Running Head: SLAVERY RESISTANCE 1

Slavery Resistance

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Slavery Resistance 2

Slavery Resistance

Slavery was a booming business in the South American country of Brazil. The country

was colonized by the European nation of Portugal. There were different decrees signed by

different Portuguese rulers. Some of the decrees included slaved being banned from owning

weapons, playing musical instruments as well as music of African origin, engaging in crafts such

as gold smelting, and gambling. Additionally, whites were banned from receiving goods from

slaves or even offering them lodging facilities. There were, also, different forms of punishment

prescribed for different forms of “criminalities” performed by the slaves. Some of the forms of

punishment ranged from whipping to hanging. In the Decree of April 11, 1829, the king declared

that the slaves who committed the crime of killing their masters were not worthy of his

clemency. As such, criminal allegations levelled against such perpetrators were to be handled at

the local level, and that such criminal proceedings never warranted his hearing. This was one

brutal way of passing judgement upon the African slaves who were living in Brazil at the time

(Conrad, 1983).

Slaves opted for different forms of resistance that included subtle non-violent ways to

resist oppression from the colonial masters. The different forms of resistance produced varying

results that included the prolonged survival of Africans within the slave plantations. Mainly, the

non-violent and subtle forms of resistance generally produced better results than the violent

forms of resistance. Generally, some of those non-violent forms of resistance were slightly

acceptable by some of the colonial masters. It is also evident that some of the forms of resistance

attracted punitive measures from the colonial masters. There were cases where even subtle

resistance resulted in increased subordination of Africans who formed the majority of the slave
Slavery Resistance 3

populations. This means that some of these forms of resistance increased the power of the

colonial masters and served to inform their enhanced grip on the slaves (de Queirós, 1986).

It is difficult, however, to establish the actual effects of the subtle resistance. In some

way, it helped to improve the living conditions of the slaves. For instance, resistance to decrees

such as those that banned the performance of their indigenous dances helped in the continuity of

the cultural practices and knowledge. Slavs were able to pass down the teachings of their cultural

practices to their children. It is clear that the practices were generally those that promoted

togetherness and love. For instance, Africans never believed in relations such as cousins and

other extended family members being referred to by their relations. Instead, anyone who shared a

common ancestry was regarded either as a brother or sister, depending on the sex. Unlike what

the oppressors taught them that perpetuated hatred and distrust amongst themselves, the silent

resistance enabled them to continue with their ancient cultural practices and beliefs in communal

lifestyles. This was essential in ensuring that they looked out for each other and came through for

one another in times of need (Schwartz, 1996).

It is also clear that these forms of resistance served to improve the solidarity of the slaves

within their family clusters and served to improve their living conditions. In comparison to

violent rebellions that only served to cause chaos, maiming of the slaves, and death of the slaves

given that they never had weapons that could match those of their oppressors, subtle resistance

served to relay the intended messages without causing physical harm to the slaves. Everyday

resistance created some sort of norm despite going against the set out rules that meant to govern

the slaves. It served as a signature for the slaves, particularly resistance against the types of

clothing that Africans were not allowed to wear. There was also the improvement of financial

standings for the slaves by way of engaging in trade. They were able to sell their produce in the
Slavery Resistance 4

markets as well as to their masters. The move helped them to accumulate finances that helped

them in different ways that included buying their ways to freedom. Slaves were not allowed to

engage in activities that generated income for them, and engaging in trade went against the

decrees (Levine & Crocitti, 1999).

There was difficulty in coming up with organized resistance given that slaves were

restricted from organizing gatherings. Therefore, it was rather difficult forming organized

movements to stage a successful resistance. In cases where they tried, they would face violent

retaliations from their masters. This was different from everyday resistance given that in the

latter, communication was shared by way of acts against the set out laws. Slaves saw what their

other fellows did in terms of going against the set out laws and copied by engaging in similar

activities. Everyday resistance did not create the opportunity for the oppressors to retaliate

against the slaves in a collective manner as the acts appeared like they were individual acts,

rather than organized acts (Levine & Crocitti, 1999).

Slavery Resistance 5

References

Conrad, R. E. (1983). Children of god's fire. A Documentary History of Black Slaves.

de Queirós-Mattoso, K. M. (1986). To be a slave in Brazil, 1550-1888. Rutgers University Press.

Levine, R. M., & Crocitti, J. (1999). The Brazil Reader. Durham: Duke.

Schwartz, S. B. (1996). Slaves, peasants, and rebels: reconsidering Brazilian slavery (Vol. 82).

University of Illinois Press.