As Davis mentions the work performed by both black men and women, it emphasizes how slave owners treated their slaves as property rather than living human beings. It also indicates how slave owners were not influenced by gender conformities when putting their slaves to work. Not only did women experience similar working tasks on the field as black men did, women also endured sexual abuse from slave owners and other white citizens: “When it was profitable to exploit them as if they were men, they were regarded, in effect, as genderless, but when they could be exploited, punished and repressed in ways suited only for women, they were locked into their exclusively female roles” (Davis p. 2). This powerful statement of how women were controlled and used as if they were objects through the eyes of white men, strongly emphasizes how mistreated black women were during this time. In spite of the similar experiences black women and black men endured, Davis explains how women were also exploited to fit into female roles: nurturers, caregivers, and reproduction of children. Black women were forced to take care of their owner's children, while their own children were bought and sold. Black children were often neglected and separated from their mothers. For slave owners, they valued a black woman's ability to reproduce because this meant more property and slaves which in their judgement, suggested more money. For this reason, black women often endured a loss of humanity and felt objectified because of their slave owners.

Despite the continuous hate and oppression held against the black community due to slavery, Black women continue to resist slavery. In Davis’ novel, she utilizes the story of Magaret Garner who was once a fugitive slave, in order to assert the gruesome affects slavery has on slaves. Garner was sent to trial for killing her own daughter because she did not want her daughter to be taken back to slavery: “I will go singing to the gallows rather than be returned to slavery -Garner” (Davis p.11). This statement by Garner strongly emphasizes how cruel and atrocious being a slave really is and how the experiences she endured, she does not want anyone else especially her daughter to experience. Stories like Garner’s, of having to kill her own daughter, strongly shows how truly horrible it is to experience life as a slave. This story was one of many that Davis indepthly explained, to show how enslaved black women were capable of resisting slavery despite how painful it was to them. Black women used their capabilities to defend themselves and learn to keep their humanity and dignity. In addition, Harriet Jacobs is another example of how black women resisted slavery. She resisted sexual harassment from her slave owners and defended her own body. She also was able to escape after seven years of mistreatment and abuse from her slave owners. As Harriet Jacobs and Margaret Garner resisted slavery, stories like these inspired many other enslaved women to resist slavery as well.

REPARATIONS

I also feel it is my responsibility to educate myself on what is considered rude/inappropriate/unethical towards a certain culture. As a person of color, I understand how racism has hindered my ability to feel comfortable around white people and also the way I act around them. I also understand how people of color may feel inferior compared to white people and it is devastating to think that this mentality is so common for people of color. In order to help resist this mentality, it is important to educate others on embracing their heritage and backgrounds despite societal expectations of conforming to the white / American culture. I know many people of color feel uncomfortable and judged when around white people because of systemic racism and it is sad that people still feel this way. As I have grown older, I realize how important it is to be accepting of everyone and to be proud of who you are. The color of one’s skin should not determine one’s ability to do anything. Skin color should not embody the idea of beauty and it should not hinder one’s self-acceptance and self love. This is something that I believe is so important especially today.

Despite my personal understanding of reparations and my ability to make a change in our society, I still have a lot to learn and understand about the affects racism and slavery has on minorities. I am of Asian descent, but still have lots to learn about my own culture and my understanding of what is appropriate in my heritages, and also learning more about other cultures and their traditions. I believe it is so important to understand the history of slavery within all minority races and to fully grasp the importance of bringing love and peace to everyone despite one’s skin color.