DISCUSSION RESPONSE: William Beckford’s Remarks Upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica, impartially made from local Experience of nearly Thirteen Years in that Island 1. What examples does Beckford use to justify his views on slavery? With whom does he often compare the life of a slave? Beckford justifies his views on slavery by comparing the plight of slaves to that of sailors and soldiers of his own race.
He reasons out that the slaves are in a much better position because they do not have to face various tragedies as facing bankruptcy, paying off debts, worrying where to get their next food. All that they need are provided to them by their masters, and all that they have to do is to work for a number of hours a day. Even at that, they have complete control of about 14 hours, and during the time that they are supposed to toil they have break times when they are to eat and to loiter and engage in useless activities.
Further, Beckford illustrates that slavery is better than anticipation because at least the negroes will not have to worry about their survival – after all, their master must fall first before they do. They would never have to face the banishment or execution of a child or the separation of family as well. 2. What flaw does Beckford see in the enlightenment anti-slavery movement? Beckford sees the anti-slavery movement as essentially going against the Christian doctrine.
He defends his view by saying that if the result of such emancipation will be the betterment of the Negroes, then he is all for it. But as the case is, they will be freeing the Negroes into a harsher life where they will have to fend for themselves when they do not have the necessary skills and faculties. They are a race borne out of warfare and violence, and they have banished from their lands. It is by the virtue of charity of Christianity that they are able to enjoy their lives and settle down. Thus, to plunge them again to world of chaos will be unethical.
