Name - Aditi Yadav

Roll Number - 23/0558

Section - 1 ( A ) , History

Subject - History of USA

Topic - (Gender and American Culture) Stephanie M. H. Camp-Closer to Freedom_ Enslaved

Women and Everyday Resistance in the Plantation South ( Chapter 2 - Intro And Gender in
Motion)

Submitted to Ms.Debatri Bhattacharya

In the brutal landscape of American slavery, the narrative of resistance emerges as a

powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit. Sallie Smith, like countless others, was
shackled by the chains of slavery, forbidden to leave her home plantation without a pass.
However, her spirit refused to be confined by the oppressive laws dictating her every move
,driven by an insatiable desire for freedom, engages in daring escape attempts. She sought
refuge in the nearby woods, surviving on meager findings and burrowing under leaves and
moss for a fleeting respite from the harsh reality of plantation life .

Also focusing on the broader phenomenon of truancy among enslaved individuals. The vivid
recounting of Smith's escape attempts, coupled with the brutal consequences she faced
upon return, offers a poignant glimpse into the relentless pursuit of freedom in the face of
immense adversity. These attempts were not mere flights from bondage; they were
declarations of humanity, affirmations that echoed through the silent corridors of
oppression.

However, the pursuit of freedom exacted a brutal toll. Sallie's return was met with a violence
that laid bare the lengths to which slaveholders would go to quell any hint of rebellion. The
whip cracked with a vengeance, leaving scars on her body as a cruel reminder of the
consequences of resistance. Yet, the physical wounds could not extinguish the flame of
defiance that burned within Sallie and others like her.

Sallie Smith's - paradox of resistance in the face of adversity. Her escape attempts were not
always successful, and the consequences were severe. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken.
The brutality she faced upon return only served to underscore the desperation of those who
sought freedom in a society built on their subjugation.

Truancy, a term used synonymously with runaway, truant, and absentee, emerges as a
collective act of defiance against the oppressive regimes of plantation life. Enslaved
individuals, like Smith, sought temporary escapes from overwork, violence, and the
relentless control of planters. The act of slipping away from the watchful eyes of overseers
became a metaphorical step towards freedom, an assertion of personhood within a
degrading system.

This practice of truancy, though common, never gained acceptance in the minds of
slaveholders. Instead, it became a source of conflict between owner and owned, disrupting
the carefully planned order envisioned by planters. The enslaved engaged in a subtle yet
potent resistance, withdrawing their labor and challenging the authority that sought to
confine them. Truants, slipping between quarters, woods, swamps, and neighboring
plantations, wove a shared rival geography that provided a fleeting sanctuary from
exploitation, control, and surveillance.

The the nuanced gender dynamics of truancy, shedding light on the distinct reasons why
women, despite being a minority among permanent fugitives, were more represented
among absentees. It explores the intricate interplay between family responsibilities, gender
ideals, and the daily realities of enslaved women, providing a rich understanding of the
factors influencing their decisions regarding escape.

Between 1838 and 1860, Virginia witnessed only 9 percent of female fugitives among
bondwomen, whereas in South Carolina, women comprised 19 percent of the runaway
population. North Carolina and Tennessee had 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively, of
female runaways. Louisiana stood out with the highest percentage of female runaways,
accounting for 29 percent of all fugitives. Despite these numbers, the prevailing perception
was that runaways were predominantly men. Even with the notable exception of Harriet
Tubman, considered the greatest American runaway, being a woman, this fact hasn't altered
the prevailing view of fugitive activity as predominantly masculine. Tubman, often referred
to as the 'Moses' of her people, remains an exception rather than a shift in the perception of
the gender dynamics of runaway experiences.

Women, deeply enmeshed in networks of extended family and friends, played central roles
in the black family. Their responsibilities within households, compounded by the
disproportionate sale of men into the slave trade, resulted in many female-headed families.
This intricate web of social relations made permanent escape appear even more challenging
for women than for men.

The societal expectations tied to female duty, the normalization of female dedication to
family, and community sanctions against women abandoning their children became
additional pressures limiting the number of women who could contemplate escape to the
North. Through the poignant narratives of individuals like Patience M. Avery and Molly
Horniblow, the emotional toll of these choices is laid bare, underscoring the heartbreaking
decisions women faced within the confines of slavery.

The geographical constraints that shaped the escape strategies of enslaved women. The lack
of familiarity with transportation and the potential risks associated with venturing beyond
the plantation underscore the intricate challenges faced by women contemplating escape.
This aspect adds a layer of complexity to the broader understanding of the limitations and
possibilities within the enslaved community.
the strategic acumen of enslaved men, who, as regular truants, employed cunning methods
such as carrying a bridle to avert suspicion. Conversely, the presence of children heightened
the conspicuousness of a woman traversing unfamiliar terrain, adding to the intricate
challenges faced by women contemplating escape.

The examination of plantation records from different regions, particularly in the lower
South, provides a glimpse into the frequency of truancy and its gender-specific patterns. The
enslaved individuals in the lower South might have engaged in truancy more frequently,
perhaps due to the perceived impracticality of permanent escape. This regional perspective
enriches our understanding of the varied experiences of enslaved individuals across
different parts of the United States.

In conclusion, this experience of Sallie Smith serves as a captivating entry into the world of
enslaved individuals, unraveling stories of resilience, defiance, and the quest for temporary
freedom. The exploration of truancy as a form of resistance, coupled with the nuanced
examination of gender dynamics, family responsibilities, and regional variations, invites
readers to contemplate the intricate tapestry of the enslaved experience in the antebellum
South.