Alistair Campbell focuses heavily on the Middle Passage in his Drama- 'Anansi'. Express your opinions on the Middle Passage. Express clearly how the knowledge you have gained impacted you.
I see the middle passage as the stage for a market. A market where people are exchanged for possessions and resources. I believe that this type of market should have been illegal and that it should have never even been considered a possibility. The fact that it was seen as normal as exchanging an apple for a pear is upsetting and I can’t find any situation good enough to see these actions as justified. Directly, this information had no impact on me for I had already been aware of these events and its conditions before we touched the topic. However, reviewing this did make me realize how this slavery is still alive today. It may not be in chains and plantations but it still exists. In Europe, for example, large clothe and design companies ‘hire’ people from Asia or very poor countries in Asia to work in the cloth factories for hours upon hours while making a maximum of 1 dollar a day. The people can’t do anything about it for they can’t afford anything better. This does impact my views on people who buy and waste in huge amounts, encouraging this system, without a single drop of remorse. It makes me realize how ignorant society is and how the fact that these things are not made aware in schools prove how easy to manipulate we are. Also, Western European countries sometimes go to the very poor countries of Eastern Europe and promise women proper jobs and salary in the western countries. They agree, and once in the countries they are stripped of their papers and passports and sold or forced to prostitute themselves. They can’t ask for help to the authorities mainly because their lack of identification papers make them illegal immigrants in the country and other authorities are paid by their holders to turn a blind eye. This just makes me feel ashamed of being of the same species as them. To see how the conditions of our countries allow these things to happen so easily makes it feel like a threat to everyone, especially today’s youth; both as victims or easy preys to influence.
The middle passage was a bitter experience for the African slaves. Being taken away from your home and sent off to be sold is just not fair. The whites viewed the African people as 'Cargo' or 'Beasts', they had no heart to look at them as 'human beings'. Many lives were lost during the sail across the Atlantic Ocean, the Africans were underfed and caught diseases which caused them to be thrown overboard, in which they drowned in the Ocean. The middle passage caused population decrease in Africa and separated people from their beloved family members. This impacted me because I saw that some of the Africans lost family members and their innocent lives. This was just a sad moment and gruesome experience for the Africans.
In my opinion the middle passage was the beginning of a drastic change for the Africans. It was an extremely horrible experience for the Africans. From being taken from their homelands, having to spend months on a ship tightly packed with people, being sold against their will, to spending the rest of their lives slaving away working on plantations. The slave trade was totally unfair. The Africans were being treated, like as if they were less than human beings. However I do think there was a silver lining to the middle passage. If it were not for the middle passage Caribbean's would not have the same history and culture that we do today. Even though the slaves were going through really hard times, they derived opportunities. They told stories of Anansi, developed their own language, and danced late at night. I do believe if it were not for the middle passage the Caribbean would not be how it is today. The knowledge of the middle passage had an impact on me, now I am aware of where I came from. I am proud to be a part of this, because even though they struggled, and it took years for the Africans to finally end slavery, the Africans overcame that. They also created a culture for the people of the Caribbean. They dances like heal and toe, the Creole language, and folklore
Although I was not there to experience the Middle Passage first hand, the information I learned about it is that it was a horrific, sad and downright unjustifiable act of cruelty towards the African race who were no different from Caucasians or 'white people'. This did not happen to me directly, but my ancestors suffered through it; being forcefully taken from their homeland Africa to be sold and bought in a country completely different from what they had known and were used to. I cannot begin to imagine just how horrible it must have been on those boats; packed on top of a sweaty, dirty body of a stranger in a cramped, hot space that reeked of sweat and filth, the constant crying of those around you, it must have been agonizing. Not to mention you were on one boat and your family was on another boat not knowing if you would see them again.Even in our modern day society, people of African descent are still seen as worthless and stupid. The Middle Passage has impacted me because I realize what my ancestors had to endure, and as a descendant I can use the freedom I have to be well-educated and teach others about my heritage and make the African race a proud one to be part of.
The Middle Passage,the leg of the Triangular Trade where millions of Africans were taken from their homeland, chained together and stacked like bales cotton, like books on a bookshelf in treacherous conditions, lying on their own filth, people crying, dying and starving. These West Africans were taken away from their tribes,from their community, from their families.They were chained together and forcefully brought on ship, on the sea, for a voyage that lasted for six to eight weeks,or more according to weather. I am horrified and appalled at the treatment of the West African by the Europeans. There is absolutely no logical reason for treating humans like mere animals or cargo. Those Europeans called themselves Christians, yet they justified the enslavement of a people for money, trade and wealth. Hypocrites, they speak of peace and love for all, I do not think enslaving and genocide of millions of West Africans for years is neither loving nor peaceful. Because the Africans were strong and accustomed to labour they were taken from their homes and their abilities were exploited. Each tribe contributing somehow to the African economy, all people sharing one culture,working for their country, preserving their culture and maintaining what was theirs; Africa. This book,Anansi, has taught me a great capacity of knowledge and has further impacted my life as a black, Dominican, Caribbean young lady. I am aware now,of the brutal conditions my ancestors underwent ad I am quite thankful, though it took many years, for the Abolition of Slavery in 1833. I have learnt a lot from the book Anansi, much more knowledge than I had expected.I have learnt, that amidst terrible situations,even extremely horrible ones, there is a way to persevere through these situations. By remembering their culture, singing, dancing, sharing of stories and returning to the Forest of Stories, the West Africans remained connected, although they were taken away from their tribes and from their families, from their homes, they had something that made them strong; their unity through their African culture. We as West Indians should take a page from this book. More recently, children have become unaware of their culture and do not even know their cultural dances and our folktales and Creole Patois language are disappearing more and more each year. We are being mentally enslaved by Americans and Europeans. We will think that whatever Music or Dance is popular in America is correct, yet when we see our own cultural dances such as bele, quadrille and heel and toe, we see them as dances for a particular group of people that we are not a part of. Instead of appreciating our culture and letting our culture unify us as an island, as West Indians, our culture continues to fade away and we become like colonies of America,following their customs and practices. “ Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds” This story has also taught me to be strong, not necessarily physically only, but mentally, learn how to live life well. Life isn’t fair and never will be, but to survive, you must know strategy, how to live and how to prosper. The woman and girl, a representation of the mass of Africans in the hold of the ship on Middle Passage emulated learnt from Anansi and tried to develop strength through knowledge as well. Anansi, in Anansi, an example for all West Indians today. Be witty and use the power of knowledge( not only and always physical strength) to overpower the enemy. The ability to think and have a free mind is one of the greatest abilities one could have. The Middle Passage can be a representation of life, where amidst tragedies, there is joy if we can see it. The Africans were physically bonded and enslaved,but their minds were free, they had the ability to think and they were stronger than any type of ammunition. They were unified through their culture.
I believe the Middle Passage was a time a misery and it showcased the cruelty of the Europeans. No man or woman should be treated below another and definitely not as property. It really opened my eyes towards the harsh treatment of the Africans. Africans were stolen from their homelands, branded, chained and forced to work on the plantation. This information impacted me to look at the world in a different angle. It made me realise that slavery and racism is still alive in today's world. Slavery is still alive in today's world. Now slavery takes the form of child slavery, early and forced marriage and human trafficking. Many children are forced to work for hours and some are bought and forced to marry before the age of 18. Some children are threatened to transport goods such as drugs. Many of these children never get to see their family members again and are at the mercy of their capturers. In today's society, racism is still alive but behind the shadows. I think the Africans are strong and brave people who did not deserve the cruel treatment they received. The book taught me that during the Middle Passage, the Africans used their will, wit, hope and wit to fight back. This information impacted me in many ways. This book also taught me about the power of the mind. I learn the beauty of will power and hope. I never realised before how much have culture can give an identity. Anansi taught me that even the underdog can win.
Although I was not there to experience the Middle Passage, I could tell, by reading 'Anansi', that the West Africans suffered extreme cruelty by the Europeans. The Middle Passage refers to the stage of the triangular trade where millions of Africans, tightly packed on ships, were transported across the Atlantic to the West Indies. For weeks or even months, crowds of people, both old and young, were tied together, back to back, in their own filth, crying, dying and wishing they were not on the ship. It is a tragedy to know that the West Africans were pulled out of their homeland, Africa, by force and then later on had to be sold, as slaves to work on the plantations for people in different countries. The Middle Passage tried to break up the West African community. However, the West Africans were stronger and better than that. The black people told stories, on the ships, in order to continue their tradition of passing on stories. Reading 'Anansi' and gaining the knowledge about the Middle Passage, this information had a great impact on me. I now know what my ancestors went through and I am greatly thankful that, today, we, black people, are not suffering as hard as we did before. I should be proud of my culture and where I came from, knowing that my ancestors were strong because they handled this form of cruelty by the Europeans for a lot of years.
The west africans were victims to the brutal and harsh treatment of the Europeans. They were taken from their home in Africa and were forced onto large ships where they would be stored in a room, packed tightly together as if they were fruits in a basket. For months, they would stay in their filth; tied back to back, waiting util they were brought to the West Indies to be sold as slaves and work on plantations in different countries. The west Africans were treated as animals instead of human beings. They were beaten, some committed suicide and others diesd of diseases, most of which were transmitted by the Europeans. Although at first, they were afraid and most of them wished for death, the Africans grew strong. They were all tied but their minds were free. They told stories of Anansi to keep them strong as well as a sign of comfort, and it was what kept them alive.
In reading 'Anansi', i gained knowledge on what really happened in the middoe passage and what they had to go through. It has taught me how to be strong mentally and be proud of my African heritage, because they fought for freedom, and it is because of their courage and bravery to overcome slavery that i am where i am today.
The transport of black Africans to the Americas by slave ship became known as the Middle Passage because it was the middle leg of the Triangular Trade route used by the European merchants. The Middle Passage, to me, is that period of time where Europeans showed cruelty and discrimination to Africans. The Africans, once a proud people, were degraded and mistreated by the Europeans. They were viewed as cargo and were packed into ships with no regard to their basic human rights. After the long journey, which many died from, they were to be sold and work on plantations. They were exploited, misused and discriminated. Up to this day, Africans are viewed as slaves and are being discriminated. For example in workplaces. Black people have been historically denied promotions and had to work in a hostile and offensive environment due to racial prejudice. This is not right. We are people too. We have risen from the ashes of slavery and will overcome society. Our culture makes us strong. We have a secret. Our identity. Our soul. It has taught me to never give up, to be string like the Africans. To be proud of who I am and where I can go in the future. Africa will always be with me.
Even though I was not there to experience the cruelty and discrimination that the Africans went through. After reading 'Anansi' I can indeed say that the Africans had it rough and had a horrific experience under the Europeans. The Africans were taken from the comfort of their home and put on a ship tied up together and viewed as cargo and had no regard to their human rights. After this long and horrific journey where some died, they were brought to ports were they were sold to plantation owners. Where they mistreated them,exploited them,did them cruel things and discriminated them. Us black people have been turn down from many opportunities because we are black. What they must remember our greatest weapon is our soul and our unity. No matter where we go or what we face us black people will make it through. We will rise again. Black people nation we shall rise again through any tribulations.
It has taught me to be strong and always remember what the Africans did for us. How the fought for freedom so I can be who I am today. I will now be more engaged in my African heritage and use the power of my mind to overcome circumstances as my ancestors did.
The middle passage was a very cruel experience. Africans were kidnapped and stolen from their homes and were treated worse than animals. They were packed on ships like sardines in cans and were beaten and starved. They were called cargo and were sold and forced to work on plantations. The middle passage has taught me alot about my history and how far black people have come in this world. It has taught me to never give up and to embrace who i am and my culture. By reading this i have learned alot about the african race and how even in their darkest times they were able to keep their culture strong and work together. I wish that the world we are living in today could learn from this and work together to find peace.
The Middle passage tortured the Africans very harsh . The Europeans never had a heart for The salves at all. All the Europeans thought about is to make sure that the slaves were in good shape to be sold and make money on them one time. If a slave did not look too well like the woman in the book, then they would be thrown overboard, whether dead or alive, they just didn't care. The African population was overflowing with people so the European people saw this, they began to feel terrified because all these black people were taking over their society instead, so they decided why not put force and pressure on them so that they can feel that they do not have a life and they would always be weak and unprotected. They wanted the Africans to think that they were all worthless and meant nothing to people at all. So they decided to treat them as slaves and made them do a lot of work for them, they would even tie them up and let them stay in their own filth, but little did the whites know that while sending the blacks throughout the Middle Passage, the slaves would try to build up their self esteem and there they made up stories about Anansi and his little cunning self, so the more people they brought in, the more people would get to learn about their mother land and how to gain freedom for themselves. The Middle passage was the stage of the triangular trade where Africans were carried to the New World as part of slave trade and this helps to under stand how we as black people gained Freedom from those Europeans and how to stand up for our rights. it tells me that people lived their life with these things and died for their ancestors. Saying all of this, Racism still goes on in the World today where we have black against whites fighting for Justice to gain freedom. The question is, will Racism ever stop?
The Middle Passage was a very difficult time in the life of the African's. During this time they were kidnapped, treated like animals, beaten, thrown over board and many more horrendous things. As u may have already guessed I completely do not agree with the way that the Africans were treated just because the Europeans felt that they were better and different from them. Now that I know in greater detail the cruelty that my ancestors went through, I have developed much more respect and appreciation for them. The Middle Passage has impacted me in that, I now realize how grateful I should be that they went through all this for my generation and the generations before and after me, and now we can all experience the gift of freedom that they have left behind. Finally I have learnt the importance of culture and how it keeps us together. Culture is very important and should not be taken for granted. Unity is a key factor in keeping the strength of our culture going. We need to keep passing on these vital moments in history so that we can continue to grow stronger as one community and preserve our culture.
The middle passage shows the extreme horror of the slave trade and the severe cruelty, brutality and ignorance that was associated with it. We in the Caribbean are the children of true survivors. Our ancestors were brutally captured in Africa and taken from their peaceful forest homes. They were whipped and beaten. The children were torn from their mothers. They were chained, tied together and branded like cattle. They were packed together in rows on the floor and shelves(as many as possible) on a cargo ship and taken across the Atlantic Ocean on a seven week journey to our Caribbean islands. They were left to lie in their own filth and tossed overboard if they became too ill or died. When they reached the Caribbean they were auctioned to work as slaves for the rest of their lives. Every day I will remember my ancestors and all that they have been through to make me free. I will make sure that they have not suffered in vain! Alistair Campbell successfully showed me that despite all this savagery and cruelty; strength, bravery, resilience and courage can emerge.
The middle passage is a tearful and brutalthing to have happened in history. The Europeans were so crual and heartless towards the Africans. The thought of all the pain and sorrow placed upon the Africans hurts me. The were placed into horrible and fithy conditions. I have began being grateful for what I have. If it was me in the middle passage, I would not have been able to make it. It takes real strength and bravery to over me what the Europeans did to he Africans. They beat and captured them, nearly wiping out an entire nation of people. I have learned to appreciate my people and culture. After reading 'Anasi' I understood better what the Africans had to bear in order to arrive in the West Indies. This a great example of hardship. I wish the world could and always will be peaceful. I now look for the value of everything and everyone around me. We are all important and no one is better than the others. After understanding the middle passage I have decided that I will not make any one take advantage of me or of people because we are all equal and no one has the right to take physical control over another human.
The Middle Passage was the crossing from Africa to the Americas, which the ships made carrying their ‘cargo’ of slaves. It was so-called because it was the middle section of the trade route taken by many of the ships. The first section (the ‘Outward Passage’) was from Europe to Africa. Then came the Middle Passage, and the ‘Return Passage’ was the final journey from the Americas to Europe. The Middle Passage took the enslaved Africans away from their homeland. They were from different countries and different ethnic (or cultural) groups. They spoke different languages. Many had never seen the sea before, let alone been on a ship. They had no knowledge of where they were going or what awaited them there. The middle passage has taught me to be strong and grateful. We should always remember what our ancestors did for us, how the fought for freedom so I can be where I am today. The middle passage also taught me to use the power of my mind to overcome difficult circumstances as my ancestors did. I am proud to be an African and so should you, embrace your culture and where you came from.
Alistair Campbell’s ‘Anansi’ has greatly reinforced my knowledge of the Middle Passage. The Middle Passage, being the second leg of the Triangle of Trade, was the period where African slaves were transported to the New World.
The Africans were packed below deck “like rows of books on shelves” as Thomas Clarkson described their position. Chained two by two, right leg by left leg and right hand by left hand, each person must have had less space than a standard coffin would allow. This was the first time that many of them had seen a ship or were taken onto a vessel and felt petrified. The presence of strange white men must have even added to their fear as they may have never seen such pale white people before. If I were in such a position, I would have felt fearful of the unknown, as like the Africans I would not know what my fate would be. The Africans were separated from their families and their homeland and naturally these separations caused pain.
The Middle Passage took between six and ten weeks. The crowdiness and unsanitary conditions below deck was enough to incite grief, anger and rebellion amongst the slaves. I imagine that the Africans must have felt crushed by the extreme sadism meted out by the ship’s crew. Why did human life have to be classified on the grounds of race and colour? Did humanitarianism not exist?
On the ship, slaves who fell ill were simply thrown overboard. The Middle Passage certainly did not portray any respect for human life. Dorris Hamilton-Willie’s Lest you forget: Caribbean economy and slavery reiterates the fear of the slaves as she writes “Many slaves were convinced that they were destined to end up in the stomachs of these white cannibals” (page 16). The rampancy of sickness and disease further added to their grief. Poor ventilation in addition to the permeating loathsome stench brought about poor health and many, on arrival to the New World were left on the waterfront to die as they were considered to be ‘makrons’ (undesirable). Surely, this was indeed a waste of human life. Lack of exercise on board the ship resulted in aching muscles. I believe that the Africans would have led much better lives if they had remained in their homeland.
From reading Campbell’s ‘Anansi’, I realize how much pain my ancestors went through during this long journey. The play is based on fact and adds to my knowledge that the Middle Passage was indeed a reality. If I could go back in time, I think I would have tried to transport every slave back to Africa. The passage represented the evils of the Triangle of Trade. However, in everything give thanks. If this trade in slaves did not occur, I probably would not have been the person I am today.
In my opinion, I see the middle passage as a nightmare but an interesting one. During the journey, my ancestors were taken away from their homes and family but most importantly, their mother-Africa. They were placed onto shelves like novels, shackled onto beams back to back and stacked onto one another for weeks and even months. At first, sadness was all that could be heard; groaning, sobbing and the scent of death polluted the air. Then it all took a '360 turn' when finally happiness came into the picture. The Africans finally stood up for themselves and began singing and sharing storing stories,especially Anansi when they remembered where they came from. They were seen as beast rather than humans. The Africans had a mentality that no matter what the Europeans may do with their bodies, they may never accomplish their mission of killing their souls. IN addition, the slaves also showed strength and determination because they fought for both theirs and our freedom and this enabled me to see that "your current situation, is not your final destination." Having read the play 'Anansi' it totally impacted y life because now i have a better understanding of who I am, where I came from and where I am going. It also taught me that I should take a lot of pride in my culture for there is great history behind and lastly never give up in difficult situation
My Opinion on the middle passage was that it was the terrible and painful path our ancestors used to gain freedom for us. The Middle Passage was the triangular trade which took millions of Africans away from their homeland Africa and forced them onto large ships which took them to the Americas to be sold. On the journey the way in which the Africans were treated was cruel and heartless of the Europeans. The Africans had to stay in their own filth for months until they reached their destination, the Africans definitely weren't treated like humans by the Europeans, some even died from staying in the filth for so long and they were thrown overboard like they were nothing. The Knowledge I gained about the Middle Passage taught me that if I am as mentally strong as the Africans even someone who is physically stronger wont be able to break me, It also taught me that I must be proud of my African heritage because our ancestors fought for our freedom and we shouldn't let that go in vain.
In my opinion the middle passage was a terrible experience and i would not have want to be a part of it. DUring the journey our ancestors were taken our from their mother *Africa*. They were also separated from their families. They were treated cruelly by the europeans. They were placed on shelves and they were called cargo. The europeans placed chains on their hand. The Africans were very startled for they were groaning and they had fear. Although they were facing misery all that changed. They began telling stories such as the anansi. They knew that they had a purpose in life. The europeans saw them as beast for they knew that the africans would be really strong if they came together as one. this knowledge impacted me to accept my culture and i sould do things to embrace it. People like Harriet tubman and Martin luther king thought against the ill treatment of black people.
In my opinion the middle passage was a terrible experience and i would not have want to be a part of it. DUring the journey our ancestors were taken our from their mother *Africa*. They were also separated from their families. They were treated cruelly by the europeans. They were placed on shelves and they were called cargo. The europeans placed chains on their hand. The Africans were very startled for they were groaning and they had fear. Although they were facing misery all that changed. They began telling stories such as the anansi. They knew that they had a purpose in life. The europeans saw them as beast for they knew that the africans would be really strong if they came together as one. this knowledge impacted me to accept my culture and i sould do things to embrace it. People like Harriet tubman and Martin luther king thought against the ill treatment of black people.
The middle passage was very cruel. The Europeans treated the Africans bad by tormenting them. They were treated like nothing but slaves.After reading Anansi I was deeply saddened at the way the Europeans treated the Africans. They treated them like they were animals instead of proud human beings and thought of them as cargo. After this the Africans were recognized as strong people.
The middle passage was a very hurtful journey.I believe that our ancestors went through all these for us. I could imagine the way they felt. After reading 'Ananai' book we could say that the Europeans were no good to the Africans. It is very hard for a black person to go for a job because of the hatred and racism. I don't care on what they say about we the black people but I know I an who I am. We the people could come out and help build our culture together. I know that some day we the black people will get out of that pain and suffering we are going through.
The middle passage was quite a gruesome event. the event had a great impact on me. I knew about this event before touching on it in class but is was only when we actually watched the video i understood what our ancestor went through to get us where we are today. This have shown me that we are to be truly grateful for everything we have it showed me that we must embrace our culture, love it, preserve it, and of course promote it.
the middle passage was a very terrible event in history that is still and always will be remembered by all. just hearing what has happened to our ancestors (the brave Africans) makes my heart break for them and all the hurtful, torturous things they went through. i have understood that they went through a lot to fight for the generations to come. i know that i have to be grateful because the Africans sacrificed their life just to give us freedom from slavery. i appreciate my culture and will do what i can to preserve it.
Honestly to me the middle passage was just a hard and tough experience. Black people should not be treated like cargo, and like captive animals. How can whites talk about or think of blacks as inferior and colored? If anything whites turn red when angry, pale white when very cold, salmon when too hot, orange when tanned and blue when their body is running out of oxygen. I cannot start to imagine living and breathing under such conditions. Being in my own filth, the stench of true death penetrating through my nostrils, seeing my own people being thrown over board alive and dying before my very eyes. Sailors raping me and abusing me, taking away my purity. I will never understand how the Africans had so much mental stability that despite all what was going on around them they were still able to pass on the traditions of mother Africa. People should not be treated like that in any way.
I always knew about the middle passage and all the hardships the blacks came across and really I see no reason in them being treated as slaves. There is no difference in the colour of blood and so there is no reason for anyone to be classified as inferior. Racists should look at pandas, they are black, white and asian and alot of people love them. Why can we all be like the loving giant panda?
Slavery is still alive today and though it is not as horrible as the past blacks from all over should stand up together in unity to rise up and fight.
The middle passage was the stage of the triangular trade in which millions of Africans were shipped to the New World as part of the Atlantic slave trade. I believe that our great anestors were treated butally. They were referred to as "Cargo" and not as human beings just as the Europeans. Though slavery was abolished in 1834 I still believe thet some aspects of slavery from the Europeans still remain with us. We are forced to work form 8am-4pm an dreturn home afteR. This was down regularly, five days a week. Though I knew about the middle passage before reading this book, it still brings out a better understanding and appreciation for the topic. It imppacted me in such great measure that today, I am much more appreciative of my folk stories,creole language and traditional dances.
First off, I think that the middle passage was a very tragic moment in life for my ancestors. The Africans suffered a lot during the Middle Passage. They were packed like sardines on a boat and during this time the lived like animals passing their waste in the same space they were. This was terrible and it makes me feel sick to think that my ancestors were treated so badly under the enslavement of the Europeans. After hearing about all this, it really struck me into thinking, did this make the Africans more concern about each other? I believe this made them stay connected with one another and they got to know the real sense of unity. I believe the black people were never the same after the Middle Passage it cause them to accepts one another much more. I learnt that we need to be like the Africans and stay connected with one another because without that connectivity with each other, we will never know how to understand the bad that we go through and appreciate the good things. All the tough times we go through and the mistakes we make help us to grow up into the wise and strong people. That’s why we must always remember the Middle Passage because without this one point in time, we would have never known that people, just like you and I, were treated worse than animals and suffered terribly. We are now free but we should never forget what they have experienced and when the bad times come we should remember what they went through. People often take things for granted, like the Europeans, they thought that they were always going to have the Africans under their enslavement, but after the past years during the enslavement. I am happy that there were many who fought for the rights of black people, to stop the ill-treatment of these Africans. Although some got discouraged and died, some succeeded. I now know that I am not going to take little or big things like that for granted again, because I now understand the struggles, although I wasn’t there, and can feel that they went through a lot just to let me be this free Dominican girl and to make me stand where I am today. I now know that my culture and my past is a very important part of history, and should never be forgotten. Finally, knowing all this, I will remember the middle passage, not only as the Europeans harshly treated my ancestors, but a point in time where people suffered greatly for the future generation.
the people were treated horribly during the middle passage. they were packed together in shelves for weeks with no food or sanitation. we should know that they were treated bad by the Europeans so that we can stand up for our selves. they fought for our freedom so we should be proud for them.
In my opinion the Middle Passage was a life changing experience for the Africans, being taken from their homes and forced to do manual labor. Through this play I learned that through all the torment and hardship they held their own against the Europeans and fought for freedom by having faith for a better future and sticking together to pull through it all.
My impression on the Middle passage is that it was a tough time for the Africans since they were taken away forcefully away from their homeland and was forced to do labor on the fields. Through the story of Anansi I understood that the 'slaves' fought for their freedom as they know that they went through enough hardship and torment for once by having faith and creating a bond so strong that not even the Europeans couldn't break it no matter what they tried.
I see the middle passage as the stage for a market. A market where people are exchanged for possessions and resources. I believe that this type of market should have been illegal and that it should have never even been considered a possibility. The fact that it was seen as normal as exchanging an apple for a pear is upsetting and I can’t find any situation good enough to see these actions as justified.
ReplyDeleteDirectly, this information had no impact on me for I had already been aware of these events and its conditions before we touched the topic. However, reviewing this did make me realize how this slavery is still alive today. It may not be in chains and plantations but it still exists. In Europe, for example, large clothe and design companies ‘hire’ people from Asia or very poor countries in Asia to work in the cloth factories for hours upon hours while making a maximum of 1 dollar a day. The people can’t do anything about it for they can’t afford anything better. This does impact my views on people who buy and waste in huge amounts, encouraging this system, without a single drop of remorse. It makes me realize how ignorant society is and how the fact that these things are not made aware in schools prove how easy to manipulate we are.
Also, Western European countries sometimes go to the very poor countries of Eastern Europe and promise women proper jobs and salary in the western countries. They agree, and once in the countries they are stripped of their papers and passports and sold or forced to prostitute themselves. They can’t ask for help to the authorities mainly because their lack of identification papers make them illegal immigrants in the country and other authorities are paid by their holders to turn a blind eye. This just makes me feel ashamed of being of the same species as them. To see how the conditions of our countries allow these things to happen so easily makes it feel like a threat to everyone, especially today’s youth; both as victims or easy preys to influence.
The middle passage was a bitter experience for the African slaves. Being taken away from your home and sent off to be sold is just not fair. The whites viewed the African people as 'Cargo' or 'Beasts', they had no heart to look at them as 'human beings'. Many lives were lost during the sail across the Atlantic Ocean, the Africans were underfed and caught diseases which caused them to be thrown overboard, in which they drowned in the Ocean. The middle passage caused population decrease in Africa and separated people from their beloved family members. This impacted me because I saw that some of the Africans lost family members and their innocent lives. This was just a sad moment and gruesome experience for the Africans.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the middle passage was the beginning of a drastic change for the Africans. It was an extremely horrible experience for the Africans. From being taken from their homelands, having to spend months on a ship tightly packed with people, being sold against their will, to spending the rest of their lives slaving away working on plantations. The slave trade was totally unfair. The Africans were being treated, like as if they were less than human beings. However I do think there was a silver lining to the middle passage.
ReplyDeleteIf it were not for the middle passage Caribbean's would not have the same history and culture that we do today. Even though the slaves were going through really hard times, they derived opportunities. They told stories of Anansi, developed their own language, and danced late at night. I do believe if it were not for the middle passage the Caribbean would not be how it is today.
The knowledge of the middle passage had an impact on me, now I am aware of where I came from. I am proud to be a part of this, because even though they struggled, and it took years for the Africans to finally end slavery, the Africans overcame that. They also created a culture for the people of the Caribbean. They dances like heal and toe, the Creole language, and folklore
Although I was not there to experience the Middle Passage first hand, the information I learned about it is that it was a horrific, sad and downright unjustifiable act of cruelty towards the African race who were no different from Caucasians or 'white people'. This did not happen to me directly, but my ancestors suffered through it; being forcefully taken from their homeland Africa to be sold and bought in a country completely different from what they had known and were used to. I cannot begin to imagine just how horrible it must have been on those boats; packed on top of a sweaty, dirty body of a stranger in a cramped, hot space that reeked of sweat and filth, the constant crying of those around you, it must have been agonizing. Not to mention you were on one boat and your family was on another boat not knowing if you would see them again.Even in our modern day society, people of African descent are still seen as worthless and stupid. The Middle Passage has impacted me because I realize what my ancestors had to endure, and as a descendant I can use the freedom I have to be well-educated and teach others about my heritage and make the African race a proud one to be part of.
ReplyDeleteThe Middle Passage,the leg of the Triangular Trade where millions of Africans were taken from their homeland, chained together and stacked like bales cotton, like books on a bookshelf in treacherous conditions, lying on their own filth, people crying, dying and starving. These West Africans were taken away from their tribes,from their community, from their families.They were chained together and forcefully brought on ship, on the sea, for a voyage that lasted for six to eight weeks,or more according to weather. I am horrified and appalled at the treatment of the West African by the Europeans. There is absolutely no logical reason for treating humans like mere animals or cargo. Those Europeans called themselves Christians, yet they justified the enslavement of a people for money, trade and wealth. Hypocrites, they speak of peace and love for all, I do not think enslaving and genocide of millions of West Africans for years is neither loving nor peaceful. Because the Africans were strong and accustomed to labour they were taken from their homes and their abilities were exploited. Each tribe contributing somehow to the African economy, all people sharing one culture,working for their country, preserving their culture and maintaining what was theirs; Africa.
ReplyDeleteThis book,Anansi, has taught me a great capacity of knowledge and has further impacted my life as a black, Dominican, Caribbean young lady. I am aware now,of the brutal conditions my ancestors underwent ad I am quite thankful, though it took many years, for the Abolition of Slavery in 1833. I have learnt a lot from the book Anansi, much more knowledge than I had expected.I have learnt, that amidst terrible situations,even extremely horrible ones, there is a way to persevere through these situations. By remembering their culture, singing, dancing, sharing of stories and returning to the Forest of Stories, the West Africans remained connected, although they were taken away from their tribes and from their families, from their homes, they had something that made them strong; their unity through their African culture. We as West Indians should take a page from this book. More recently, children have become unaware of their culture and do not even know their cultural dances and our folktales and Creole Patois language are disappearing more and more each year. We are being mentally enslaved by Americans and Europeans. We will think that whatever Music or Dance is popular in America is correct, yet when we see our own cultural dances such as bele, quadrille and heel and toe, we see them as dances for a particular group of people that we are not a part of. Instead of appreciating our culture and letting our culture unify us as an island, as West Indians, our culture continues to fade away and we become like colonies of America,following their customs and practices. “ Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds”
This story has also taught me to be strong, not necessarily physically only, but mentally, learn how to live life well. Life isn’t fair and never will be, but to survive, you must know strategy, how to live and how to prosper. The woman and girl, a representation of the mass of Africans in the hold of the ship on Middle Passage emulated learnt from Anansi and tried to develop strength through knowledge as well. Anansi, in Anansi, an example for all West Indians today. Be witty and use the power of knowledge( not only and always physical strength) to overpower the enemy. The ability to think and have a free mind is one of the greatest abilities one could have.
The Middle Passage can be a representation of life, where amidst tragedies, there is joy if we can see it. The Africans were physically bonded and enslaved,but their minds were free, they had the ability to think and they were stronger than any type of ammunition. They were unified through their culture.
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ReplyDeleteI believe the Middle Passage was a time a misery and it showcased the cruelty of the Europeans. No man or woman should be treated below another and definitely not as property. It really opened my eyes towards the harsh treatment of the Africans. Africans were stolen from their homelands, branded, chained and forced to work on the plantation. This information impacted me to look at the world in a different angle. It made me realise that slavery and racism is still alive in today's world. Slavery is still alive in today's world. Now slavery takes the form of child slavery, early and forced marriage and human trafficking. Many children are forced to work for hours and some are bought and forced to marry before the age of 18. Some children are threatened to transport goods such as drugs. Many of these children never get to see their family members again and are at the mercy of their capturers. In today's society, racism is still alive but behind the shadows.
ReplyDeleteI think the Africans are strong and brave people who did not deserve the cruel treatment they received. The book taught me that during the Middle Passage, the Africans used their will, wit, hope and wit to fight back. This information impacted me in many ways. This book also taught me about the power of the mind. I learn the beauty of will power and hope. I never realised before how much have culture can give an identity. Anansi taught me that even the underdog can win.
Although I was not there to experience the Middle Passage, I could tell, by reading 'Anansi', that the West Africans suffered extreme cruelty by the Europeans. The Middle Passage refers to the stage of the triangular trade where millions of Africans, tightly packed on ships, were transported across the Atlantic to the West Indies. For weeks or even months, crowds of people, both old and young, were tied together, back to back, in their own filth, crying, dying and wishing they were not on the ship. It is a tragedy to know that the West Africans were pulled out of their homeland, Africa, by force and then later on had to be sold, as slaves to work on the plantations for people in different countries. The Middle Passage tried to break up the West African community. However, the West Africans were stronger and better than that. The black people told stories, on the ships, in order to continue their tradition of passing on stories. Reading 'Anansi' and gaining the knowledge about the Middle Passage, this information had a great impact on me. I now know what my ancestors went through and I am greatly thankful that, today, we, black people, are not suffering as hard as we did before. I should be proud of my culture and where I came from, knowing that my ancestors were strong because they handled this form of cruelty by the Europeans for a lot of years.
ReplyDeleteThe west africans were victims to the brutal and harsh treatment of the Europeans. They were taken from their home in Africa and were forced onto large ships where they would be stored in a room, packed tightly together as if they were fruits in a basket. For months, they would stay in their filth; tied back to back, waiting util they were brought to the West Indies to be sold as slaves and work on plantations in different countries. The west Africans were treated as animals instead of human beings. They were beaten, some committed suicide and others diesd of diseases, most of which were transmitted by the Europeans. Although at first, they were afraid and most of them wished for death, the Africans grew strong. They were all tied but their minds were free. They told stories of Anansi to keep them strong as well as a sign of comfort, and it was what kept them alive.
ReplyDeleteIn reading 'Anansi', i gained knowledge on what really happened in the middoe passage and what they had to go through. It has taught me how to be strong mentally and be proud of my African heritage, because they fought for freedom, and it is because of their courage and bravery to overcome slavery that i am where i am today.
The transport of black Africans to the Americas by slave ship became known as the Middle Passage because it was the middle leg of the Triangular Trade route used by the European merchants. The Middle Passage, to me, is that period of time where Europeans showed cruelty and discrimination to Africans. The Africans, once a proud people, were degraded and mistreated by the Europeans. They were viewed as cargo and were packed into ships with no regard to their basic human rights. After the long journey, which many died from, they were to be sold and work on plantations. They were exploited, misused and discriminated. Up to this day, Africans are viewed as slaves and are being discriminated. For example in workplaces. Black people have been historically denied promotions and had to work in a hostile and offensive environment due to racial prejudice. This is not right. We are people too. We have risen from the ashes of slavery and will overcome society. Our culture makes us strong. We have a secret. Our identity. Our soul.
ReplyDeleteIt has taught me to never give up, to be string like the Africans. To be proud of who I am and where I can go in the future. Africa will always be with me.
Even though I was not there to experience the cruelty and discrimination that the Africans went through. After reading 'Anansi' I can indeed say that the Africans had it rough and had a horrific experience under the Europeans. The Africans were taken from the comfort of their home and put on a ship tied up together and viewed as cargo and had no regard to their human rights. After this long and horrific journey where some died, they were brought to ports were they were sold to plantation owners. Where they mistreated them,exploited them,did them cruel things and discriminated them. Us black people have been turn down from many opportunities because we are black. What they must remember our greatest weapon is our soul and our unity. No matter where we go or what we face us black people will make it through. We will rise again. Black people nation we shall rise again through any tribulations.
ReplyDeleteIt has taught me to be strong and always remember what the Africans did for us. How the fought for freedom so I can be who I am today. I will now be more engaged in my African heritage and use the power of my mind to overcome circumstances as my ancestors did.
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ReplyDeleteThe middle passage was a very cruel experience. Africans were kidnapped and stolen from their homes and were treated worse than animals. They were packed on ships like sardines in cans and were beaten and starved. They were called cargo and were sold and forced to work on plantations. The middle passage has taught me alot about my history and how far black people have come in this world. It has taught me to never give up and to embrace who i am and my culture. By reading this i have learned alot about the african race and how even in their darkest times they were able to keep their culture strong and work together. I wish that the world we are living in today could learn from this and work together to find peace.
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ReplyDeleteThe Middle passage tortured the Africans very harsh . The Europeans never had a heart for The salves at all. All the Europeans thought about is to make sure that the slaves were in good shape to be sold and make money on them one time. If a slave did not look too well like the woman in the book, then they would be thrown overboard, whether dead or alive, they just didn't care. The African population was overflowing with people so the European people saw this, they began to feel terrified because all these black people were taking over their society instead, so they decided why not put force and pressure on them so that they can feel that they do not have a life and they would always be weak and unprotected. They wanted the Africans to think that they were all worthless and meant nothing to people at all. So they decided to treat them as slaves and made them do a lot of work for them, they would even tie them up and let them stay in their own filth, but little did the whites know that while sending the blacks throughout the Middle Passage, the slaves would try to build up their self esteem and there they made up stories about Anansi and his little cunning self, so the more people they brought in, the more people would get to learn about their mother land and how to gain freedom for themselves. The Middle passage was the stage of the triangular trade where Africans were carried to the New World as part of slave trade and this helps to under stand how we as black people gained Freedom from those Europeans and how to stand up for our rights. it tells me that people lived their life with these things and died for their ancestors. Saying all of this, Racism still goes on in the World today where we have black against whites fighting for Justice to gain freedom. The question is, will Racism ever stop?
ReplyDeleteThe Middle Passage was a very difficult time in the life of the African's. During this time they were kidnapped, treated like animals, beaten, thrown over board and many more horrendous things. As u may have already guessed I completely do not agree with the way that the Africans were treated just because the Europeans felt that they were better and different from them. Now that I know in greater detail the cruelty that my ancestors went through, I have developed much more respect and appreciation for them. The Middle Passage has impacted me in that, I now realize how grateful I should be that they went through all this for my generation and the generations before and after me, and now we can all experience the gift of freedom that they have left behind.
ReplyDeleteFinally I have learnt the importance of culture and how it keeps us together. Culture is very important and should not be taken for granted. Unity is a key factor in keeping the strength of our culture going. We need to keep passing on these vital moments in history so that we can continue to grow stronger as one community and preserve our culture.
The middle passage shows the extreme horror of the slave trade and the severe cruelty, brutality and ignorance that was associated with it. We in the Caribbean are the children of true survivors. Our ancestors were brutally captured in Africa and taken from their peaceful forest homes. They were whipped and beaten. The children were torn from their mothers. They were chained, tied together and branded like cattle. They were packed together in rows on the floor and shelves(as many as possible) on a cargo ship and taken across the Atlantic Ocean on a seven week journey to our Caribbean islands. They were left to lie in their own filth and tossed overboard if they became too ill or died. When they reached the Caribbean they were auctioned to work as slaves for the rest of their lives. Every day I will remember my ancestors and all that they have been through to make me free. I will make sure that they have not suffered in vain! Alistair Campbell successfully showed me that despite all this savagery and cruelty; strength, bravery, resilience and courage can emerge.
ReplyDeleteThe middle passage is a tearful and brutalthing to have happened in history. The Europeans were so crual and heartless towards the Africans. The thought of all the pain and sorrow placed upon the Africans hurts me. The were placed into horrible and fithy conditions. I have began being grateful for what I have. If it was me in the middle passage, I would not have been able to make it. It takes real strength and bravery to over me what the Europeans did to he Africans. They beat and captured them, nearly wiping out an entire nation of people. I have learned to appreciate my people and culture. After reading 'Anasi' I understood better what the Africans had to bear in order to arrive in the West Indies. This a great example of hardship. I wish the world could and always will be peaceful. I now look for the value of everything and everyone around me. We are all important and no one is better than the others. After understanding the middle passage I have decided that I will not make any one take advantage of me or of people because we are all equal and no one has the right to take physical control over another human.
ReplyDeleteThe Middle Passage was the crossing from Africa to the Americas, which the ships made carrying their ‘cargo’ of slaves. It was so-called because it was the middle section of the trade route taken by many of the ships. The first section (the ‘Outward Passage’) was from Europe to Africa. Then came the Middle Passage, and the ‘Return Passage’ was the final journey from the Americas to Europe. The Middle Passage took the enslaved Africans away from their homeland. They were from different countries and different ethnic (or cultural) groups. They spoke different languages. Many had never seen the sea before, let alone been on a ship. They had no knowledge of where they were going or what awaited them there. The middle passage has taught me to be strong and grateful. We should always remember what our ancestors did for us, how the fought for freedom so I can be where I am today. The middle passage also taught me to use the power of my mind to overcome difficult circumstances as my ancestors did. I am proud to be an African and so should you, embrace your culture and where you came from.
ReplyDeleteAlistair Campbell’s ‘Anansi’ has greatly reinforced my knowledge of the Middle Passage. The Middle Passage, being the second leg of the Triangle of Trade, was the period where African slaves were transported to the New World.
ReplyDeleteThe Africans were packed below deck “like rows of books on shelves” as Thomas Clarkson described their position. Chained two by two, right leg by left leg and right hand by left hand, each person must have had less space than a standard coffin would allow. This was the first time that many of them had seen a ship or were taken onto a vessel and felt petrified. The presence of strange white men must have even added to their fear as they may have never seen such pale white people before. If I were in such a position, I would have felt fearful of the unknown, as like the Africans I would not know what my fate would be. The Africans were separated from their families and their homeland and naturally these separations caused pain.
The Middle Passage took between six and ten weeks. The crowdiness and unsanitary conditions below deck was enough to incite grief, anger and rebellion amongst the slaves. I imagine that the Africans must have felt crushed by the extreme sadism meted out by the ship’s crew. Why did human life have to be classified on the grounds of race and colour? Did humanitarianism not exist?
On the ship, slaves who fell ill were simply thrown overboard. The Middle Passage certainly did not portray any respect for human life. Dorris Hamilton-Willie’s Lest you forget: Caribbean economy and slavery reiterates the fear of the slaves as she writes “Many slaves were convinced that they were destined to end up in the stomachs of these white cannibals” (page 16). The rampancy of sickness and disease further added to their grief. Poor ventilation in addition to the permeating loathsome stench brought about poor health and many, on arrival to the New World were left on the waterfront to die as they were considered to be ‘makrons’ (undesirable). Surely, this was indeed a waste of human life. Lack of exercise on board the ship resulted in aching muscles. I believe that the Africans would have led much better lives if they had remained in their homeland.
From reading Campbell’s ‘Anansi’, I realize how much pain my ancestors went through during this long journey. The play is based on fact and adds to my knowledge that the Middle Passage was indeed a reality. If I could go back in time, I think I would have tried to transport every slave back to Africa. The passage represented the evils of the Triangle of Trade. However, in everything give thanks. If this trade in slaves did not occur, I probably would not have been the person I am today.
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ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I see the middle passage as a nightmare but an interesting one. During the journey, my ancestors were taken away from their homes and family but most importantly, their mother-Africa. They were placed onto shelves like novels, shackled onto beams back to back and stacked onto one another for weeks and even months. At first, sadness was all that could be heard; groaning, sobbing and the scent of death polluted the air. Then it all took a '360 turn' when finally happiness came into the picture. The Africans finally stood up for themselves and began singing and sharing storing stories,especially Anansi when they remembered where they came from. They were seen as beast rather than humans. The Africans had a mentality that no matter what the Europeans may do with their bodies, they may never accomplish their mission of killing their souls. IN addition, the slaves also showed strength and determination because they fought for both theirs and our freedom and this enabled me to see that "your current situation, is not your final destination." Having read the play 'Anansi' it totally impacted y life because now i have a better understanding of who I am, where I came from and where I am going. It also taught me that I should take a lot of pride in my culture for there is great history behind and lastly never give up in difficult situation
ReplyDeleteMy Opinion on the middle passage was that it was the terrible and painful path our ancestors used to gain freedom for us.
ReplyDeleteThe Middle Passage was the triangular trade which took millions of Africans away from their homeland Africa and forced them onto large ships which took them to the Americas to be sold.
On the journey the way in which the Africans were treated was cruel and heartless of the Europeans. The Africans had to stay in their own filth for months until they reached their destination, the Africans definitely weren't treated like humans by the Europeans, some even died from staying in the filth for so long and they were thrown overboard like they were nothing.
The Knowledge I gained about the Middle Passage taught me that if I am as mentally strong as the Africans even someone who is physically stronger wont be able to break me, It also taught me that I must be proud of my African heritage because our ancestors fought for our freedom and we shouldn't let that go in vain.
In my opinion the middle passage was a terrible experience and i would not have want to be a part of it. DUring the journey our ancestors were taken our from their mother *Africa*. They were also separated from their families. They were treated cruelly by the europeans. They were placed on shelves and they were called cargo. The europeans placed chains on their hand. The Africans were very startled for they were groaning and they had fear. Although they were facing misery all that changed. They began telling stories such as the anansi. They knew that they had a purpose in life. The europeans saw them as beast for they knew that the africans would be really strong if they came together as one. this knowledge impacted me to accept my culture and i sould do things to embrace it. People like Harriet tubman and Martin luther king thought against the ill treatment of black people.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the middle passage was a terrible experience and i would not have want to be a part of it. DUring the journey our ancestors were taken our from their mother *Africa*. They were also separated from their families. They were treated cruelly by the europeans. They were placed on shelves and they were called cargo. The europeans placed chains on their hand. The Africans were very startled for they were groaning and they had fear. Although they were facing misery all that changed. They began telling stories such as the anansi. They knew that they had a purpose in life. The europeans saw them as beast for they knew that the africans would be really strong if they came together as one. this knowledge impacted me to accept my culture and i sould do things to embrace it. People like Harriet tubman and Martin luther king thought against the ill treatment of black people.
ReplyDeleteThe middle passage was very cruel. The Europeans treated the Africans bad by tormenting them. They were treated like nothing but slaves.After reading Anansi I was deeply saddened at the way the Europeans treated the Africans. They treated them like they were animals instead of proud human beings and thought of them as cargo. After this the Africans were recognized as strong people.
ReplyDeleteThe middle passage was a very hurtful journey.I believe that our ancestors went through all these for us. I could imagine the way they felt. After reading 'Ananai' book we could say that the Europeans were no good to the Africans. It is very hard for a black person to go for a job because of the hatred and racism. I don't care on what they say about we the black people but I know I an who I am. We the people could come out and help build our culture together. I know that some day we the black people will get out of that pain and suffering we are going through.
ReplyDeleteThe middle passage was quite a gruesome event. the event had a great impact on me. I knew about this event before touching on it in class but is was only when we actually watched the video i understood what our ancestor went through to get us where we are today. This have shown me that we are to be truly grateful for everything we have it showed me that we must embrace our culture, love it, preserve it, and of course promote it.
ReplyDeletethe middle passage was a very terrible event in history that is still and always will be remembered by all. just hearing what has happened to our ancestors (the brave Africans) makes my heart break for them and all the hurtful, torturous things they went through. i have understood that they went through a lot to fight for the generations to come. i know that i have to be grateful because the Africans sacrificed their life just to give us freedom from slavery. i appreciate my culture and will do what i can to preserve it.
ReplyDeleteHonestly to me the middle passage was just a hard and tough experience. Black people should not be treated like cargo, and like captive animals. How can whites talk about or think of blacks as inferior and colored? If anything whites turn red when angry, pale white when very cold, salmon when too hot, orange when tanned and blue when their body is running out of oxygen. I cannot start to imagine living and breathing under such conditions. Being in my own filth, the stench of true death penetrating through my nostrils, seeing my own people being thrown over board alive and dying before my very eyes. Sailors raping me and abusing me, taking away my purity. I will never understand how the Africans had so much mental stability that despite all what was going on around them they were still able to pass on the traditions of mother Africa. People should not be treated like that in any way.
ReplyDeleteI always knew about the middle passage and all the hardships the blacks came across and really I see no reason in them being treated as slaves. There is no difference in the colour of blood and so there is no reason for anyone to be classified as inferior. Racists should look at pandas, they are black, white and asian and alot of people love them. Why can we all be like the loving giant panda?
Slavery is still alive today and though it is not as horrible as the past blacks from all over should stand up together in unity to rise up and fight.
The middle passage was the stage of the triangular trade in which millions of Africans were shipped to the New World as part of the Atlantic slave trade. I believe that our great anestors were treated butally. They were referred to as "Cargo" and not as human beings just as the Europeans. Though slavery was abolished in 1834 I still believe thet some aspects of slavery from the Europeans still remain with us. We are forced to work form 8am-4pm an dreturn home afteR. This was down regularly, five days a week.
ReplyDeleteThough I knew about the middle passage before reading this book, it still brings out a better understanding and appreciation for the topic. It imppacted me in such great measure that today, I am much more appreciative of my folk stories,creole language and traditional dances.
First off, I think that the middle passage was a very tragic moment in life for my ancestors. The Africans suffered a lot during the Middle Passage. They were packed like sardines on a boat and during this time the lived like animals passing their waste in the same space they were. This was terrible and it makes me feel sick to think that my ancestors were treated so badly under the enslavement of the Europeans. After hearing about all this, it really struck me into thinking, did this make the Africans more concern about each other? I believe this made them stay connected with one another and they got to know the real sense of unity. I believe the black people were never the same after the Middle Passage it cause them to accepts one another much more. I learnt that we need to be like the Africans and stay connected with one another because without that connectivity with each other, we will never know how to understand the bad that we go through and appreciate the good things. All the tough times we go through and the mistakes we make help us to grow up into the wise and strong people. That’s why we must always remember the Middle Passage because without this one point in time, we would have never known that people, just like you and I, were treated worse than animals and suffered terribly. We are now free but we should never forget what they have experienced and when the bad times come we should remember what they went through. People often take things for granted, like the Europeans, they thought that they were always going to have the Africans under their enslavement, but after the past years during the enslavement. I am happy that there were many who fought for the rights of black people, to stop the ill-treatment of these Africans. Although some got discouraged and died, some succeeded.
ReplyDeleteI now know that I am not going to take little or big things like that for granted again, because I now understand the struggles, although I wasn’t there, and can feel that they went through a lot just to let me be this free Dominican girl and to make me stand where I am today. I now know that my culture and my past is a very important part of history, and should never be forgotten. Finally, knowing all this, I will remember the middle passage, not only as the Europeans harshly treated my ancestors, but a point in time where people suffered greatly for the future generation.
the people were treated horribly during the middle passage. they were packed together in shelves for weeks with no food or sanitation. we should know that they were treated bad by the Europeans so that we can stand up for our selves. they fought for our freedom so we should be proud for them.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the Middle Passage was a life changing experience for the Africans, being taken from their homes and forced to do manual labor. Through this play I learned that through all the torment and hardship they held their own against the Europeans and fought for freedom by having faith for a better future and sticking together to pull through it all.
ReplyDeleteMy impression on the Middle passage is that it was a tough time for the Africans since they were taken away forcefully away from their homeland and was forced to do labor on the fields. Through the story of Anansi I understood that the 'slaves' fought for their freedom as they know that they went through enough hardship and torment for once by having faith and creating a bond so strong that not even the Europeans couldn't break it no matter what they tried.
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