The Misguided Argument: Does Guilt or Discomfort Exist When Discussing Slavery and Imperialism?

I firmly assert that white individuals do not, and should not, feel guilt or discomfort when confronted with the historically significant events of slavery and imperialism, simply because those acts occurred long ago, often by individuals who no longer live.

The only 'discomfort' I feel is towards the constant, often blabbering, rhetoric from individuals who, in most cases, have scant knowledge on the subject. They regurgitate information that is often over-simplified by their gender studies teachers or other sources, without delving into the complexities and nuances of historical events. This naive and misguided interpretation does little to advance understanding and often reflects a lack of critical thinking and intellectual rigor.

Historical Injustice and Contemporary Slavery

Let's dispel the notion that it was solely Europeans who committed acts of slavery. Africa, for instance, has a murky history of internal and external slave trading that predates European involvement and continues to this day. The tides of slavery did not begin with the arrival of Europeans, but rather flowed through multiple societies and cultures. Modern-day slavery in Africa and the Middle East remains an open scandal, a blight on civilization that attracts little, if any, attention from those who would claim to know something about the subject.

Do not confuse the historical context of imperialism and slavery with modern-day occurrences. It is a disservice to those affected by such abuses to ignore the ongoing atrocities that persist in the present day. The significant numbers of enslaved individuals in Africa and the Middle East highlight the urgency of addressing contemporary forms of slavery. The fact that these issues often go unnoticed or are trivialized by those who should know better is a disheartening reality.

The Myth of Technological and Moral Superiority

One argument often made by those who seek to assign blame is that imperialism and the slave trade were justified because Europeans were allegedly "saving" African societies from perceived barbarity. A prime example of this is the perceived improvement of African slaves in the Americas compared to their situation in Africa. However, this view is deeply flawed, as others, including African societies, often enslaved each other long before the arrival of Europeans.

Add to this the fact that Jewish slave traders played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, often trafficking captured Africans. It is important to understand that these individuals were not solely responsible for slavery and that European involvement was part of a broader historical dynamic that included multiple actors and motivations.

Imperialist Self-Defense

Imperialists often argue that their actions were motivated by a higher moral standard. They believe that their technological advancements, wealth, and moral compass made them the 'saviors' of the people they encountered. The Confederate leaders during the American Civil War, for instance, believed that they were providing a better life for African slaves, all the while maintaining the lie that universal human equality was not a contradiction in terms for them.

It is essential to recognize that the declaration of human equality by the Founding Fathers of the United States reflected a notion of universal rights that was not reflective of the treatment of African slaves at the time. The South's interpretation of equality was limited to a paternalistic and hierarchical worldview, wherein individuals were born into their socio-economic classes rather than having equal rights.

In conclusion, the persistent demand for a feeling of guilt or discomfort when discussing past and present injustices is misguided. Historical events, including slavery and imperialism, involved a multitude of actors, and assigning sole responsibility or justification to one group oversimplifies these complex issues. We must focus on actively combating modern-day forms of oppression and perpetuating a more honest and accurate understanding of history.