Many
people think that slave narratives are not as important today as they were
during the 1800’s. They say we are beyond slavery, but The Classic Slave
Narratives edited by Henry Louis Gates Jr. will show that slavery never really
ended. As you read through these slave narratives you will recognize people
that you know right now in the 21st century. You may even recognize
yourself. Classic Slave Narratives may shock you at first, but we all need to
be shocked from time to time. No one can grow without some mental struggle. The
book shows that some people were paid and some even bought their own freedom.
Others earned enough to buy their families. These free people could easily be
taken into slavery in a slave territory. If you think that you have more
freedom than the old slaves, think about how many of us are in prisons, on
probation, and on parole. Classic Slave Narratives shows the brutality of
slavery. It is no different than the brutality of police murders or group
shootings of today. You should read The Classic Slave Narratives edited by
Henry Louis Gates Jr. and read your situation to get free.
