming from but to say some of the things that were said made people upset to do some of the things that were done in the film would make a lot of people upset. Maybe it was not Katrina's intensions were, but it was filmed and you can not take it back because everyone who wrote in this blog were not in agreement with everything said and done. We also have the right to be upset and express why? And that right there MIRACLEMEU does not make us ignorant it gives us one of our rights (FREEDOM OF SPEECH!) I believe that Katrina should have made the film on behalf of her family to black slavery and not involve anyone else to do what she did then the film would have made more since because it would have been her apology to black slavery because she felt guilty of what her family gained from this horrible act. In doing so maybe white people who knew that they had also gained from black slavery would have also followed tha same step Katrina took. I respect those who enjoy the film and those who didn't, but I don't appreciate people calling other people ignorant because they did not like the film. This is why there is so much hate in this world because of the lack of respect some of us have for each other.
edited by moderator for language
by Lea L. Soto at 12:34 PM on June 26, 2008
We don't choose our parents or our ancestors.
Yes, most blacks in this country are descended from ex-slaves and this
country like other past empires was partially built upon slavery. Most people agree that slavery was horrendous, but wasn't the extraordinary loss of lives
and property during the civil war reparations enough? I think this show is almost counter-productive in it's approach. A group of privileged, insulated white northeners is trying to feel better by sharing their guilt with every white person in this country.
by Larry Simmons at 1:03 PM on June 26, 2008
Lea, I don't know where you got the idea that I'd never heard of slavery, but it's just not true. Other family members in the film do talk about not having been aware of certain basic facts, like the role of the North, but these facts are often not taught in schools, even today.
I do support your right to disagree with the film, and especially with Katrina's focus on feelings of guilt and the solutions she suggests to our society's racial problems. All I can tell you is that I, for one, don't have any guilt. But I do believe that the facts show that the legacy of slavery remains with us, and I would hope that anyone who realizes this would sense an obligation to work towards a solution. I don't believe that Katrina made this film as an apology for something she didn't do, but rather to help Americans to understand what they've benefited from, and what the consequences have been.
Larry, I'd point out that the Civil War was not fought to end slavery, and so the terrible price paid by so many during that conflict could not amount to reparations for slavery -- even if you believe that merely ending that evil institution could make up for it.
by James DeWolf Perry at 1:19 PM on June 26, 2008
Quite honestly I am appalled at the onslaught of false guilt this documentary attempts to sling on to the viewer. Okay, yes slavery is,was and will always be an atrocity and a "black eye" in our American history. However, with the opportunity that exists for all races in this country in the year 2008, I am just sick of trying to appease all of the people who continually push for reparations programs like this woman does. She is only adding to the perceived weakness and inferiority that todays blacks feel. Or rather choose to feel.Yes, we have racism. Part of healing though is not through her type of excercise. It begins with personal responsibilities. Those personal responsibilities cannot be accounted for after 200 plus years. We can however learn from the past. But my God let's get off the pity pot and lets start to fill in the chips on our shoulders as a nation of Americans who I thought had backbones by now.
by Robert Landers at 1:25 PM on June 26, 2008
I find it interesting that so many people expect one documentary to be the definitive work on a huge, complex, controversial & explosive issue like slavery, responsibility, reparations. Or that some people dismiss Traces of the Trade because it hasn't uncovered anything they didn't already know, or because the people making it are so...well...white!
The value of this film, for me, is that the filmmakers have undertaken a process of understanding their privilege and where it came from, and how to respond from their own shame, grief, and desire to do the right thing. Process is very little appreciated in American culture, seems to me, and maybe that's because people don't know what it looks like or how to hang in there when it gets unbearable and you have the choice of staying or taking in a 5-course, catered "slave luncheon." So, Katrina Browne & family made a fine, fine film of their process, and Katrina's willingness to narrate the unvarnished truth of their process was, I think, honest. Personally, I admire honest.
When I watched the film I became aware of sharing some of the privilege and whiteness of the family members, and yet also how much I as a Jew relate to being, frequently, the only Jew in the room, never knowing how much of my learned social skills are unconscious assimilation of WASPy repression, or even where I belong with my hybridized identity. I'm pointing out the family's white/WASPy behavior because I understand it...I think. What I think I understand is how polite and repressed it felt to me, and at the same time represents in our culture good manners in many halls of power.
When I imagined myself trekking along with the family, I wondered how it was that they did not break down and wail with grief and horror, why they did not beat their heads against those walls in Ghana...because I would have lost it...I would have been a shrieking demon of grief and shame and uncontainable horror. When I visited Thomas Jefferson's own slave quarters at Monticello, I had to excuse myself from the tour group or I would have lost my WASPy composure.
Am I indulgent? Overly sensitive? Crazy? I don't know.
by Madama Ambi at 1:32 PM on June 26, 2008
Thank you so very much for this wonderful documentary. Here in Dallas, there is a yearly event called The Dinner Table. Any one can participate by hosting a dinner event at their home or attending at a dinner sponsored by a neighborhood organization or church. Participants discuss those hard sensitive topics that people shy away from with the purpose of reaching racial understanding and enlightenment. I attended this year's event at a Methodist Church in a Dallas suburb. I am African American and was hoping to hear opinions that would be different than those expressed in my own neighborhood. My table was composed of an Asian woman, a young and an older white man, a young white woman, and a black and white lesbian couple. Because our ages spanned from late 20's to early 60's, we found that our personal experiences growing up shaped our racial attitudes. There was a moment when I connected with the 60 year old white gentleman. He came of age in the South during the late 50's and '60's, as I did, and held the racial attitudes of his day towards black people. He was proud that he had changed over the years but didn't understand why I held any lingering anger. Why did it appear that I was just as angry at age 56 in 2008 as I was (more justified) at age 17 in 1969? I explained, but he now wanted to know, "What do you want now?" I replied, "an apology. An official, USA government sanctioned apology that recognizes and accepts that slavery was incompatible with the stated ideals of the Constituion. And, I want reconciliation as they did it in South Africa. That country recognized that you can't jump from a government sanctioned racist society to a democratic society without an effort at reconciliation". This gentle man then took my hand, looked me in the eyes and said, " Vicki, I am sorry. I am sorry for the way that your country has treated you and your family, and I am sorry for not recognizing sooner that by turning a blind eye and accepting the way things are, that I contributed to your indignity. Of course, we both cried and held hands the rest of the evening. It was a wonderful experience and I would encourage other cities to host their own event.
by Vicki at 2:14 PM on June 26, 2008
I don't believe that Katrina made this film as an apology for something she didn't do, but rather to help Americans to understand what they've benefited from, and what the consequences have been.
This was posted by Mr. De Wolfe and do believe that Katrina was trying to apologize for she had stated when she was at the church that there are probably a lot of whites who think why should I feel guilty about something I didn't do. Why would Katrina say this because she felt guilty. There was also a woman who I believed had ask Katrina if she was ashamed for what had happened and also the part when the Africans were cleaning there souls and Katrina stated if he could do the same for them. This was all because she felt shame and needed to feel free from the past.
I believe that Vicki had a wonderful experience, but it is something that came naturally not forced and if you (DEWOLFE) feel that this film was not trying to make an apology you really are a close minded individual because it was plain to see that she was feeling remorse and I think that was what was missing from this film a sincere apology. It did not have to come from all whites just from Katrina and her family who were present. She would have been a great example to what the world should do. I know she spoke of change, but change can begin with a simple apology and a form of ACTION. Action will never be because our world is full of racist people that would be like you telling me there will never be another war. You and I know that will only happen when we all go to Heaven.
by Lea L. Soto at 3:50 PM on June 26, 2008
White Guilt. Reparations. Such hot topics. Even some of the postings of those who state that their ancestors were not slave owners or traders and thus they have nothing to feel guilty about, have defensive tones. The fact is that being white in America conveys a privilege that though subtle is pervasive. I am a 32 year old black woman who went to school in New York and on to the Ivy League for college and graduate school. In elementary school, I had friends who could not come to my birthday parties because I am black. My brother had friends whose parents called him nigger. My senior year in high school, white students started complaining about how unfair it is that us black students will get into schools because of affirmative action. (Mind you that this was a high honors class and the black students in the class were all A students with good SAT scores.) The assumption being that just by virtue of being white they deserved to get into a good college and that by virtue of us being black, we must not have had the grades to get into a good college. Do you know how hurtful it is as a young person to discover that the girls you talked to and smiled with for 3 and ½ years think that they are and deserve better than you? It was a rude awakening for me. In elementary school, prejudice actions came from the parents, now it was from my peers. During final exam time my first semester in college, there was a spate of attacks on black students around campus. Students were spit on, nigger was written on doors, a bucket of water dropped on a student’s head with such force she ended up in the hospital with a concussion. Black students had to study while fearful, walking to the library in groups, while white students studied in peace. There have been other incidents along the way, but I was raised with love and a sense of self-worth and so am able to see the incidents for what they are: as evidence of the insecurities of the perpetrator and not a reflection of me.
White Americans are privileged because they don’t have to deal with all this while growing up on top of the growing pains common to all. White Americans are “real Americans". A white person who is a first generation American is seen as "more American” than a person of color whose family has been here for generations. White Americans who wish to maintain the status quo are viewed as “patriotic”. While a person calling for justice is viewed as unpatriotic. Why is it unpatriotic to ask for your country to live up to moral standards?
As for White Guilt- what use is guilt if actions don’t change? Honesty, respectful discourse, and empathy are what’s needed, that, and a desire to add to wellbeing in the world rather than suffering. When you know better, do better. Tuck away the defensiveness and condescension. Join like minds and work for change.
As for reparations, what is needed is investment in the people of this country, true investment in our social fabric not a piecemeal effort that benefits a few and leaves the majority out. There is no reason why our public school system should have such inequalities. There is no reason for the poor state of our healthcare system. America needs universal healthcare, a strong public education system and affordable housing for all. As for those who worry about our tax dollars, the real hand outs go to the military and big businesses. The mountain of debt we are piling up on ourselves from the Bush administration (Remember there was actually a budget surplus when his administration entered office!) will only get unbearably worse if we do not have an educated, healthy and secure workforce capable of competing on the world stage.
On a blog posted on the Nation website, Peter Rothberg stated: “A new report from the National Priorities Project shows that almost 40 cents of every tax dollar that will be paid this year (2007) will be spent on past and present military projects!” (From a posting byPeter Rothberg at http://www.thenation.com/blogs/actnow/182939/where_do_your_tax_dollars_go)
NPP website: http://www.nationalpriorities.org/taxday2008
by Danie at 4:11 PM on June 26, 2008
Posted by Mr. DeWolfe
Please don't leap to criticize those of my distant cousins who weren't aware of the full history of slavery and the slave trade. It may be history that is found in some seventh-grade textbooks, but it was not found in the typical textbook when most of them were growing up. (Tom, for instance, writes powerfully in his book about not having been previously exposed to this history.) In fact, I can attest, having spoken with secondary-school teachers and with high school and college classes about this topic, that many students even today are still not being taught the basics of these aspects of our history.
I apologize because I thought you spoke of yourself but you do defend the fact that people are not aware of this and again I say that would be like saying you did not know Martin Luther King and every schools talk about Martin Luther King who fought to free black from being slaves and being discriminated. I repeat it is on everyones calender Martin Luther King just like they have Columbus Day (It should not be a holiday or celebrated) but it is and if you read into your history it also speaks of slavery when Columbus discovered america. Columbus was a bad man, but anyways that is not the point I am trying to make.
My point is are you telling me that you have relative that do not have a calender and do not know who Martin Luther King is? What kind of a school do they go to KKK University? Every one knows about slavery. Even the KKK's know who Martin Luther King is.
by Lea L. Soto at 4:25 PM on June 26, 2008
I found this film to be inspiring and troubling. Troubling because it challenges the rule of not talking about unpleasant subjects. Isn't it really about time we started talking about the important unpleasant subjects?
As a white person raised in Oklahoma (which is a little South, a little Southwest) I really felt a sense of justification that these uppity Northerners were recognizing that slavery wasn't just a Southern problem. After I got past that, I saw myself in many of the thoughts and feelings expressed by the members on the journey. Kudos to the 10 who opened themselves up to us. I think this is a way we can start the conversation to get past the race issue. Isn't it time?
by Teressa at 4:50 PM on June 26, 2008
Let me begin by stating that I find slavery to be as repugnant as any other person might find it. That slavery exists to this day in other forms , and is apparently perfectly acceptable to the filmmaker, is a puzzle indeed. If the filmmaker has honest concerns about slavery... perhaps they should engage with it in its present forms... and leave history to those with the courage to tell the truth.
In answer to the comment by one of the uninformed participants in this tragic revisiting...
" And these people thought of themselves as Christians"
Please correct me if I'm wrong... but according to the Old Testament in the Bible... slavery was/ and is/ an accepted practice.
I have a question as well ....
Who brought the Africans to the forts along the coast from "as far as a thousand miles inland" ?
The answer is... of course.... other Africans... who willingly participated in this long held African tradition.
Apparently our " filmmaker" has decided to leave out any and all relevant information... information that would further peoples understanding of this era in history , that interferes with the " truth" that they purport to be revealing....
Could it fairly be said that the filmmaker has no interest in the truth, or in informing, but rather has created a " propaganda film" with the intent of vilifying a particular group of people? I think so !
I believe we can do better than this....
by Dale Stavroff at 5:22 PM on June 26, 2008
as just one african american amongst many more on the subject of that emotional film "Traces of the Trade" it gave me faith in the fact that some white people are sensitive enough to realize that horror God bless you Ms. Brown....
by Rey A at 5:26 PM on June 26, 2008
When it becomes "necessary" for Michelle Obama to have to soften her statement that this is the first time she is really proud to be an American (because her country has chosen a presidential candidate of color) it tells us that it is verging on too late to begin this black:white dialogue. She said at last we are part of this country and accepted by it and we "make her" shuck and jive about being patriotic; how galling. We want black Americans to forget about the hideous history of slavery. We want them to stop "using it" just as we want Jews to quit complaining about the Holocaust. Well, we all know that a message can be considered delivered when it is truly heard and until that time it needs repeating.
by Gloria Wilner at 5:29 PM on June 26, 2008
I was so very amazed and gratified to have the chance to see the fruit of Katrina's./Dane's quest for an answer as to how to respond to the horrific ciircumstances upon which white privilege in the U.S. is built. Although I work in Newark, NJ serving a predominantly black children's cause, I need help with a having an engagement process to help very welll meaning, self-reflectiive white people in my Unitarian community in Morristown, NJ engange with the greater issue of racism and potential reparations. I am very interested in more information about reconciliation and reparations. II would very much like to have a diallogue andt tools to take this forward. On a personal level, Katrina, God bless you for hearing and acting upon this pivotal issue of our time. No one who lives in the America I do, and views the disparity I do, can fail to be quite upset and seeking of a way to make things "systemiically" and "spiritually" better. By day my work as the Executive Director of Essex County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children in Essex (Newark & beyond) hellps with the systemic challenge, but the much deeper and broader spiritually systemiic challenge of having a "bridge to walk over" for priveliged liberal people is even more important. Help me tap into your lead. Cordiially, Karen Burns
by Karen Burns at 5:32 PM on June 26, 2008
Just saw POV,so very sad. I am Jewish and I don't know what is worse, being torn from your family and enslaved or just murdered?
both experiences from our culture,just all sad, there has been so much evil done associated with greed and power throughout history. This movement/ movie,however,is a testament to goodness in people. I hate that so many African Americans were brought here as slaves but am also sad when I think of a United States that did not house many Afrcan Americans, if only they(you?) could have come here free like my ancesters that survived,isolation, pogrums,and the holocost did.I know some did come but most did not.
by Celeste at 5:38 PM on June 26, 2008
This is a great documentary. I feel It is also important to incorporate the Haitian experience in future projects.
by Paul Celestin at 5:40 PM on June 26, 2008
insightful film, watching the production I felt a lot of emotions. I am from Carribean (Trinidad and Tobago) to be exact but I live in Brooklyn NY. I learn a lot from the film and read all of the comment you received I can't believe that some people not all, still seen to be ignorant after watching your film; whether a person is Irish, black, Jew, Native Indian, Japanese or Chinese we should all be able to learn and feel some type remorse for each other suffering in history...... As for black people suing slave owners family today I think is crazy..... but however the white family can helping poor soc-economic black family or school is a great is idea......As for racism ( or a more softer word bias of what is different to someone ) I don't think that will ever disappear no matter who you are. Because I seen it even in the black community but then again i blame slavery for that..eg preferring a lighter skin black than a dark skinned Negro. Anyway I can go on and on but I won't but I think as for reparation you and your family is doing that by opening your life, sharing your feeling and heart.
by Castri Marshall at 5:43 PM on June 26, 2008
"Traces" was very stimulating. Unfortunately, in spite of the matrerial it actually conveyed, it seemed to carry the same tired message that has been delviered to "whtie America" since the civil right's era. "white" people owe bl;ack people soemthing for slavery. In this case, the message was almost laughable since every frame of the film was about what a family of Episcopalinen, upper class, old Anglo Americans did to black people during the era of slavery. The contrast between the realities of religion, ethnicity and social class and the fiction of generic white racism was so stark that it makes me wonder if Anglo Saxon upper class people are simply constitionally unable to recognize that their are varieities of white people with different historical experiences. Do WASP'S have some ort of genetetic inclkinatioon to subsume all whites under whatever rubric they now find convenient for their next social vision? In the entire presentation I never heard the words "ethnic" or "social class" or "Catholic". In America, every generalization must be filtered through this multi-cultural prism but, when it comes to race, we are trapped in this polarity of "white and black" which fails to meet actual historical experience and causes resentment and division among people - poor whites and blacks - who might oiterwise sometimes unite.. If the corporatist shills that run our government had to exist without the assistance of the liberal Anglo elite, they might be in big trouble
I certainly hope Obama agrees becuse, if this P.O.V. presages another national lecture on "white racism", the Republicans will be back in power for another 8 years.
by Jack at 5:49 PM on June 26, 2008
Saw Katrina's film tonight and she entirely missed the point of the lesson.
These last five hundred years of human mistreatment, which includes not only slave trade, but the general European genocide against all aboriginal peoples, as well those of simply different ethnic background (re: the six million) may be the victims of race or culture, but not so much as wealth.
Listen: My great grandparents were serfs for the Czar and the King, and there isn't any distinction between that and a slave, except that they were able to escape.
Under the logic of reparation, I should have every right to sue the Russians, and probably the Chinese for the crimes of Genghis Kahn.
It's the wealthy that are evil. I notice that you have not offered one cent of your wealth to alleviate this condition. And you will note that, in the last 15 years, the rich get rich and the poor get children.
And some of those will come home to your doorstep, angry.
by Randy at 5:52 PM on June 26, 2008
I respect the courage it took to confront an ancestral past and potential dialogue and redress of some sort for decendants of slaves. However, I noted that Katrina and her family representatives spoke onscreen to elites in the black community. Wise move. It could have been dangerous in the hood.
by Sue at 5:54 PM on June 26, 2008
Thank you again Ms. Browne. I think your documentary hit the right tone. It strikes the right chord because this is the bicentennial of the ban of slavery in the United States. I think enough time has passed for us Americans ( read maturity ) to look at ourselves in the mirror and take full inventory.
Thank you again because you illustrated that despite this 1808 ban by the United States government, slavery and the slave trade continued well past the expiration date. We all have a right to our opinion but not to our own set of facts. As you depicted in your documentary, it takes records to prove or disprove any and every claim. Once the claim is proved or disproved as fact or fiction then we can debate what should or should not happen as a result of the findings. This is the most scholarly and deliberate process I know which may led to some kind conclusion on the matter.
I am for one, an American who would rather know the truth about my country instead of the fictionalized version of that truth.
by Robert in California at 6:15 PM on June 26, 2008
If a black and white child grow up as friends on the same island without benefit of history, would the actions of their distant ancestors have impact on their relationship today? Perhaps the racial problems today have more to do with history and less with who we've become as a people -- black and white.
by Jack at 8:36 PM on June 26, 2008
I am going to quote MARKZIMM who wrote very clearly and logically on another blog related to this film:
"If the DeWolfs are guilty, who is innocent? And why stop with matters of slavery? Should every Jew be blamed for crucifying Jesus of Nazareth? Should every German alive one hundred years from now be lumped in with the National Socialists? And what (about Muslims in post-9/11America?"
The idea that all white Americans are somehow responsible for slavery several hundred years ago is blatantly racist. It is no different from blaming every black person for the crimes perpetrated by black people that occur in my home city Philadelphia.
by jab414 at 8:53 PM on June 26, 2008
As a third generation american of eastern european heritage I don't feel any guilt about the history of slavery in America. I would like to have seen the civil war addressed as part of this discussion. It's too easy to say 'this happened, you benefited, feel guilty, and pay up'. There were a lot of good men that served and died to free the slaves of this country, sometimes fighting there own families to the death. I'd say that's pretty serious payback.
by ellen at 1:38 AM on June 27, 2008
This film I found to be very educational along with heart pounding events. I learned that Africa had many issues that people faced during slavery. I think that as a society we have come far but still have a way to go.
by MRW at 1:39 AM on June 27, 2008
I am an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District. As such, I am in a position to see the structural legacy of slavery. While a healing process centered around a public forum is helpful, the more urgent issue in this country is the structural legacy of slavery that currently exists in our high poverty areas. One does not have to be an educator to be affected by these structural barriers. We see its affects on a daily basis on the news, in popular culture, as well as our individual social circles. In my view, it is only through economic empowerment that we will finally turn the corner from this shameful legacy of slavery in our country. Talking is a waste of precious time. Action NOW is needed. Funding must be funneled into these impoverished areas to uplift these children who see no hope of upward movement in the U.S. Education and real economic opportunity are the only hope. We need to reject the notion that we have a "color blind" society and IMMEDIATELY act to repair the horrific damage of the slave trade. I would love to have seen this documentary aired alongside HBO's current documentary on the inner-city high school in Maryland. This is real life in the U.S. for the descendants of DeWolf and other's slaves.
by Kelly McDaniel at 1:40 AM on June 27, 2008
You may use HTML tags for style and links.Bravo Ms. Brown and family. What an informative and pognant film. I really had no idea how much the Northeast factred into the slave trade. I live in California and feel very removed from my own ancestors who were from Scotland and Germany. My Aunt just told me that the faction from Scotland that ended up in Brooklyn arrived via Cuba because they were involved as overseers of some sugar plantations . As Presbyterians they were nt allowed to bury a stillborn baby on Catholic soil and were so offended that they put the baby in a barrel of rum and relocated to New York or so the story goes. Anyway your film puts some of the pieces together because this happened at the end of the Civil War. Thank you for having the fortitude to take on an unpleasant subject. Ut will bevery cool if Obama is our next President.
by Winter Hoffman at 1:45 AM on June 27, 2008
The fifteenth chapter of Genesis will give a clue as to why slavery must be resolved before you die. Black people are hated by the world, and no race will escape Gods wrath for crimes agains't the least of these. People will say all they want to excuse this matter, but this world is being judged. Igorance will be no excuse as we get closer to the day of our lord. I thank those Dewolf family members who had the courage to stand up an seek answers. All those who truely seek to do good will be rewarded The rest will weep the sin of the fathers, and that you can depend on.
by Jamar at 2:53 AM on June 27, 2008
I turned it off in disgust without watching to the end. What a bunch of hypocrites made this movie.
Slavery is not over! it's going on right now!!!
I've seen it with my own eyes in Brazil. And it's in Africa too. I don't know about Ghana. but I know it's in Sudan, Mauritania and Mali. And other places. And the reason I don't know about Ghana and the rest of Africa is because the very leftists who make films like these are hiding the information from us.
And why are they hiding it? Because the slave-masters in Africa are mostly Muslim, and covered up by the mighty Muslim oil money. Saudi Arabia and other oil states protect their own, and the world keeps quiet and instead makes films that pile up more guilt on great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren of white (and only white - others are forgiven) slave-owners.
And of course, no one ever mentions that for all its horror (and I mean no sarcasm here), slavery in a weird way resulted in descendants of the slaves living far better than descendants of the ones who never were enslaved. That is deliberately hidden, as the Ghana that is shown is the upper class Ghana. Why? Certainly that would not justify slavery by any means. But it would make the picture more complex, most subtle. And subtlety is an enemy when the goal is to beat the white (and only white) descendants of slave-traders and slave-owners over the head with yet more guilt.
Even Stalin said (though he didn't practice it) that children shouldn't be held responsible for the deeds of their parents. But I guess it's different for the makers of this film.
If there were one grain of honesty in the people who made this movie, they'd start a movement to end slavery, a modern abolition movement. Because it's badly needed. But no, they'd rather stick to the same banal approach of heaping more guilt on the descendants of white (and only white) slave-traders and slave-owners.
So what has changed since the bad old slave days? The skin color and religion of slave-traders and slave-owners. (But not the slaves.) Other than that - nothing.
I wonder whether there is slavery in modern Ghana. Because if there is, it means that Ghana is commemorating the horrors of the past and ignoring what's being done today. I wonder if there are slave-owners among the people who cry for the slaves of the past.
Makes me suspicious that Tom DeWolf, who made this film, just might own his own slaves. Or have commercial interests in promoting white guilt.
Makes me want to throw up.
by Kurtlane at 3:22 AM on June 27, 2008
I thank the DeWolfs for their documentary. The documentary, as I saw it, was not an exercise in liberalism, socialism, political correctness or any of the other labels thrown around when we are asked to confront myth-busting truths concerning the present and past history of the United States. It is simply one family’s attempt to know and reconcile the atrocities of their ancestors and from there begin a dialogue. And that is not political. It’s spiritual. It’s psychological. It’s sociological.
I am both African-American and Native (father’s mother, Cherokee), so I am descended from two so-called oppressed people. I am 60 years old, so my first introduction to the history of blacks was that we were born slaves and that the greatest thing we ever did was to produce a George Washington Carver. Period. So I have my own idea of what constitutes an open and honest discussion of race in America. It is one that includes black people hearing and speaking of the truth of African continental slavery (slavery in African cultures was generally indentured servitude: slaves were not chattel, nor enslaved for life), and African complicity in the Atlantic slave trade, however small the percentage is. It is one that includes a complete – repeat -- complete history of African-Americans in this country, including our pre- and post-Civil War contributions (excluding the fields of entertainment and sports). How about a complete history of native people, the complete history of the forced Chinese labor as it related to the building of our railroads.
Some say get over it and move on. Some say that the issue is centuries old. I think that individuals can move on, with or without a national discussion, but I also say that the country and its collective consciousness and karma cannot move on or be lightened without that discussion. This race issue is a festering sore that we bandage and bandage when what it needs is a good cleaning plus a course of antibiotics. Let’s get to the suppressed and repressed sources, everyone, bring them to the surface, and then send them on their way.
The truth, as I see it, is this: (Past and Current) National Wealth = (Stolen) Land + (Forced, Unpaid) Labor. The emancipation of African and African-American slaves never guaranteed that blacks would enter that circle of wealth and power; we were, in fact, forcibly kept out of national participation until well into the 1960; in other words, we’ve come to the table late in our history.
Reparations can arrive in many forms. For some, the form is monetary. For me, the form is the complete unadulterated truth.
by Amirh Bahati at 3:32 AM on June 27, 2008
This film brought to mind all the things I have learned to dislike about New England Yankees in the last 31 years of life in Massachusetts. Physically non-descript, unattractive and badly dressed people who actually think that making and participating in a film about their family's small role in American history entitles them to believe that they are interesting enough to have their lives documented in film. The dislike button is pushed when I recall that people like these have believed for nearly 250 years that they are American royalty, due to their arrival on an early boat.
So, they are guilt-ridden and anxious about their historical role in a practice that existed in every country in the world for thousands of years? That was not invented by the U.S.? That continued to exist in the world long after 1865? A Catholic would say donate your riches to charity and participate in good-works to benefit the descendants of the people your ancestors wronged. But the Dewolfs say let's whine about it.
Oh, and hasn't anyone ever told them that you have to wash the chicken AFTER you take it out of the package and BEFORE you cook it and that when it falls on the ground you WASH it or, better yet, THROW IT AWAY.
These people are annoying on so many levels.
How about a follow up film? It could be entitled "Part Two: How My Family Wronged Thousands of European Immigrants Who Worked Liked Slaves in My Family's Factories When African Labor Became Unavailable."
The Dewolf's didn't invent slavery and neither did the Romans 2,500 years ago. And they weren't the only ones to profit from it. I find it astonishing that they would sit around bewailing
by Karen at 8:46 AM on June 27, 2008
A BLACK MAN WAS SITTING ON A BUS. HE WAS DRESSED IN RAGGEDY CLOTHES. A WHITE WOMAN SAT DOWN BESIDE HIM. SHE SOON SAW A CHINCHA BUG CRAWLING ON HIS WINTER COAT. SHE IMMEDIATELY GRABBED IT AND THE MAN TURNED QUICKLY AND SAID, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" THE WOMAN REPLIED NERVOUSLY, "I TOOK THIS BUG OFF YOUR COAT." THE MAN SAID IMPOLITELY, "PUT IT BACK! PUT IT BACK! PUT IT BACK NOW!" THE WHITE WOMAN REPLACED THE BUG IMMEDIATELY. THE BLACK MAN SETTLED DOWN AND MUSED, "WE CAN'T HAVE NOTHIN'!"
-----------------------------------------------------------
This adage is both a standing joke among some African Americans and it is a worldview. Some black people feel they can't have their own name, their own identity; they can't even have life itself as a person and an individual because they have to live a "skin color" reality first. They have to, there is no ifs, ands, or buts. In America you are a skin color. Most ‘Americans with hue’ find it highly troubling that they cannot live this life experience without their skin color taking center stage. And, ironically, that’s just about how it is beginning to round out for ‘Americans with a lot less hue.’ America is a skin-color experience based on superiority and inferiority.
Light and dark skin hues have come to mean something to the people on Earth when they think of America and when they think of themselves. Dark means inferior, of course, and light means superior. In places around the world (like India) with all hues of humans this drama is played out as well. Superiority and inferiority is lived out. People believe in it (like they do about god) and they think this belief is true. And part of the superiorlistic “acts” is the dehumanizing of others to give one’s self a boost. But none of it is true; it is culture and it is evil and it is dys-human to do so.
(BY NOW, MOST AMERICANS SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT ON TO THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH BECAUSE THE TRUTH IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR EYES FOR US ALL TO SEE AND REALIZE. (As if we needed more evidence), we can just look at Barack and get at least a four-year-degree education, if not a master’s. Barack is a walking encyclopedia of human knowledge; his presence is thousands of years of human history and confusion and conjecture.
Barack Obama is such a contrast to billions of words in millions of books on Western & American library shelves. His very existence makes all those words, visions, concepts and convictions to be out and out lies! Now why haven't we seen the truth of it; why do we still say we do not know the truth of it? –Oppression!)
[This is not an endorsement, pro or con, for Obama’s run for the presidency. Barack is a misnomer and an American icon already. His mere existence is an American education.]
THIS FORUM is not a free and clear dialogue box. People can't come here and say what they want to say and tell what they feel. Anger and loud talk is considered "ignorant" and "impolite" in America. We have another impoliteness and Ms. Browne of the De ‘ somebodys should know about it.
The Americans with hue who rang my phone want to know, "What is she selling?"; "Is she completing a master's degree to become an expert on Africa? No. It must be a doctorate; she went all the way to Africa. It must be a doctorate."; “They just want to brag. Their number was the biggest. Is that it? They just want to feel important. They don’t have nothing else to do with themselves so they did this documentary.”; “So now, white people think it is time to heal? So we all should get in line and start healing then it will all be forgotten? Didn’t they make us forget before?”
And that's just about it. There's nothing else to say except to talk about the "arrogance." And, some people express it here. "Oh, let's just all get along and sing Kumbaya and heal." There’s a lot of anger building among the ‘oppressed’ but not because of the AMERICAN SLAVE TRADE, (I wish we could get that part straight) but just generally speaking all oppressed people are tired of the oppression for a host of reasons. People are tired of feeling oppressed and unwanted just for breathing. The arrogance runs through. No one wants to hear from an imperialist about what their imperialistic ancestors did, braggingly so…just because they felt like doing it. This pomposity makes no one feel better but the arrogant people.
There is another AA adage: "White people should stay off TV because the world can see them and know who they are." So this documentary was not an exercise in humanity; it was a racist commentary. If you want to show something about healing see Jimmy Carter, see the Gates Foundation, see a host of people who feel something genuine and do something about it as human beings…not as skin colors, just mere skin colors but as human beings. Now, you’d be doing somethin’. Otherwise, make an appointment with your therapist.
In this “show” on imperialistic grandiosity, there was a table with a host of Ivy League graduates ("Daddy wrote a check.") sitting around the table talking slavery, no, talking black slavery (there is a difference) and there was this one man who felt "unhinged" ("Daddy didn't write a check.”) so he felt, so he suggested, that he should go and eat in the kitchen. (Everyone laughed but there was serious tension just like the kind that the whole world feels and comes to know around all imperialists.) And we the audience listened carefully, tuned in just waiting for some great wisdom and knowledge to come forth from all those "checks" to help us understand the world, so we could gain from all this top notched education, but there was nothing. These babies of the check writers knew no more than a high school graduate, in fact less, because some h.s. graduates have real-life practical life experiences as their reliable education. One is left with one major impression and that’s: ONE GOES IVY FOR ARROGANCE and arrogance only!
All we saw was a bunch of white people looking for something to do to stimulate their presence on this earth and as usual they had to step on other people's tranquility to do it. One African American woman said it best when she refused salutation. She had spent all her money, her time and her effort to go to Africa and be … without white invasion but not for long. They came and they intruded and they still have no remorse about doing that. I thought nothing much of their journey or their exploitation under the guise of friendship and forgiveness. One has to set-down on their arrogance to do that.
by Kunta Kinte--No!--Tobey at 9:37 AM on June 27, 2008
Lea, I appreciate your comments, and I strongly believe that it's long past time for this nation, and for all of us, to acknowledge the sins of the past, so that we can move forward together.
As for an apology, which you believe should have been offered in the film from Katrina and the rest of us in the family, I can only speak for myself. I can acknowledge the sins of long-dead white people, and I can take my share of responsibility, as a member of this society, for addressing the legacy of injustice which has resulted. I cannot, however, take it upon myself to speak for, much less to apologize on behalf of, these historical figures, any more than I would expect you to do.
As for the education issue, Lea, there still seems to be confusion. No one went into this project unaware of American slavery or of the legacy of Dr. King. The issue is that several of the family members were unaware of such basic historical facts as the role of the North in slavery, and these are, in fact, matters which are still omitted from many public school curricula.
by James DeWolf Perry at 10:15 AM on June 27, 2008
Both Jack and Randy raise important issues about the role of class in all of this.
While the issue of class isn't always raised explicitly in the film, it's certainly present in many of the dialogues, and we considered class to be an essential component of our discussions. This wasn't just about abstract discussions of race: it was often uncomfortable, for me and for others, to have these discussions with people who came from upper-class backgrounds.
However, Jack, while several of the family members in the film are certainly from the upper class, I think it's important to understand that all Americans benefit, to a greater or lesser extent, from the legacy of slavery. It's simply not possible to look at the history, and at the present social and economic situation, and to dismiss the burden of history as simply falling on our society's elite.
Randy, while I agree with the importance of class in all this, as I've just said, I can't agree with you that the wealthy are evil. And along the same lines, I don't believe you should make assumptions about whether or not those DeWolf descendants who are wealthy give generously of what they have.
by James DeWolf Perry at 10:27 AM on June 27, 2008
A few more responses:
Danie and Amirh, your words were beautiful, and I hope that others reading this will scroll up and read them (June 26, 2008 04:11 PM and June 27, 2008 03:32 AM).
Dale and Kurtlane, I can assure you that the filmmaker does not consider present-day slavery to be unacceptable, as you can confirm by visiting her web site.
As for Dale's point that Africans were the ones enslaving other Africans, and bringing them to the coast to trade to ship captains, this is mentioned in the film. Katrina even says, at one point, "I realized that some of their ancestors might have been slave traders, they could even have traded with my family," and then we interview a local Ghanaian historian.
Paul, you raise a great point about Haiti. Holly Fulton, who is one of the ten family members in the film, has a particular commitment to Haiti, having spent time in Haiti and having hosted Haitian visitors in her home, while they helped to bring the story of Haiti to the American people.
Kelly, I couldn't agree with you more about the urgent need to address the structural legacies of slavery in this country, starting with the education of our children.
Finally, jab414, I agree with you that it would be wrong, and inappropriate race-based thinking, to suggest that white Americans today are somehow responsible for slavery hundreds of years ago. However, we shouldn't let that issue blind us to the fact that slavery happened, and that it has left legacies which affect all of us today. I believe that all Americans do have an obligation to acknowledge our past, good and bad, and a responsibility to address injustices in our society, particularly ones which are the result of some of the very actions which have brought prosperity to us.
by James DeWolf Perry at 10:35 AM on June 27, 2008
Obviously, that should have read, "the filmmaker does consider present-day slavery to be unacceptable, as you can confirm by visiting her web site."
by James DeWolf Perry at 10:38 AM on June 27, 2008
POV - Traces of the Trade--Much more than Liberal Guilt
During the 1960s, my mother was active in the civil rights movement through our church which affected me profoundly. When I went to seminary as a middle-aged woman in the 1990s, I was troubled by the voluntary segregation of the student body by race at the very divinity school where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had once studied. After viewing your documentary, I have a better understanding of our estrangement. Just as I was angered by being called a "white woman of privilege," generations of African-Americans justifiably have been angered by our blindness to the ramifications of this deeply troubling, quiet, grim legacy. Yes, even today we are complicit. We need only look at our prison system to see how generations of black men are still "sold up the river" because of racism and the fear it generates. I am grateful that God has lifted up Katrina Browne and her family to share with us their struggle and lead us to seek reconciliation for the good of all. Thank you.
by Nancy S at 12:00 PM on June 27, 2008
YES - We need Big Change in our society today. Our culture has a Serious problem wth the ' Ostridge Syndrom ' & the end result is our esculating catasrophy which we are ALL ARE LIVING this very day. We Must Now Face Our Challenges And Resolve them TOGETHER or We Will Be Looking at The Final Demise of Our Country. P.S. We Really Don't Have a Gas Problem - The Reason is That Our Corporations in tandom with our Government are Sitting on a HUGE OIL RESERVE which was drilled back in 1977 on GULL ISLAND RESERVE. SO, WHY AREN'T WE USING OUR OWN OIL INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF THE WORlD ? Pretty Sorry Looking Lot We Must Be Viewed As.
by T. F. Haddock at 12:02 PM on June 27, 2008
Katrina Browne and her family are truly wonderful and honest. Our family is multicultural and I always feel that there is a wall between the Black and White that cannot be broached; the wall is racism. Sure, we talk about race and what it means to have a foot in both camps so to speak, but the true reaction is almost like the reaction that the American public had when the Democratic nominee referred to his White Grandmother and her acknowledged prejudices/suspicions. Our American family is much like my family; please don't personalize that subject, it is okay to talk in generalities and theoretically, but please don't let anyone "own" their feelings. Truly powerful! Again, PBS never disappoints, I know it is time for my donation, again.
by Jeanne at 12:06 PM on June 27, 2008
I am wondering why these wealthy New England folks are flagellating themselves over something that happened over 150 years ago, before Darwin, when notions of humanity were not clearly understood. New England also has a history of witchcraft trials, but its now accepted that this was a result of limited understanding. Why should it be any different with slavery?
by Michael Shoemaker at 12:08 PM on June 27, 2008
Traces of the Trade is one of the very best productions I have seen in my many years of watching PBS - - this is PBS at its best. As a white person, ever since learnng about the slave trade, I have felt this "blood guilt" - - that by association by blood to the slave traders, I shared in ways I did not fully understand to the blood that was shed by slaves. This "blood guilt" permeates American culture, the dead horse on the dining room table that no one wants to acknowledge.
How have I responded to this?
I have sought out opportunities to serve disadvantaged African Americans ever since my college days in the 60s. On the doctoral level, I have chosen to take classes that helped me to understand the truth of this blight on American history. I have educated others. I have taken a public stand against racism. On a personal level, I do not allow racist remarks to be made in my presence.
Most recently, for the past three years I led an outreach into the highest crime, lowest income neighborhood of a large city. I listened to their anger - - I allowed them to be angry with me. I loved the children. We opened a Dream Center where the children were offered classes in dance, drama, drawing, painting, sculture, ballet. This is one small thing that one person chose to do to help reconcile what is clearly an unforgivable sin.
Thank you, thank you to Katrina and her family for bringing this story to light. Enlightenment has the power to set us all free.
by Tamara Lee at 12:12 PM on June 27, 2008
You've not only made the case for reparations, but you've made the case for why Americans need to understand the legacy of the enslavement of Africans.
by Michael Roosevelt at 12:15 PM on June 27, 2008
This message is for Katrina Browne and Juanita Brown:
Thank you both for having the courage you've displayed in bringing this subject to the forefront. It is very enlightening. I hope that your being candid will inspire everyone to continue to discuss the subject everywhere, so the despartely needed healing can begin. It is my desire that all Americans, black and white can find the courage to confront these issues without allowing fear and guilt to continue to create division as it has for such a long time. What is needed are real solutions. This matter can be dealt with in a civil manner, with dignity and respect and without arrogance or an attitude that displays a sense of self entitilment. What I know for sure is that if we continue to ignore this issue, it will only get bigger and grow worse over time, and the fear and the guilt will create more and more resentment and division and eventually consume and destroy us as a people. It has been clear to me for quite some time, that this cycle of ignoring this issue has to be broken and dealt with, so we can all begin to heal and put it behind us, and move foward. I know we can do it, if we all make an effort as you have. Thank you again.
by Derrick Brown at 12:18 PM on June 27, 2008
Was it explained why these poor unfortunate Africans were brought to these coastal forts to be sold as slaves? How did this evil happen? Who captured these people ?
by T.W. Wallace at 12:20 PM on June 27, 2008
Now, as we work to become one in Him
Of forgiveness, reconciliation we speak.
Incorruptible seeds of longing
Now to be sown,
In hearts made fertile by His Spirit, His Peace.
Of enormous spectacles of suffering
Blood washed walls of tears.
Which became the foundation which now divides us
Turning our hearts away.
We must not turn our backs on one another
We must pray for a Spirit of repentance from God,
Longing for His Love to fill our hearts.
Longing for our hearts to burn with fires of intercession,
Longing only, finally, to love.
To become Holy habitations for His Heart.
Bless us, oh my Savior,
With heartfelt desire to forgive.
For past sins of our mothers and fathers
Our neighbors, fellow patriots and friends.
For all of our history together, bound at the hip are we.
For all our history together denied,
Never having repented or reconciled,
For each our past sins against one another.
I say to you now my brethren,
Be my friend, finally.
As we choose the liberty, the freedom
Of His forgiveness and his peace.
For we have but one way to go
Forward, into our future together.
Hand in hand
Heart to heart
Resolved to end our shared suffering.
Souls once in the bondage of darkness
Now lit by Love’s Holy Fire,
Longing only to be forgiven
For having committed such atrocities.
And even if you are unable to reach out
Extend your whole hand to me…
May we at least share our tears?
And our desire to hope for inner peace.
Knowing that nothing is impossible
For the God, we both love.
As long as we are willing
To give and receive it.
Our only regret, is that we’ve waited so long
To try, to begin
To walk and talk.
Dedicated to the Dewolfe family
and the people of Bristol.
Written by Karl A. Oglesby, Sr.
Copyright 2008
by Karl A. Oglesby , Sr. at 12:24 PM on June 27, 2008
Untold Story of White Slavery-
As Robert C. Davis notes in this eye-opening account of Barbary Coast slavery, American historians have studied every aspect of enslavement of Africans by whites but have largely ignored enslavement of whites by North Africans. Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters is a carefully researched, clearly written account of what Prof. Davis calls “the other slavery,” which flourished during approximately the same period as the trans-Atlantic trade, and which devastated hundreds of European coastal communities. Slavery plays nothing like the central role in the thinking of today’s whites that it does for blacks, but not because it was fleeting or trivial matter. The record of Mediterranean slavery is, indeed, as black as the most tendentious portrayals of American slavery. Prof. Davis, who teaches Italian social history at Ohio State University, casts a piercing light into this fascinating but neglected corner of history.
The Barbary Coast, which extends from Morocco through modern Libya, was home to a thriving man-catching industry from about 1500 to 1800. The great slaving capitals were Salé in Morocco, Tunis, Algiers, and Tripoli, and for most of this period, European navies were too weak to put up more than token resistance.
What is most striking about Barbary slaving raids is their scale and reach. Pirates took most of their slaves from ships, but they also organized huge, amphibious assaults that practically depopulated parts of the Italian coast. Italy was the most popular target, partly because Sicily is only 125 miles from Tunis, but also because it did not have strong central rulers who could resist invasion.
Large raiding parties might be essentially unopposed. When pirates sacked Vieste in southern Italy in 1554, for example, they took an astonishing 6,000 captives. Algerians took 7,000 slaves in the Bay of Naples in 1544, in a raid that drove the price of slaves so low it was said you could “swap a Christian for an onion.” Spain also suffered large-scale attacks. After a raid on Granada in 1566 netted 4,000 men, women, and children, it was said to be “raining [white] Christians in Algiers.” For every large-scale raid of this kind there would have been dozens of smaller ones.
If the pirates were short on galley slaves, they might put some of their captives to work immediately, but prisoners usually went below hatches for the journey home. They were packed in, barely able to move in the filth, stench, and vermin, and many died before they reached port.
Once in North Africa, it was tradition to parade newly-captured [WHITE] Christians through the streets, so people could jeer at them, and children could pelt them with refuse. At the slave market, men were made to jump about to prove they were not lame, and buyers often wanted them stripped naked again to see if they were healthy. This was also to evaluate the sexual value of both men and women; white concubines had a high value, and all the slave capitals had a flourishing homosexual underground. Buyers who hoped to make a quick profit on a fat ransom examined earlobes for signs of piercing, which was an indication of wealth. It was also common to check a captive’s teeth to see if he was likely to survive on a tough slave diet.
Why is there so little interest in Mediterranean slavery while scholarship and reflection on black slavery never ends? As Prof. Davis explains, white slaves with non-white masters simply do no fit “the master narrative of European imperialism.” The victimization schemes so dear to academics require white wickedness, not White SUFFERING.
by Robert at 12:29 PM on June 27, 2008
I could not tear myself away from watching Traces of the Trade. It has so many dimensions - the DeWolf family's discovery of their history, their journey to Ghana and Cuba, the North's particpation in the slave trade and, as Katrina Browne said, the complicity of ordinary people in the slave trade. Congratulations on your courage to open your family's lives to the public and toexplore these icritical ssues.
by Nancy at 12:31 PM on June 27, 2008
About Traces of the Trade, Not all white families are to blame for the plight of slavery, My family was involved in freeing slaves for the south. They were involved in the underground railroad which helped to move run away slaves to other locations like kentucky and ohio. The families that could relate to thier plight were a huge asset to the freedom of black families during the civil war.One of those families is the Stratton's
thank you.
James Stratton Eureka, CA.
by James L Stratton at 12:33 PM on June 27, 2008
I enjoyed the fact that the documentary raised issues that Americans feel uncomfortable dealing with. I will show excerpts of the documentary in my high school American History class.
by Sheldon Ayers at 12:35 PM on June 27, 2008
I don't hear anyone vilifing Adam and Eve for causing all of us, thier offspring to have lost thier imperfection thus causing our getting sick, growing old and dieing. Nor do I hear Satan being blamed for challenging God's 'Right to Rule' and pushing for hate and our turning our backs on God's Sovernignty.
There is nothing that can be done about what the people before us have done. We can all make a difference in how we treat eachother NOW, are you willing? What is wonderful is that the scriptures foretell a wonderful hope for the future where all will no longer experience the horror and saddness that we see now and in the past. Respectively speaking, read your bible daily. May you all have peace.
by April Miller at 12:38 PM on June 27, 2008
Our family has roots in New England dating back almost 400 years so we were part of "The Trade" even though we may not have known it. We, my husband and I, have a treasure that makes us very much aware of the past and shows us how to brighten the future. We have 4 year old great grand daughter whose paternal grand fathers were slaves. The love that flows between us sharpens the memory. By remembering we can heal with that love.
by Liz Applegate at 12:44 PM on June 27, 2008
Regarding "Talking Back: Traces of the Trade," I was surprised, although I shouldn't be, that a white family was speaking out against the atrocities locked within the makeup of their ancestry. As a black American woman I have experienced both good & bad from white America. I've found that some may choose to give into the more baseness of humanity but others continue to try to live by the golden rule of 'do unto others,' if nothing more than to appease their own consciences before God.
All that being said, true justice continues to be lacking for those deemed 'unworthy' due to race, status, gender, disability, or whatever mankind chooses to add to that classification. Unfortunately, this will continue to be the case within this present system. Sure, inroads can be achieved but a world truly devoid of racism, injustice, etc. is not a possibility and history has borne that out.
I'm not saying we should give up, mind you. I'm saying that we need more than we are capable of doing to achieve what is truly needed for any kind of true justice, but especially racial justice. We need heavenly intervention. Which according to the Bible is just what's going to eventually take place. I look forward to that. Not some man made band aid, that will only be a temporary fix.
by Lisa at 12:49 PM on June 27, 2008
Katherine Browne has given white people the opportunity and a language to address the slavery issue. Several years ago in Alabama when we celebrated the first MLKing Holiday the whites in Florence Alabama wanted to participate but did not know how. Bahai'is under the leadership of Jacquie Osborne had a meeting inviting the whites and blacks to meet and plan a celebratory march. The whites said they wanted to do it but did not know how. It was a grand ocassion brining together both groups. I celebrate the courage and integrity of Ms. Browne. Sometimes the only people who can help whites are whites and the only people who can help balcks are blacks. This is one of those complicated occasions. Regina Colston Huntsville, Al
by Regina Colston at 12:51 PM on June 27, 2008
T. W. Wallace asks about the enslaved Africans who were brought to the coast to be sold to European and American traders. They were captured and brought to the coast by Africans, generally from other societies. They would typically be captured in warfare, or else in raids on villages by outsiders.
Robert, thank you for posting about the extensive slavery practiced by North Africans and Middle Eastern peoples . While not exactly unstudied by American historians, this is an important part of the human story, too. The trans-Saharan slave trade took more slaves from Africa to the north and east than the transatlantic slave trade took west, and should not be overlooked. And while North African raids against Europeans are only a small part of the story, they do illustrate the fundamental historical truth that all peoples have been, at one time or another, both victim and victimizer.
James Stratton, it's good to hear about your abolitionist ancestors. Those of us in the film, too, have ancestors who worked hard on behalf of freed slaves. I hope you will cherish the memory of those ancestors, while not forgetting that you may not know about the deeds of every one of your ancestors ... and all of us, regardless of our ancestry, draw benefits from the legacy of slavery today.
by James DeWolf Perry at 12:51 PM on June 27, 2008
i hope in my lifetime that some white people will be willing to talk about racism. One person ask me if racism still existed. When I said yes, she got mad and walked away. Even my friends who are white want to nulify my view point or give examples of their own experiences. Just being white, even though they were not slave holders, today gives privileges they do not realize. One thing would be for a white person to attend a sports event where they are the "only" white person in the crowd and then they will know how it feels to be a minority. Those of us who have tried to better ourselves by going to college often are the only black person in most classes. I am comfortable, but it gets very tiresome and I seldom speak out about race unless ask and then I brace myself for the negative comments. Money is not needed for me, but some black americans could us the reparitioin. Freely talking would help solve the whole raacial situation. Thanks for airing the program.
by Sue at 12:55 PM on June 27, 2008
After viewing Traces of the Trade I was shocked and convicted as the participants. For thirty-something years I taught social studies in the CPS and never really understood the facts and ramifications of the slave trade in the North. The presentation was so moving that I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. This was television at its very best. Thank you for educating and enlightening us on a painful part of our American story. Let's hope like Katrina Brown, we can begin the healing.
by Carol Smith at 1:02 PM on June 27, 2008
Ms. Browne, I am an African American interacially married for 21 years while residing in the state of Oklahoma. My wife and I were extremely proud of the courage you and your family members displayed during your research. Know that as a result of your contribution to the discussion of race and reperations many myths were debunked about the North and we have a better grasp of the reparations debate.
by Edward Taylor at 1:04 PM on June 27, 2008
I watched this documentary and I was so pleased to see this done from a White perspective at this time in history. I am a 77 yr old Black woman and I have seen a lot of racism in my lifetime and I was wondering if anyone would eer see the reason for the anger in the Black youth and also in the older folks. We learned how to go quietly about our lives with inner anger and doing what we had to do to raise our children without hate. Thank you for this documentary. Please help to make a difference before we all destroy the world with the bitterness that I see on a daily basis.
by Edna Taylor at 1:05 PM on June 27, 2008
Thank you to Ms. Browne for taking what as far as I know is one of the first steps towards whites admitting publicly 'today', that slavery was wrong and that their own family had a part in it. I think it took a lot of guts to admit that her descendents were the largest slave traders in American History, and then to plan a family trip to follow the route that not only her descendents took, but that the slaves took as well. I watched glued to the t.v. from beginning to end. I had not planned to watch but I was intrigued: usually it is black people that are taking the journey to Africa...following the route. I found that I had the same reaction when the shackles and rope were put on the table, as some of her family members did. The only difference was that I wondered, although I am of West Indian descent, if some of those slaves were my ancestors and while my heart hurt for the slaves who were more than likely scared to death for the life they were about to lead; I don't think that healing will happen if we continue to react to each other the way the Lady at the river reacted to one of the DeWolf family members. It will never end if we continue to carry hate...on either side. I hope that the dialogue whatever peaceful form it takes, will continue. I hope that when as black people our hearts hurt to hear the history of how our ancestors were treated, that we will also remember to thank them for their courage and determination for that is what has taken Black Americans to where we are today. Let us heal the hurt from both sides.
by Civilla Morgan at 1:09 PM on June 27, 2008
Sanjiv,
This is Elizabeth. I worked on the film with Katrina. You asked about the closing song. It is a Johnny Cash cover of the U2 song One from their album Achtung Baby.
by Elizabeth Delude-Dix at 1:11 PM on June 27, 2008
This was a profoundly moving program exploring the most difficult issue the U.S. faces today, and the program was sensitive and still personal. I am very happy PBS created the program. I know a few friends, as well as my Quaker Meeting, which are exploring these issues, and I will tell them about the program. I think the most important thing to do now is simply to begin the discussion in a face to face way, sharing stories and feelngs as well as ideas. White guilt and black anger are real barriers which prevent people from discussing racism and racial separation.
For ten years, I worked with a committee at a community college; the committee was designed to help students, faculty, and staff examine conflicts that prevented us from communicating clearly. But we on the committee knew we really were helping all the college examine racism. Each program in the auditorium encouraged students to respond to ideas presented in roleplays and presentations on stage. One of the best programs was when we copied down on posters graffitti seen in student rest rooms and placed these posters on the auditorium walls. When the program ended, we invited students to tear down the posters. They went down in a flash! We also learned that some teachers duplicated our programs in their clclass rooms. We cannot claim that the committee's work prevented racial violence, but we are clear that the atmosphere was more constructive, that it helped people consider ideas they had not considered in the past.
---Lynne Shivers
by Lynne Shivers at 1:15 PM on June 27, 2008
I watched your film with great interest. I am a tour operator, specializing in the Slave Trade and have operations in the Elmina Castle. Your sensitivity to subject is wonderful and I would suggest that your treatment of the subject is "spot on", but I might suggest also that your views with respect to the African reaction is not totally correct. While culpability cannot be denied, I would suggest that the subject is far more deep than your film suggests. I have just read Professor Stephanie Smallwood's book, Saltwater Slavery", wherein she(and others in the academic world) suggest that everyone was responsible, whites and Africans alike. Interestingly for the African, slavery in some instances allowed conquerers not only to vanquish their enemies and kill their spirits (by killing off tribes), they could now ship them away and be compensated. What is so interesting for the student is that even today, high minded, leading African tribes, deny any culpability. The fact is that we (mankind) for different reasons bear responsibility. I wish your wonderful experience could have included this fact. In any case thank you for keeping the subject alive and personal.
by Steve N Levin at 1:18 PM on June 27, 2008
I caught the last half hour or so of this outstanding documentary. My feeling is that the problem of slavery is not just a problem of Aftrican-Americans, but of our condition under this financial sytem of Capitalism. The distribution of wealth depends on slavery: whether you are black, white, Irish, German, Spanish, Nigerian, et al.
"The Fear of Poverty grows out of man's habit of preying upon his fellow men, economically. The animals which have instinct, but no power to THINK, prey upon one another physically. Man, with his superior sense of intuition, andhis more powerful weapon of THOUGHT, does not eat his fellow man bodily; he gets more pleasure from eating him FINANCIALLY.
"...nearly every state and nation has been obliged to pass laws, scores of laws, to protect the weak from the strong. Every blue-sky law is indisputable evidence of man's nature to prey upon his weaker brother economically." - Napolean Hill, The Law of Success.
The problem of slavery is another example of the battle of the weak vs. the strong, them vs us. Capitalism carried to its extreme is destructive as Communism carried to its extreme. The answer lies in us: the consciousness that we are all in this together, not the consciousness of them vs. us. This documentary is definitely a strong step in this direction. Thank you.
by Art Duddles at 1:21 PM on June 27, 2008
The Halls of Change:
“Within the Hall of Ignorance kama-rules. The man, weighed down by much misplaced desire, seeks for the object of his heart’s attention within the murky halls of densest maya. He finds it there but dies ere garnering all the longed-for fruit. The serpent stings him, and the joy desired recedes from out his grasp. All seeking thus the selfish fruits of karma must each despise each other; hence strife and greed, ill-will and hatred, death and retribution, karmic invocation and the thunderbolt of vengeance characterize this Hall.
Within the Hall of Learning intellect rules and seeks to guide. Desire of a higher kind, the fruit of manas and its use, supplants the lower kamic urge. Man weighs and balances, and in the twilight Halls of Intellection seeks for the fruit of knowledge. He finds it but to realize that knowledge is not all; he dies upon the open field of knowledge, hearing a cry beat on his dying ears: “Know that the knower greater is than knowledge; the One who seeks is greater than the sought.”
Within the Hall of Wisdom the Spirit rules; the One within the lesser ones assumes supreme control. Death is not known within these halls, for its two great gates are passed. Discord and strife both disappear and only harmony is seen. The knowers see themselves as One; they recognize the field wherein knowledge grows as Brahmic dissonance and differentiation. Knowledge they know as method, an instrument of purpose utilized by all and just a germ of eventual recognition. Within this hall union of each with each, blending of one and all, and unity of action, goal and skill marks every high endeavor.”
“True union exists in the realization that the greater life ever includes the lesser, and that each expansion of consciousness brings man closer to this realized Oneness.”
The Ancient Wisdom
by Ron Paquette at 1:25 PM on June 27, 2008
After recently watching a PBS story on the DeWolf family, I couldn't help but be amazed about how almost no one is discussing the unconscious impetus behind all human actions and behavior. While the lust for power and wealth have always been motivating factors that have contributed to our current situation, there is a deeper and more complex miscreant in our midst. In the words of the comic strip character Pogo, "We have seen the enemy, and they is us."
I would also like to add that we continue to overlook the abuse and exploitation of our newer scapegoats, Mexican immigrants, with about 27,000 now in U.S. prison camps, allowing corporations like Halliburton, Wackenut and the Corrections Corporation of America to prosper from the new Jail Industrial Complex -a system that is void of humanity- and flourishes. Denial, apathy and misoneism are powerful allies in our current and historical amnesia.
In reality, what we don't know does hurt us and everyone around us. Yet, caught in the stranglehold of scientific rationalism and concretistic thinking, we continue to repeat the same mistakes over and over, and now we stand at the edge of the precipice staring into the abyss, still scratching our heads in bewilderment. In a recent manuscript that I've completed, I have shared some information that hope will begin a dialogue about something vital, something that we are not looking at and are afraid to discuss -the unconscious. What we don't know does hurt us and everyone around us! All one needs to do is to turn on a television at any time to witness the toxic consumerism, violence, meaninglessness and despair that is so pervasive in our society and in our world. We are irrrefutably creatures of the opposites, constantly caught in the push and pull of this dynamic force, yet we continue to see our salvation outside of ourselves or we believe that mind and brain are one and that there really isn't such a thing as soul or spirit, since they are only byproducts of the brain. And yet, all of our best thinking has brought us to this point.
It was de Chardin who said that we are not human beings having a spirtual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience. Even science and religion have their dark side, but we are throttled by the belief that all the answers lie in a three-pound lump of gray matter.
I contend that all the outer conflict, violence, fear, divisveness and war that we are seeing in the outer world is a reflection of what is going on inside of us on a microlevel. Until we address the issues of our own self-awareness and wholeness, we are lost -between spirit and mind, between love and hate, and between the opposites that threaten to crush us like the Symplegades that the Argonauts were forced to navigate.
There is no doubt that we are in a time of great peril and that what we are witnessing was predictable and predicted by both religion and psychology. Yet we refuse to talk about our own darkness and miss a real opportunity at understanding and redemption.
I have been reluctant in the past to blog but feel compelled to share my ideas and contribute to the community of thought. Although I realize this could be a futile effort, I have no doubts about the value and significance of what I am attempting to present. My greatest dream is that someone like Bill Moyers would be open to information that I am certain has profound implications for us all. I'm sure his plate is full, but I'm sure that it deserves at least some review. I will continue to cling to the hope that someone of his stature will lend me and ear.
I am not an established author, a saint or a sage. I'm just passing through and attempting to share what I have learned with others along the way. Mr. Moyers is an American treasure that I have admired through the years, like so many others. In the end I believe that an ancient Chinese aphorism best describes the situation: "The greatest curse of the gods is to survive your own truth."
Thank your time,
Tom R.
by Tom Rodriguez at 1:33 PM on June 27, 2008
I am a black male born in Pasadena, CA in 1950 who came of age in 1967 and 1968. Over time my commute vehicle has been rear ended three separate times by three different white American drivers (aka lynching by automobile) inflicting wounds like post traumatic stress syndrome, near death experience, not recognizing who my own mother is, a critical head injury, plus a one inch bulging hernia from the seatbelt that finally healed itself after thirty years, just to start. Working in the manual labor field of Food Service as a Dishwasher/Cook as I was was supposed to provide a margin of safety. My actual God given talent was that of rocket scientist if you consider that at fifteen I woke up one Saturday morning, (due to the complexity of my vision) drew up a sketch for rocket, built one rocket faithful to my drawing, fueled same rocket with gunpowder twice that first day, and weeks later for a third time. This was done with the help from my best friend's Andy's dad. For the record, my rocket and I were three for three in that I loaded it three separate times full of gunpowder it ignited right on que, burned one hundred percent and fly where I intended. At the time NASA was preigniting one Atlas rocket after another. I played dumb for personal safety and was still attacked.
I need yuor help.
by James Sterling Lacey III at 1:38 PM on June 27, 2008
Thank you for devoping this film. It is long overdue. We need to talk about race in this country. We can't ever began to heal until both sides sit down and see each other as a fellowman. your film has put a burning desire in me to visit Ghana. I want to feel the pain and suffering from the " door of no return ". We are still suffering in this country. Our young people are going to jail in record numbers. This is the new slavery. I applaud your efforts to reconcile with the past. We need to have the government apologize for slavery and then we can start the healing process. Where there will be no more hating.
by Benny Winfield at 1:40 PM on June 27, 2008
Hello Katrina. I want to congratulate you on the completion of Traces of the Trade. We met in Rhode Island a number of years ago at a Learning Lab where you shared your vision and a few minutes of the film. The dialogue that your family began is the deep dialogue that leads to action..White Racial Awaareness and action is the critical step towards reconciliation. With blessings and respect, Lucky Altman Lynch
by Lucky Altman Lynch at 1:42 PM on June 27, 2008
For some reason, I was shocked that the slave trade could be traced to individual families in the North. The film was eye opening. I thought I knew more than it turns out that I do about slavery.
As for the journey of the family, I would like to have seen them take the trip home on a restored slave ship so that they could really get in touch with what it was like to be a slave. I am not an African American myself; however, I think that the experience would have made them more impassioned about the subject of slavery. At the very least, these people needed to see the contemporary results of slavery--perhaps to have gone to a poor, African American town to see how they live and to talk to the people. Perhaps that is the subject of another documentary.
In terms of reparations, the idea of an investment fund to be set up by families and towns involved with the slave trade is a good idea. I do have some reservations about the families of the South being willing to do so. At least the dialog has been started with the De Wolf family. Perhaps the future might hold a place for reparations to the descendants of slaves.
by Elena Lee at 1:47 PM on June 27, 2008
I'm sorry Katrina carries such guilt. But wait! Maybe the business men who indentured my Irish and Welsh ancestors should be held accountable for their deeds! Perhaps this would assuage the guilt their families must certainly carry. Brothers were separated, unrecoverable debt was forced, and horrible working conditions inflicted on people who could basically be called "white slaves." Katrina get over it. We, their descendents, have moved on. "Traces of the Trade" was a waste of time. Time for all of us to stop whining and looking for pet projects to make us feel warm and fuzzy.
by Ron Morgan at 1:48 PM on June 27, 2008
At the risk of sounding overemotional, this film made me cry and I never cry! The program was powerful and touching. It had a clear and strong message. I could not disagree more with the person that founded irrelevant. No wonder there is so much more to be done in healing racial wounds. My hope is this program will encourage people to find practical ways to initiate and maintain productive dialog.
Alicia Rivera
Santa Barbara, California
by Alicia Rivera at 1:50 PM on June 27, 2008
The DeWolfe family are courageous in confronting their family's history. But, what is to be done now? It seems to me that in any other situation, the persons or institutions that profit from someone's (now deceased) labor should pay the unpaid wages to that person's estate. However, descendants of those enslaved laborers shouldn't expect a personal check. Instead, government leaders might decide to create a kind of CETA-like program and call that slavery reparations. CETA was designed to help urban areas after the sixties' riots. Yet, everybody and his brother-white suburbanites included-were allowed to pick the CETA cherry tree. Likewise, we'd see plenty of people whose ancestors never set foot in the ante-bellum world getting paid from "slavery reparations". The legacy of slavery is really the ideology of racial superiority and inferiority that supported enslaving blacks. Consider our presidential candidates. This is a prime example that a black has to be twice as good as a white to be considered equal. We need education that shows the totality of black people, going beyond the slavery era. I'd recommend a few books to start: THE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF CIVILIZATION by Cheikh Anta Diop, INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS by John G. Jackson and THE COLONIZER'S MODEL OF THE WORLD by J.M. Blaut.
by sandra m at 2:35 PM on June 27, 2008
Elena Lee makes the suggestion that the family could have taken the trip home on a restored slave ship.
You might be interested to know that last week, the DeWolf family was invited to join the crew of the Amistad, the replica of the slave ship which famously experienced a successful revolt in 1839, as they made their homecoming to New Haven, Conn. after a 14,000 mile voyage to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.
I'm not sure whether the experience of a two- or three-month vogyage aboard a replica slave ship (presumably, in the hold of the ship) would be necessary in order for those of us in the film to feel sufficiently impassioned about slavery. But you can rest assured that several of us have spent a great deal of time directly experiencing, and addressing, the contemporary legacy of slavery (what I refer to in the film as "the living consequences today".
The issue of reparations, however, is a very difficult one. Even if we could agree that reparations would be a good idea, I don't see that the money could come from "families and towns involved with the slave trade." Most slave trade descendants are probably like most members of the DeWolf family, and wealthy at all. Likewise, Bristol is probably typical of slave-trading centers today: not, by any means, a wealthy American town in the 21st century. Today, the benefits of slavery and the slave trade have indeed multiplied, but they are distributed widely, in the prosperity of the United States and its citizens.
by James DeWolf Perry at 2:58 PM on June 27, 2008
I managed an unusual number of typos in that last comment.
Let me try again:
Elena Lee makes the suggestion that the family could have taken the trip home on a restored slave ship.
You might be interested to know that last week, the DeWolf family was invited to join the crew of the Amistad, the replica of the slave ship which famously experienced a successful revolt in 1839, as they made their homecoming to New Haven, Conn. after a 14,000 mile voyage to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.
I'm not sure whether the experience of a two- or three-month vogyage aboard a replica slave ship (presumably, in the hold of the ship) would be necessary in order for those of us in the film to feel sufficiently impassioned about slavery. But regarding your other suggestion, you can rest assured that several of us have spent a great deal of time directly experiencing, and addressing, the contemporary legacy of slavery (what I refer to in the film as "the living consequences today").
The issue of reparations, however, is a very difficult one. Even if we could agree that reparations would be a good idea, I don't see that the money could come from "families and towns involved with the slave trade." Most slave trade descendants are probably like most members of the DeWolf family, and not wealthy at all. Likewise, Bristol is probably typical of slave-trading centers today: not, by any means, a wealthy American town in the 21st century. Today, the benefits of slavery and the slave trade have indeed multiplied, but they are distributed widely, in the prosperity of the United States and its citizens.
by James DeWolf Perry at 3:02 PM on June 27, 2008
This story of the DeWolf's is just another story to attest to all the crimes committed by christians against human beings; Slavery and Genocide committed by christians is only news to those indifferent to crimes against non-christians.
Without having experienced christian hate at the wrong end of a rifle, it�s easy for the g. w. bush�s of this country to say minorities can pull themselves out of poverty if they wanted too.
1. The only thing you can say to those that survived Slavery and Genocide is �I�m sorry�.
2. The only thing you can do for those that survived Slavery and Genocide is �pay their worth�.
edited by moderator for language
by Anon at 3:54 PM on June 27, 2008
I as an African American person was as moved by this film as much as anything I've seen in a long time. It begins the cathartic process of 'opening' and I'm very very glad I switched the channel when I did. Kudos. I'm an artist as well. This is exactly what art is supposed to do. Many folks may not like it, but so what? Ya'll did right, I think.
Derek Palmer
by derek at 4:21 PM on June 27, 2008
James, I am interested to know what the reaction of people in your home & community have been now that the film has aired. Do they mirror the variety of reactions posted here? I am aware that the relative anonymity of a post may encourage people to write things they would not outwardly say.
by Claudia at 5:39 PM on June 27, 2008
I am white, 66 yrs old, graduated from an all white state college in 1964, one year before the Civil Rights Act. My racism education began when I tried to date a black man. He might as well have spoken German or Russian. I suddenly realized we grew up in very different countries even tho we thot we both grew up in Texas and Louisiana. I found and joined the Center for the Healing of Racism here in Houston where I live. I took the class offered called Dialog:Racism several times. I asked that they come and conduct the class at my workplace where my co-workers and the clients we served were very diverse. That bombed. I attended the Summer Film series produced by the CFHR. I learned and learned about how blacks have internalized racism and whites are unaware of racism and white privilege. I learned about Institutional racism and the genocide of Native Americans, discrimination thru out our history of anyone "not like us" (white). I learned that race is not a real thing. The word race was coined as a political term, not a scientific one. As people, we differ more from one individual to another than we differ as any group defined by skin color. I learned that if we can trace our lineage back only a small number of generations, our family trees are joined. Not because of slavery but because we can all be traced back to 7 women thru our mitochondrial DNA. I learned a lot and the last session of the 9 weeks of classes dealt with the subject of becoming allies in the fight to defeat racism.
Altho that session had many good ideas and it was 15 yrs ago, I still dont know what to do about slavery. It was more than wrong. The legacy of slavery has poisoned our society. The effects continue to manifest themselves as both blacks and whites point this way and that, blaming each other. Many of us whites have realized fully that white skin is not superior to any other color of skin. Some blacks and whites still believe lighter is better. I think we dont know the true statistics about how much racism exists in each group. I think that the candidacy of Barack Obama helped to reveal to blacks that there are a lot of whites who have moved away from skin color prejudice. I think it helped a lot of us whites who felt we were alone to realize we had some allies as we push for more equality. I expect this truth coming out to advance our cause of defeating racism. Political polls slice and dice statistics to the point that when this election is over, we will all know where the racism resides. I think this will help us all to work smarter toward our goal.
However, Ive been thinking for a while now that we need a truth and reconciliation commission. We need to know what whites can do as a group to heal the anger and hurt produced by slave owners and handed down thru generations of blacks. None of use were there then and the shame makes whites want to forget what their ancestors did and blacks want to never forget it, lest it happen again. We need a way to heal and this is the only program I have ever seen anywhere that asks the question, "What can white ppeople do about slavery?" We feel the need to do something. Reparations has been talked about off and on over the years. This makes me think "money" but I believe there is probably not enough money in the world to aaccomplish reparations for slavery. Im afraid each person would end up with say, a check for $500, which would feel insulting. Whatever amount of money could be awarded would never feel like enough. It would be like someone murders your child and you sue and the court awards you $100,000. It's an insult compared to the value of what you have lost. I do think that reparation is possible however. I think we need much more dialogue on this. I would like to know what black people think about what we white people could do that would be significant and would feel like something substantial had been done from their standpoint. The anger that black people justifiably feel is affecting the whole human family. We need to heal.
by Marty Shows at 6:16 PM on June 27, 2008
Claudia, thanks for asking your question. Among my circles of friends and colleagues, the reactions are usually either disinterest, or general agreement with strong qualifications. I'll elaborate.
Many people I know aren't interested in this topic at all. They understand and appreciate the history, and can draw the connections to our society today. But, for whatever reason, they aren't particularly motivated to take up this cause. They may believe that after all this time, the benefits and harm of slavery have been spread so widely throughout society, and with so much variation in terms of how much particular people are affected by them, that it's a matter now of designing appropriate social programs. Or they may simply not be drawn to the particular issue of racial justice, not feeling the strong feelings of guilt or shame that some members of the family discuss having in the film.
Other people I know are thrilled to see this issue being raised. They believe passionately that the legacy of slavery and discrimination remains with us today, and that there are unresolved issues in our society, both in terms of healing psychological wounds and in more concrete terms (education, jobs, housing, etc.).
However, they may strongly disagree with one or more of the fundamental decisions which Katrina made in crafting her film. For instance, I hear quite often that Katrina expresses a great deal of guilt and shame in the film, and talks as if these are universal white feelings. They often take issue with the decision to make a film focused on white people talking with each other (an issue I raise in the film, in fact) or feel that the film focuses too much on how hard it is for some white people to bear the burden of being white, given this history. They may have other objections, such as disagreeing with the focus on particular solutions, especially apologies and reparations. Katrina, of course, had good reasons for choosing to emphasize all of these elements in the film, but they often don't sit well with people I know.
As you can see, these reactions don't really mirror the range of responses found here -- nor do they look particularly like people who have similar objections, but aren't willing to share them. The format of this blog, however, not only lends itself to more honesty, but I think it also encourages people with particularly sharp or unpopular opinions to take the time to write.
by James DeWolf Perry at 6:17 PM on June 27, 2008
Dear Mr. James DeWolf Perry,
Would you mind please posting the Nursery Rhyme about Adjua and Pauledore. I have become intrigued by it I can't stop thinking about it. I also can't find anything published on it. I appreciated the film very much, I don't feel that the newer generations of your family are blood guilty for what your forefathers have done, we all hold responsablity for how we treat others. I am glad you all had the resourses to travel back in time and heal whatever you needed for yourselves. So many of us can't do that.
Thank you in advance should you choose to post the poem. Kind regards.
by April Miller at 6:44 PM on June 27, 2008
I was disappointed in "Pieces of the Trade". I am descended from Mark Anthony Dewolf's brother was sent back to Connecticut, and teh triangular trade involvement was actually started by their father, who may have married into it. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~villandra/lowef/f938.html#f81 I was expecting more detail about my ancestors, about the triangular trade and the involvement of the northern econmy in the slave trade, adn about the lives of the slaves. The program touched on those things and explained some of them clearly if briefly, but the main focus was some sort of liberal academic head trip, apologies and reparations.
Katrina Browne has explained that her social work career, her studies for the ministry, and her journey to learn more about her DeWolf ancestors were all prompted by a profound sense of alienation from her society, and of something wrong that she couldn't put her finger on. My own quest to learn my family history was driven by a need to understand some things that went profoundly wrong in my own family, and these problems are similar in both roots adn character.
Understand me clearly. I do NOT take issue with publicly discussing uncomfortable family issues. See my own web sites. http://www.geocities.com/tiggernut24/mainpage.html and http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~villandra/
Partly as a result of my research into the DeWolfe's, and actually of talking to some people who were on the periphery of this project, I have realized that the source of Browne's and my alienation and my family's problems is profound strains and tensions within our society, that are a continuation and further development on the strains and tensions that existed in our society in the 18th and 19th centuries. For instance, there are tensions between an evil economic system and an earlier traditional system of morality, and there are tensions surrounding how a society is to deal with its more troubled aspects.
Browne's focus on making up in this time for a particular problem that was confined to another time completely misses the boat.
She and her intrepid little group of pilgrims further come across as stuck on another planet, far, far away, a long time ago. In a year when we may elect a Black President of the United STates, whose program is to deemphasize differences and emphasize commonality, and coming from a summer and spring spent working hard on his campaign, I want to know what sort of space aliens these people are with their emphasis on how different people are, how scared people are of each other, how angry the races are at each other. These people are entirely stuck in another time. Discussing anger, forgiveness, apologies and reparations is not appropriate to this country in the first decade of the 21st century. Focusing on apologies and reparations can only perpetuate bad feelings between racial groups, adn goes against everything Barack Obama stands for, and what he lectured us about in his response to Rev. Wright's sermon that Katrina Browne and company obviously missed because, having spent too time on their other planet, they do not know the man is running for President of this country and do not know that he looks likely to win. If Katrina Browne really did have an intuition that our society is on the brink of a major sea change on race, she should have had more faith in it. And I am curious - how could she not even mention that Barack Obama is running for President, even in her postscript? Maybe she's done something I've been known to do - one time I talked about the one token black manager in the bank branch where I worked, where ALL the managers were Black? In other words, Katrina Browne sees Black people exactly where adn how she expects to see them, and reality itself cannot make a dent.
I also have to wonder what planet she's been on that she has not been around more Black people. I could not believe the degree to which they treated their Black assistant producer like a Martian, and the way Blacks on that program were consistently presented as lone trailblazers every where they go. What planet have any of these people been on - the Black or the White people in this film? I too grew up completely isolated from Black people - 50 years ago in an Adirondack village, but Black people are as many as half the people I work with, not to mention as often my supervisors and managers as not, and some housemates have been Black, and I soon got over it, 30 years ago already. My housemates are a couple; a White man and a Black woman.
Like Browne and her entire band of pilgrims, I am Episcopalian, and I particularly take offense at her emphasis on her lobbying for an apology for slavery by the Episcopal Church. I am aware that this film was actually done with an emphasis toward certain processes within the Episcopal Chruch. I am aware of this, and am deeply angered and offended by it. The Episcopal Church is treating homosexuals exactly the same way it once treated Black slaves, and it has not learned a single thing. What is more, the people who most want to treat homosexuals exactly the way our Church once treated Blacks, are pretty much who wants to apologize for the way it once treated Blacks. The whole thing is very sick.
There were signs on the program that Browne and company have a singularly medieval herd mentality. They repeatedly think as a group, and think about others only as members of groups. This is typical of people who supported Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries; many White middle class liberals pathetically obsessed on, for instance, if they should vote for the Black person or the woman, instead of evaluating the two candidates as individuals with strengths and weaknesses to bring to the office of President. Feminists often expressed the view that we should vote for the woman, even if the woman in question is Lady Macbeth. I see the same sort of group mentality in the way the Episcopal Church's hierarchy is dealing with homosexuality. It's about the views of an international collectivity. Totally missing is the application of conscience the matter, as in how do we treat gay members of our own congregations.
This film comes across as the particular journey of a group of elite intelligentsia descended from a single upper class family of Rhode Island. Mark Anthony's brother Simon, from whom I descend, led a much more commonplace existence. (Mind you, it was their father, and probably their mother's relatives, who started the triangle trade empire.) His descendants were not elite, and were often working class. Their descendants have proven capable of thinking and doing enough strange, dishonest things, but perhaps they have a fundamental tendency that Mark Anthony's brother lacked to have two feet planted firmly on planet Earth?
by Dora Smith at 7:11 PM on June 27, 2008
In my experience, discussions of slavery between blacks and whites usually start with whites denying any responsibility for the trade, attributing it solely to their ancestors. The discussion then descends to whites claiming that blacks are provided privileges that have been granted to them through altruism. It never gets very far beyond that. It is never acknowledged in these discussions that the wealth of the United States is largely the result of the trade. Banking, insurance, shipbuilding, commerce and every other enterprise had their beginnings, and were seeded with capital by the trade. While current whites were not responsible, their status in the culture gives them benefits over blacks that are a direct consequence of slavery.
This program was the first that I have ever seen in which not only was the trade acknowledged, but that the consequences of it were recognized as well. Several suggestions were put forth to remedy the harm to the culture that this institution has caused, primarily what has begun to be called “reparations.” Usually cash is discussed as repayment for free labor, but cash would not create true equality. The true legacy of slavery is the wretched condition that many blacks find themselves in after two hundred years of bondage, added to a century of second class existence followed by forty years of litigation against legal measures to rectify it, and no amelioration of the problems that the institution caused. Reparations should take the form of enriched education and opportunities to compensate for denial of economic equality. But it will never happen until the United States acknowledges its debt to slavery.
by Wilson Boozer at 7:54 PM on June 27, 2008
Experiencing discimination brings a lot of bitterness towards those who discriminated against you. You can dscuss it with those like you who are experincing the samy discrimination. That helps a lot. But healing comes from the acts of those that discriminate against you. This film brings healing. This film says not all the people not all the time. The DeWolf family members that were brave enough and carrying enough to go through this experience started a much needed healing for me. Thank you for sharing this experience
by Earlyn Walker at 9:28 PM on June 27, 2008
Sadly the legacy of Africa is example enough of black on black violence. It's been happening for hundreds of years. The shambles of Africa with its wonderful resources is squandered by dictators and strongmen of black descent who continue to prey on their own brothers and sisters. When will the people of African descent rise up and make Africa into a world economy instead of always demanding that the first world pay reparations? To watch these self-indulgent white people of DeWolfe descent was absolutely disgusting. If the DeWolfe clan is so guilt-ridden and heart-stricken by their so called involvement in the slave trade; let them pay the reparations. Let them work in the AIDS Clinics in Africa. Why must the America join in the endless hand-wringing of "mea culpa, mea culpa". The DeWolfe clan that this documentary portrays are a sad, pathetic lot; whose end result seems to be socialism. Shame on you! And this coming from the descendants of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Enough already!
by Stephen at 11:46 PM on June 27, 2008
I was able to meet Katrina at the 2006 General Convention In Columbus, Ohio and view the early version of this documentary. What has been done is truly a remarkable service to humanity, both black and white. I am an African American female and thank this family for having the guts to go public and create an atmosphere for dialog. This is one reason I am proud to be an Episcopalian.
You may use HTML tags for style and links.
by Sandra Muinde at 12:08 AM on June 28, 2008
thank you for this film. We recently traveled thoughout the south east part of the US with our 16 year old. (from Wisconsin) We visited several cotton plantations thinking we would learn about slavery. I was appalled at how it was glossed over or blatanly ignored. They were still presenting the southern genteel plantation owners in this idealic way. I'd be upset if I were african american, heck, I'm white and upset
Edited by moderator for language
by colleen Gilgenbach at 12:38 AM on June 28, 2008
Bravo! to Katrina and her extended family for this excellent film.
Of course, it had some of the technical difficulties mentioned on this blog: less than stellar sound, rough editing, and an amateur voiceover. But it wasn’t intended to be a slick piece of filmmaking; it’s a very personal family journey that somehow still conveys the universal message of feeling for the misery of others. It was effective and at times, gut-wrenching. I cried often while watching this: not because I could personally identify with the DeWolf’s, but because I felt pain for the participants and because slobbering emotion is my own cultural heritage: I’m Russian, and Russians love to wallow in long, drawn-out, tragic melodrama.
I, like most in our current population, hail from late 19th and/or 20th century immigrant families, which creates the chief stumbling block to monetary reparations for African-Americans: we do not have family roots or ties to the slave trade, and therefore, cannot be asked to foot the monetary bill for what a small, but powerful, minority in this country did to exploit others over a century ago.
But I think what the filmmakers are asking us to do is share in granting emotional reparations. And PBS has been airing a number of fine films recently that deal with the legacy of slavery. Some of them include Prince Among Slaves, based on the book by Terry Alford, and African American Lives with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. These are excellent presentations, and I urge fellow bloggers to catch them on DVD or when they are re-broadcast.
Most families in our country did not hold slaves: only chiefly the wealthy. New York was the second-largest slave-holding state, second only to South Carolina. As discussed on this blog, some immigrants came here as white indentured servants. Vice President Andrew Johnson was an indentured servant held in bondage, as were Irish and British immigrants, and others.
While many on this blog also mentioned the injustices committed against Native Americans, other discussed the little-known southern reality of Indian tribes holding slaves: Florida’s Native Americans, in their own sovereign reservations, held African-American slaves even after slavery was abolished for the rest of the U.S. Native Americans, additionally, perpetrated many grotesque, unwarranted atrocities on peaceful settlers: there is no simplistic way to look at the relationship between “red” and “white” Americans, any more than there is a simple way to look at “black” and “white” relations in modern times.
And every immigrant group in this country faced vicious prejudice as they tried to assimilate: the Germans, the Irish, the Chinese, the eastern European Jews and those from the Czarist Pale, the Italians, the Japanese, the Puerto Ricans, the Cubans, and now the Mexicans. The difference is that the slaves were the only group brought here against their own will, while all others came here on their own volition.
As many others on this blog mentioned, what this film did fail to touch upon was how prevalent slavery still is in the world today: in Africa, perpetuated by Arab Muslims against black Africans; worldwide, in the slavery of women and children in the forced sex trade; and in slave labor, in China, and in the far and Middle east. Just this week, a married couple were sentenced to prison in New York State for keeping two immigrant housekeepers in virtual bondage. They were charged under a federal indictment with forced labor, conspiracy, involuntary servitude and harboring aliens.
So, for those on this blog who say “this is not my history” -- you are wrong. It is all of our histories: maybe not in a direct family lineage like the DeWolf’s, but by virtue of just living on this planet.
Slavery is an evil that needs to be addressed constantly, and not just in historical terms. You may not share the DeWolf family’s “guilt,” and it may not relate to your immediate heritage, but it is the universal heritage and history of the family of man.
I urge PBS to keep broadcasting this film, and others that deal with this inhumanity, so that we can try to understand where it came from, what psychopathology it continues to stem from, and how to end it, once and for all.
by Sam Katz at 12:52 AM on June 28, 2008
A few posts here and elsewhere have asked about the rhyme about Adjua and Pauledore, the two people who were brought as children from West Africa by James D'Wolf and given to his wife as a Christmas gift in 1803. When they grew up they married and had several children, all girls. Adjua lived until 1868. She is buried in the DeWolf cemetery not far from the grave of the man who enslaved her. Her headstone reads "Adjua D'Wolf."
From the book Inheriting the Trade (Beacon Press):
"...late in life when Adjua and and Pauledore sat in the sun on the slanting entry to their cellar, James and Ann's grandchildren created the poem to tease them.
Adjua and Pauledore
Sitting on the cellar door;
Pauledore and Adjua;
Sitting in the cellar way!
Down fell the cellar door,
Bump went Pauledore;
Up flew the cellar way,
Off blew Adjua!"
by Tom DeWolf at 9:05 AM on June 28, 2008
I commend PBS for airing this, but in my area, it was on at 3:30 in the morning. I just happened to catch it.
I think a possible solution to race matters in America would be to have everyone have a DNA test. People really do not know their entire ancestry, and, if you found out you had inter-racial DNA, you might be more concerned about the treatment given your ancestors.
by Dot Rutherford at 9:48 AM on June 28, 2008
Dear Cousin Katrina,
As I read other posts I see that your film is clearly succeeding in furthering discussion of slavery, racism, culpability, and, I hope, reconciliation. That is a great thing. It is also important to show that slavery was not just a sin of the South. I do, however, feel some responsibility to speak up for our grandmothers’ generation in particular, while not at all defending the horrors wrought by our more distant ancestors.
The early home-movie images that open your film show mostly the Howes—your grandmother and her siblings including my grandmother—at a Fourth of July Parade. In the context of your movie, they are clearly the bad people, at least complicit by the code of silence you describe in the voice-over. At worst, the clips look like Leni Riefenstahl outtakes.
But you fail to note that you are not the first to “out” the family. One of those people shown in your film (possibly writing about what the old film clip shows?) wrote: “In 1956 a hundred and forty-six of Mark Antony’s descendants gathered at the family’s remaining mansion on the Fourth of July. ... Their morals were invisible. Their other great houses have vanished, but no one was ashamed, and some hardly knew, that they had all been built from the profits of the slave trade, or privateering, smuggling, and piracy.” [George Howe, “Mount Hope”, Viking Press, 1958, Chapt. IV: “The Slave Trade”] He also writes about the triangle trade, the use of the three plantations in Cuba as holding tanks till the prices were right, etc. This was not silence. I suppose there’s irony that, by being in your film’s opening, the accuser is now implicitly accused of the same indifference.
Still, I believe my grandmother, and probably yours as well, were hurt by George’s book—not because they were proud of their heritage, but because he didn’t give them credit for their own moral struggles and shame that their ancestors had done terrible things. You don’t either. I think their response, whether or not it was as good a response as opening public discussion, was to try to live as constructively and—I’ll say the word even as WASP alarms buzz around me—lovingly as they could. Those people in the opening clips were not perfect, but they weren’t evil.
You have re-opened an important discussion. In fighting arrogance and entitlement, though, I believe that underestimating the complexity of anybody can be another kind of arrogance. Our grandparents were complicated and wrong about a lot of things, but they were not indifferent.
Sincerely,
David Keith
(Grandson of Eliza)
by David Keith at 11:02 AM on June 28, 2008
April, my cousin Tom posted the nursery rhyme before I could get to it. I would add two things in response to your thoughtful comments.
We didn't all have the resources to travel back in time and revisit the past. This was a documentary film project, and funds were raised (one way or another) for those of us who aren't wealthy to make the trip. Which suggests that such projects can, in fact, be undertaken by any American family, provided that others can be convinced of the importance of the subject matter.
This also wasn't about healing which all of us needed. Several members of the family did express strong feelings -- of guilt, shame, and fear, to name a few -- which they believed required addressing in a project of this nature. Others of us, however, did not come to this project weighted down by a sense that we bore responsibility for the family's past. Instead, we were motivated by a variety of concerns, including a belief that we have an obligation to do our part to use this family's story to help illuminate the nation's unexplored past and present-day legacy.
by James DeWolf Perry at 12:56 PM on June 28, 2008
Stephen, you comment that:
the legacy of Africa is example enough of black on black violence. ... When will the people of African descent rise up and make Africa into a world economy instead of always demanding that the first world pay reparations?
You seem to be conflating Africans with Americans of African ancestry here, but I gather your general point is that the nations of Africa are waiting for reparations and could, if they only tried, develop into first-rate economic powers. I think you're overestimating the extent to which African nations are waiting for anything, and underestimating the impact of colonialism on the developing world.
The nations of Africa missed out on the earlier waves of industrialization, and have since been caught in the trap of exporting raw materials and importing manufactured goods -- not to mention the disastrous consequences of having artificial national boundaries imposed across social and tribal lines. No one has yet come up with the answers to these issues.
Let them work in the AIDS Clinics in Africa. Why must the America join in the endless hand-wringing of "mea culpa, mea culpa".
In general, Stephen, your comments suggest a confusion between Americans descended from enslaved Africans, and Africans today. How would working in AIDS clinics in Africa address the legacy of the slave trade? The ancestors of today's Africans participated eagerly in the slave trade, and prospered tremendously. The plight of Africa today, however we understand it, is not a consequence of the slave trade, whose effects in the U.S. and throughout this hemisphere you seem to dismiss as best left alone.
by James DeWolf Perry at 1:15 PM on June 28, 2008
I was very intrigued by your documentary and I found very interesting that not only the "rich family" was getting richer by slavery but the whole town. I being from the Caribbean understand that we have all kinds of mixtures and relations between black and white. I think this documentary opens people's eyes to the past and once we understand the past completely, we will able to change the future.
by christina munoz at 1:25 PM on June 28, 2008
This film was a tedious observation of the narcissism of a group of middle aged, white, ivy-league graduates. They seem pretty removed from reality.
by Jim at 1:41 PM on June 28, 2008
Sam, I think you've offered us a series of exceptionally helpful additions to the complex historical picture. I have a couple of thoughts, however, on what is otherwise an impressive historical account.
Slaves were not just owned by the wealthy in this country. It's true that much of slaveholding in the South was on large plantations. In the North, however, slaves were generally held by people who owned just one or two slaves, and these were often fairly prosperous citizens, but were frequently typical members of the middle class (artisans, shopkeepers, ministers, and so on).
It's true that many immigrant groups, in their turn, faced significant prejudice and other obstacles to assimilation. However, I wouldn't say that the only difference between immigrants and slaves was the choice to come here.
Immigrants arrived here, for the most part, to take advantage of jobs generated by a booming economiy founded on industralization made possible by slavery. Immigrants also arrived into a system which gave significant advantages to whites over blacks. Despite prejudice against Germans, Italians, other immigrant groups in turn, they faced nothing like the discrimination against black Americans, who after slavery endured another century of violence and blatant, lawful discrimination.
As a result, I also disagree with your conclusion that you, and others descended from immigrants, did not inherit the benefits of slavery. You did, as surely as I did. The story of my family may be exceptional, but it is in microcosm the story of the nation when it comes to race and racial justice.
by James DeWolf Perry at 1:59 PM on June 28, 2008
I found this program very interesting. It showed an excellent example of "Man's Inhumanity to Man" Your participants questioned how any human being could do this to another. One can find example in many recent historical events. Chinese can't forget the Japanese atrocities of Nanking. How can a gentle and seemingly peaceful Japanese commit such heinous crimes? One has too look at how ideas, philosophies are formed in people. Japanese were brainwashed before WWII that Chinese were the same as animals and didn't deserve human treatment. Perhaps the White slavers viewed Africans Blacks as "non-human" and eaiser to treat accordingly. Japanese now all know this was wrong. As long as the perpetrator is not forgiven, there will be no understanding and peace. Just as long as Black American refuse to "forgive" the perpetrator Whites, there will be no closure or Justice. There are more examples, i.e., in Central Asia Kazahs v.s. Tajiks, etc. I think one of the most difficult things for humans is to move forward and not to live in the past. In order to proceed forward, one must learn to forgive....hard but achievable.
by Ellen Yamamoto at 4:07 PM on June 28, 2008
When the commentator states that Mark Anthony DeWolf was the first DeWolf and I know that is inaccurate; it makes me wonder about the rest of the story. He might have been the first DeWolf slave trader or the first Dewolf in Bristol, R.I. but he sure wasn't the first in this country.
I endured the film and plodded through the book only because I thought I might find some valid family history. Instead it's a bunch of "woe is me", mea culpa, physcobabbling, indulgent, rich people who wanted to write-off their trips to Africa and Cuba. Maybe I missed something but most of the black people that I saw them having conversations with in the film were educated.
Do they really believe they were eating the same food as slaves? Did it ever cross their minds that people everywhere were pandering to them. Both in the book and in the film, it seems that all they want is people to validate what they are saying. They don't really care about any other opinions or any other people that were ever slaves.
I'm not going to say we live in a perfect world but we have made strides since slavery; but it seems more important to them to whine about ancestors rather than look at what is going on in the world today. This attitude of making reparations and entitlement is stupid; it just continues to foster the welfare system which isn't accomplishing anything but taking my hard-earned money and giving it to freeloaders. Instead of whining why don't they do something about the current day slavery. Seems to me more like they still want to sit in their ivory towers.
These people need to get real!
by Leslie at 5:43 PM on June 28, 2008
Leslie, the narrator says that her grandmother wrote that "the first D'Wolf, Mark Anthony, came to Bristol as a sailor in 1744." She doesn't mean that he was the first D'Wolf in history, or in this country, merely that he was the first D'Wolf in Bristol.
Mark Anthony D'Wolf, in fact, came to Bristol from Guadaloupe, in the West Indies. He may have been descended from the D'Wolfs who lived in Lyme, Connecticut, in the 17th century, but that's not known for sure.
I'm the one who said in the film that I felt the focus on white people, sitting around talking about their feelings about the slave trade, was "self-indulgent." So I sympathize with your objection to the "physcobabbling," and your desire that we not "whine about ancestors rather than look at what is going on in the world today."
However, since you watched the film and read the book, you're aware that the legacy of slavery endures to this day. While it may not be healthy to dwell on the past, it is important to acknowledge our shared history and to address the injustices which remain from that time. Your "hard-earned money" and someone else's "free-loading" aren't entirely unconnected to the privileges and disadvantages which have been passed down through history.
Also, for the record: we weren't all "rich people"; you're familiar with Tom's background and I, at least, don't even earn enough income to be able to take advantage of a "tax write-off," even if I could have afforded to pay for that trip myself. We were indeed skeptical that this "slave meal" was really what slaves ate, and we were acutely aware that people wanted to treat us like royalty wherever we went.
by James DeWolf Perry at 6:34 PM on June 28, 2008
This family seems to have a lot of disposable time and money to make a film and travel. Good for them except that I didn't see any of them pull out their checkbook and contribute. If you feel the need, by all means contribute to reparations. It seems though there is a more sinister agenda at work. My fear is that my or my children's paystub will have a new deduction: the reparations tax. You may believe reparations are needed but please don't project that into national policy. Your motive is wealth redistribution plain and simple. Please don't contribute to the liberal propaganda and increase our already heavy tax burdon by adding guilt taxes.
by Thomas at 7:12 PM on June 28, 2008
Jim,
In either CT or R.I. you should be able to find the genealogy book by Carol Maginnis titled "The Dolphs" in the referrence section of the library. I'm sure Mark Anthony is in it. It is about the DeWolfe's in the U.S. starting in Old Lyme, Ct. with Balthazar. In addition I have a genealogy map that shows Charles DeWolfe who was born in 1695 in Lyme, Ct. He married Margaret Potter in 1717 in Guadeloupe; Mark Anthony was their son. and I can go on back to Balthazar. My point is you did NOT thoroughly do your research.
Yes, I read the book and I know Tom was forced to quit his job. Goes back to my point that it's more of the "mea culpa" attitude; more of the "please forgive me" physcobabble. I found both the book and the film extremely irritating and lacking in substance. WHINEY!
You are right, "hard-earned money" and someone else's "free-loading" are not entirely "unconnected to the privileges and disadvantages which have been passed down through history". But I live my life today and it's what I make of it not what someone did in the past. Oh, maybe I have that wrong - should I ask my (fortunately) very distant relatives for reparation?
The most important advice in the book came from Natalia: "Take a little of the earth and keep it. When you have a bad conscience over what they did two hundred years ago, you have your little bag and you say, 'This is dead', It's like taking out all the bad influence".
It is important to address injustices that exist now. Slavery was not unique to blacks or the U.S. It goes back to the beginning of time and is still occurring today.
by Leslie at 8:03 PM on June 28, 2008
Thomas writes, "This family seems to have a lot of disposable time and money to make a film and travel."
Actually, Thomas, if you'll recall, only 9 out of 200 people were able to join Katrina on the trip. That's largely because it wasn't easy for most of us to raise the funds necessary for the trip, or to find ways to take the time off.
I'm sorry that you feel your paycheck may be docked for reparations for slavery. But please don't accuse us of having a secret agenda. As you saw in the film, only one of the ten of us chose to support reparations.
Leslie, we suspect that the D'Wolfs of Guadaloupe, where Mark Anthony came from, are descended from the D'Wolfs of Lyme, Conn. But no one has been able to demonstrate that connection; it remains merely speculation, despite the many books we have on the D'Wolf family.
You also write, "I live my life today and it's what I make of it not what someone did in the past." This is an admirable attitude, and for the most part, I couldn't agree more.
However, I also agree with you that not everyone has the same chances that you do; as you put it, "it is important to address injustices that exist now." In fact, historic slavery and discrimination have left injustices which persist to this day, and that's the dilemma. I discuss this topic in more detail on our web site.
by James DeWolf Perry at 8:36 PM on June 28, 2008
I just saw this documentary tonight. It got very personal very quickly because I recognized my stepson as one of the participants in the vigil at the slave castle in Ghana. Knowing the mindset of the group who went, I can imagine some of the comments that the DeWolff descendants received and some of the anger directed at them.
But...
I, as an African American, am tired of carrying this anger at white folks. I'm really tired of rehashing injustice without working through it.
I've also been to Goree Island, and was overwhelmed by the reality of the slave trade. It made me realize that I'm blessed to be here because my ancestors survived that Hell.
So I can applaud those 10 DeWolff descendants because I can empathize with the psychic assaults they endured as they went from Bristol to Ghana and Cuba, confronting the costs of their privilege and status.
Now, I think, we all need to open our hearts and work toward reconciliation.
We're on the dawning of a new day in the United States. It's taken what, close to 250 years but we can finally see a way to overcome our history.
by Afi Scruggs at 12:33 AM on June 29, 2008
From my own family history and my own experience I carry many memories and thoughts. Passed down from my southern ancestors was the knowledge that the slaves were locked to their owners but abuse was rare because of the investment value of the slave. You don’t damage a valuable asset. Passed down from the immigrant northern side was the knowledge that indenture was another name for slavery. It was white, but it was slavery. From the Indian side was the knowledge that the only good Indian was a dead one. Forced reservation confinement and taking children from parents to imprison them in indian schools was slavery. Mans horrid treatment of dissimilar, smaller cultures has been standard from the moment the cavemen discovered a different kind of caveman. It is the awful nature of man the predator.
The Indians have a saying “do not judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.” Experiencing a life moment of another culture is difficult. It isn’t felt in going to a racially mixed school, a black/white neighborhood or a black/white church. I have experienced being the only white in a totally black environment and it was felt in the heart not the brain. I did briefly walk in another mans moccasins and it brought an understanding at a very different level. Can that be done through two entire cultures? Probably not.
by Sylvia at 3:03 AM on June 29, 2008
I stumbled across Traces of the trade late in the night, but couldn't tun it off when I knew that I should go to bed. After seeing Thomas say in Bristol that he couldn't vilify his ancestors because he hadn't walked in their shoes and because the practice of slavery was community-wide aceptable practice, and then later at the Ginea Coast, in the dungeon where Africans had been herded, while he contemplated the atrocious conditions, he says to the camera angrily that what his ancestors had done was "wrong, they knew it and they did it anyway", was the expression of a cathartic experience from a real person captured on film that doesn't compare to anything I've ever seen. Although I have no idea of the involvement of my ancestors in slavery, as an American citizen, it is unbelievable that we have come such a short distance in making reparations.
by Tim McGruder at 3:08 AM on June 29, 2008
Afi, I really appreciated reading your comments, particularly given that your stepson participated in the Emancipation Day vigil at Cape Coast Castle.
I want to assure you, though, that whatever the mindset of the participants, we experienced almost no hard feelings from the African Americans visting Cape Coast. My uncle Dain's experience, where one woman declined to shake his hand, was unique during our stay, and most people seemed to share the positive attitude which you express here.
Sylvia, you write about slaves that "abuse was rare because of the investment value of the slave. You don’t damage a valuable asset."
Slaves were indeed valuable "property," and great care was generally taken to try to keep them alive and able to work. However, abuse was quite common. There was little incentive not to whip, beat, or rape slaves, and their productivity as laborers was not seen as connected to such non-physical abuse as depriving them of family life, religion, culture, or human dignity; these things often happened.
I do agree with you, though, that history teaches that many peoples have been oppressed, often in strikingly parallel ways, and we would be wise to bear this in mind.
by James DeWolf Perry at 7:40 AM on June 29, 2008
Maybe there is no agenda at all. However, you must admit that films such as yours fuels the fire of the reparations movement. I agree that slavery in America was a horrible event. But what dollar amount will fix it? A million? A billion? A trillion? and who gets the money? Who pays? Who determines who pays? Will the money really solve anything? African Americans and indeed all Americans have ample resources to succeed and thrive in our society. Many choose not to take advantage. Money won't generate desire and drive to better oneself. Nor will legislation. Perhaps the reparations windfall would be better spent on helping modern day slavery that exists in many forms worldwide including the US.
by Thomas at 9:17 AM on June 29, 2008
Thomas, I agree with your skepticism about reparations as a plan to hand out money to people. I also share your desire that we focus significant attention on modern-day injustices such as contemporary slavery.
As for your analysis of the plight of black Americans today, your approach makes perfect sense ... if we assume that most or all of the inequality between white and black Americans exists because blacks simply "choose not to take advantage" of the "ample resources" available to them.
In fact, I believe that economists and others have demonstrated clear, irrefutable links between slavery and discrimination, on the one hand, and the socioeconomic disparities between white and black citizens today. If that's true, then a lack of "desire and drive to better oneself" could only explain part of the problem, at most -- and to solve the problem your way would require that blacks work much, much harder than whites in order to catch up.
If you don't believe what researchers have concluded, there may be a simpler way to look at this. If you're right that many blacks simply "choose not to take advantage" of "ample resources to succeed and thrive," then wouldn't we expect to see a wide and ever-increasing divide among the black community, between those who choose to take advantage, and those who don't? In fact, that isn't the pattern we observe at all, leading me to suspect that this theory of yours isn't particularly likely to be correct.
by James DeWolf Perry at 11:51 AM on June 29, 2008
I think this family should apologize to white people as well as Africans. If it weren't for their wretched family at least a half million african americans would still be in Africa living the good life there and we wouldn't have to listen to them constantly complaining about how awful it is here. Let's all get together and find a way to get the DeWolfes out of America...go away...leave ...all your family has done is to hurt whites and blacks for their own financial gain. I'm listening to the show now and one of you just asked what you can do now. The answer is to go away, move to Africa and offer yourselves up as slaves.
Edited by the moderator for language
by Dave Post at 1:05 PM on June 29, 2008
Dave Post,
The disdain you show here is exactly what should be abolished. Is your family history perfect in that none of them has commited a horrible act against another? I can say without a doubt, No. Just the way that you can not apologize for your families past they can not either. They hold no more guilt in it then you do. The best that can be done is to treat others as you would want to be treated. If that doesn't happen, then that is on that person.
Be reasonable Dave, if you are a reasoning man.
by April Miller at 3:47 PM on June 29, 2008
There is a very important moment in “Traces of the Trade” where the DeWolf’s are told by a Ghanaian that only African “kings” were to blame for a role in slavery, inferring that it should hang on the Europeans. So what we are witnessing are very WASPy people reaching out to deal with the terrible deeds of their ancestors (some too uptight to emotionally vent, others shamed into utter denial) and an African who himself is in denial, who refuses to acknowledge that entire African tribes were complicit and benefited from the capture and sale of slaves. A fascinating illustration of the complexities of responsibility. I wondered about interviewing Africans now who had benefited in some way from this trade, especially those currently dealing with slavery such as the “trokosi” female slaves (see the BBC’s “Ghana’s Trapped Slaves,” 8 Feb. 2001) and the New York Times article on families selling their own children “Africa’s World of Forced Labor, in a 6-Year-Old’s Eyes” by Sharon LaFraniere, 29 Oct. 2006. (Oprah did a follow up on this story in a show called, “The Little Boy Oprah Could Not Forget.”) For all the awkward moments, I appreciate the DeWolf’s coming forward and I should hope that those such as James the 6th, raise funds and sponsor a Harvard scholarship specifically for African-Americans to atone for his snobbery, and that Dain reconsider his offense the moment a black woman told him not to bother her during a sacred pilgrimage, and that that woman now refrain from complaint when she feels whites are not willing to address their role in our mutual history. I want to thank Ms. Browne for her efforts and suggest working towards city, state, industry acknowledgment/apologies might be the best way to move forward for this family.
by Adjua at 5:15 PM on June 29, 2008
April
I'm just trying to say that as long as we continue to dwell on the past and keep harboring all these old hatreds we will never get past this crap. I'm sick of African Americans continuing to use this stuff as an excuse for bad behavior. If I hear Sharpton or Jackson or any of them using racism or the pain of slavery as an excuse I'm going to puke. I think their slave ancesters would be ashamed of the way they act. The slaves lived with so much humiliation and pain and these babies can't get their act together just thinking of the pain? Give me a break, they need to join the real world and step up to the plate and admit they like being able to throw this stuff in our face and people like the DeWolfs just encourage it.
There is racism of course, and I find no excuse for that either. Whites have more than our share of morons who continue to hate people of other races for no other reason than to try and feel good about themselves.
As someone in the show said slavery has been around for ever and many races have been enslaved but it's only now with all the white guilt and blacks willing to exploit it that we have to keep hearing about it all the time.
So everyone get over your guilt and just treat everyone as fair and decently as you can. As far as African Americans go, when will you realize that your continuing to push for affirmitive action and reparations when it really isn't needed anymore just makes it tougher for you to gain total acceptance.
by Dave Post at 5:19 PM on June 29, 2008
Much of the discussion here has been about whether or not white people today should feel guilty about the legacy of the trans-atlantic slave trade.We will have to look at the issue as a matter of choice. People don't have to feel guilty if they don't want to, especially since the atrocious event in question was perpetrated by their ancestors hubdreds of years ago. However, such people should not stand in the way of other white people who have genuine sense of remorse concerning the issue. No multi cultural society can survive without reciprocal compromise and genuine desire in people to reconcile differences and ease social tensions from time to time. Social behayior and attitude that can achieve these ideals should be embraced and practiced by everyone that values sustainable peace in their environment. Most of us are concerned about the legacy of slavery today because we were directly or indirectly