Samuel Miller Contra The Peculiar Institution

Pride, indeed, may contend, that these unhappy subjects of our oppression are an inferior race of beings; and are therefore assigned by the strictest justice to a depressed and servile station in society. But in what does this inferiority consist? In a difference of complexion and figure? Let the narrow and illiberal mind, who can advance such an argument, recollect whither it will carry him. In traversing the various regions of the earth, from the Equator to the Pole, we find an infinite diversity of shades in the complexion of men, from the darkest to the fairest hues. If, then, the proper station of the African is that of servitude and depression, we must also contend, that every Portuguese and Spaniard is, though in a less degree, inferior to us, and should be subject to a measure of the same degradation. Nay, if the tints of colour be considered the test of human dignity, we may justly assume a haughty superiority over our southern brethren of this continent, and devise their subjugation. In short, upon this principle, where shall liberty end? or where shall slavery begin? At what grade is it that the ties of blood are to cease? And how many shades must we descend still lower in the scale, before mercy is to vanish with them?

—Samuel Miller, Discourse Delivered April 12, 1797 Before the New York Society Promoting the Manumission of Slaves

Subscribe to the Heidelblog today!


2 comments

  1. It is revealing that 19th Century evolutionary charts show pictures of the supposed evolution of man from apes show the Black man after the Neanderthal before moving on to the White man. Hitler, of course, used Darwin as support of his racism.

Comments are closed.