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African-American Study

The primary purpose of slavery was to depict two sides of human nature, the submissive

and the dominant side. In essence, white slave masters were the dominant narrative, whereas the

black slaves were the submissive narratives. Globally, the depiction of slaves in both art and

advertising materials was that of service to their masters. They are shown performing various

tasks to their master, such as cleaning and tying shoelaces, often with their heads bowed. This is

a symbol of the respect and royalty they were meant to show to their masters. Further, it displays

the inhumanity of the slavery era in which some people were treated inhumanely by others who

felt superior. The depictions indicate a record when African American rights were neglected and

instead used as tools and objects of service.

The inclusion of slaves in royalty pictures while serving their masters is meant to show

the viewers the superiority of the white enslavers. The viewer is meant to see and understand

how the whites dominated the blacks through enslavement, not to mention other horrible acts

such as beating and maiming not depicted herein. Often captured against their will from their

homes, most of the strong men and women were auctioned in the market where they were bought

and owned as you would a goat. Thus, the pictures indicate these slaves working tirelessly for

their master because, according to the law, they were held therefore didn’t have much choice but
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to serve. Finally, the viewers can appreciate historical events and the liberation of the black

communities through the abolition of slavery and the slave trade.