The Hardships of Slaves and Mill Workers

Abstract

The Hardships of Slaves and Mill Workers By Stephanie Gamboa arriet Jacobs's (1813-1897) Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl narrates the nonfic- tional firsthand account of a female slave during the early 1800s. Jacobs experience as a Southern African American slave puts many thoughts into perspective through- out her book. The fictional story of Life in the Iron Mills takes place in 1861 where the daily activities of a Northern mill worker is intricately examined. Both stories engage the topics of race, gender, class, and the different mentalities in the Southern and Northern regions. Incidents and Life in the Iron Mills illustrate the inequalities that citizens faced in the early years of the United States. Jacobs's reveals the gender and race problems present in America while Life in the Iron Mills touches bases on the class differences in America. These two firsthand accounts provide an insightful comprehension of the social and eco- nomic struggles faced in America. It also allows for a comparison to the different struggles presented to African Americans when compared to lower class whites in the 19 th century. These two pieces ultimately reveal that not all was perfect in American society and that much reform needed to be made to truly provide its citizens with equality. The predominant issue in Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, are the many injustices masters inflicted upon African American females as in comparison to male African American slaves. The main character Jacobs mentions “Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women.” 1 On top of the strenuous workload a slave was expected to perform, African American women were subjected to sexual harassment both physical and mental. From an early age, African American women experienced this har- assment because they were viewed as property and therefore could be used for whatever purpose the master deemed appropriate. The unlimited power and control over female Af- rican Americans made it acceptable for masters to do as they pleased which put women in a vulnerable position to be viewed as sexual objects. Jacobs describes her experience and those of other African American females concisely when she states, “She will become prematurely knowing in evil things. She will be compelled to realize that she is no longer a child. If God has bestowed beauty upon her, it will prove her greatest curse.” 2 Jacobs faced constant sexual harassment from her master because she was what one may consider beautiful having a lighter complexion derived from her Anglo-Saxon herit- age. 3 Dr. Flint demonstrated much interest in Jacobs, following her everywhere she went and constantly reminding her that she had to submit to his every will. To further worsen the matter the mistress was extremely jealous and hateful towards Jacobs. The mistress would use every opportunity at hand to make Jacobs’s life more difficult. 4 Instead of ex- pressing compassion towards the degradations women faced, the mistresses showed hatred towards African American females. Slaves were subjected to psychological abuse, being separated from their children and spouses as well. Jacobs’s master inflicted this form of manipulation upon her. Dr. Flint constantly threatened Jacobs with separating her from her children if she did not comply with his will. Jacobs declared that, “Dr. Flint loved money, but he loved power more.” 5 Dr. Flint did not physically beat Jacobs however he did deny her basic human rights. There were many instances where white friends of the family tried to purchase Jacobs; however, H