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Old 08-18-10, 02:56 PM   #18
frau kaleun
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk View Post
I believe it is safe to say anyone subject to slavery is seen as inherently inferior.
They are certainly in an inferior state, which in some cultures where institutionalized slavery existed might be temporary and due primarily to factors having nothing to do with any presumed "inherent" inferiority of their race relative to the race of their masters.

With slavery as it existed in the US, the presumed pre-existing inferiority of black folks relative to white folks was the primary factor in their enslavement and in the justification of same.

There is a subtle difference between:

"Circumstances have made you my slave and you are now inferior to me"

and:

"Your race/ethnicity/etc. made you inferior and therefore I am justified in enslaving you."

It's the second one that applies to the history of slavery in the US, which is why I contend that attributing any lingering racist attitudes to resentment over its abolition is nonsensical at best.
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