Why Slaves Were Forbidden to Read and Write: Historical Context and Consequences

The prohibition of literacy among slaves was a widespread practice that spanned many civilizations and time periods. This restriction was not solely a feature of American slavery but was found in various forms across history. Despite the common belief that such practices were strictly enforced, there were notable exceptions and underlying reasons for why slaveholders sought to prevent slaves from reading and writing.

The American Perspective: Auld's Insight

Frederick Douglass, in his autobiographical account, highlights the incompatibility of education with slavery. In My Bondage and My Freedom, Douglass eloquently articulates how the denial of education was a central strategy employed by slaveholders to dehumanize enslaved individuals. Mr. Auld, a slaveholder, explicitly stated that reading would make a slave unfit for servitude. The reasoning was simple: it would grant the slave insight into his or her societal position and awareness of opportunities beyond the bounds of slavery. According to Auld, one of the primary motives was to prevent slaves from comprehending the systemic inequalities and to maintain a false sense of subjugation.

The Historical Misconception: A Broader Context

While the U.S. represents a significant historical context, it's important to recognize that this restriction was not universal across all cultures or time periods. Historical evidence from the Ottoman Empire shows a different approach. Slaves, particularly those of high academic potential, were often educated and cultivated to occupy positions of power and authority. For instance, many slaves served in the Ottoman civil service, with some even becoming the Grand Vizier, the second most powerful position in the Empire after the Sultan. This system allowed the Ottoman state to leverage the talents of enslaved individuals to maintain its dominance, contradicting the notion that literacy was uniformly forbidden.

Enforcement and Reality: Common Practices

Contrary to popular belief, laws prohibiting slave literacy were often not consistently enforced. Many slaves were indeed literate and some even became excellent writers. This is evident from historical narratives and records. For example, the suppression of literacy among slaves was more a matter of perceived threat rather than a rigidly enforced legal system. The value of literate slaves, who could perform complex tasks and maintain records, often made their education a practical necessity for many owners. Furthermore, the implementation of such restrictions varied widely depending on local circumstances and the owner's motivations.

The Ancient Context: 6000 BC and Beyond

To understand the broader context, it's important to consider ancient civilizations. Around 6000 BC, a time when much of humanity, both enslaved and free, lacked formal education, the practice of slavery was already well-established. Africans, Europeans, and Asians were among the prolific slave traders of that era, and the practice of enslaving individuals based on race or ethnicity was not yet a defining characteristic. This ancient context underscores that the restriction on slave literacy was a more recent development, largely associated with the transatlantic slave trade and the ideologies that emerged during the colonial period.

Modern Implications: Hiding the Truth

The historical context of denying literacy to slaves reveals a broader motivation: to maintain power and control by suppressing knowledge. This practice was not only limited to the historical period but also has modern analogues. Contemporary efforts to control information and knowledge, such as the attempts to censor historical records, are reminiscent of these historical practices. This raises ethical and moral questions about the right to access information and the implications of denying knowledge to certain groups.

Conclusion

The prohibition of literacy among slaves was a complex issue with multifaceted motivations. While it was significant in the context of American slavery, it was not a universal practice across all historical periods or cultures. The denial of education was a tool used to maintain control and to prevent slaves from understanding their circumstances. Understanding this historical context is crucial for addressing contemporary issues related to access to education and knowledge.