The Destruction of Dehumanization

Slavery has indelibly shaped and transformed history in a profoundly tragic way. These horrific encounters have been depicted through various sources that allow the audience to fully grasp the atrocity of slavery at its most egregious. For example, through the book *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* as well as the film *12 Years a Slave*, audiences can develop a more nuanced understanding of the viewpoints of both the enslaved and the enslavers. Consequently, these perspectives contribute to the overall effectiveness of each piece and demonstrate how slavery is directly linked to dehumanization.

In this context, it becomes evident that both *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* and *12 Years a Slave* convey how slavery dehumanizes not only the enslaved but also the enslavers, due to the relentless affliction inflicted upon the former and the ruthless demeanor adopted by the latter.

Dehumanization of the Enslaved

*The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* vividly illustrates the overt torture that enslavers inflict on their slaves through the perspective of the enslaved themselves. The notion that enslaved individuals are not worthy of being considered human is a recurring theme throughout this book. This portrayal makes it easy to recognize that during this era, enslaved individuals were regarded as nothing more than "property" by their enslavers. This is evident through the pervasive fear demonstrated by the enslaved in Douglass’s narrative. They were perpetually terrified for their lives. For instance, Douglass describes a particularly brutal overseer: “His presence made it both the field of blood and blasphemy from the rising till the going down of the sun, he was cursing, raving, cutting and slashing among the slaves of the field in the most frightful manner” (Douglass 19). This state of mind, as exemplified by the enslaved, underscores the idea of dehumanization. The audience gains insight into the terror that these individuals endured, existing in a constant state of fear and suffering. To their enslavers, they were considered nothing more than entities with a pulse.

Furthermore, slavery dehumanized the enslaved due to the relentless cruelty of their enslavers, who went to great lengths to belittle and strip them of their dignity. An example of this in *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* is how the enslavers exhibited more care for their horses than their slaves. The horses were always prioritized, and their safety was ensured. Douglass notes, “They were frequently whipped when least deserving, and escaped whipping when most deserving it” (Douglass 22). This highlights the enslavers’ cognizance of their ruthless behavior toward the enslaved and their conscious decision to treat animals with more respect. This example is crucial as it conveys the extremity of dehumanization, revealing how far enslavers were willing to go to make the enslaved feel purposeless. Through these examples, it is clear that the enslaved were dehumanized, treated with cruelty and subjected to profound psychological trauma.

Dehumanization of the Enslavers

However, the book *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* not only illustrates the dehumanization of the enslaved but also the moral corrosion of the enslavers themselves. Enslavers were brainwashed by the institution of slavery, misusing their power in destructive ways. It is apparent that enslavers were driven more by the pursuit of power and profit than by any concern for the well-being of those they enslaved. Douglass writes, “This is done too obviously to administer to their own lusts, and make a gratification of their wicked desires profitable as well as pleasurable… sustains to his slaves the double relation of master and father” (Douglass 14). Slaveholders were blind to the immorality of their actions, instead indoctrinating the enslaved into believing in their own inferiority. For example, the enslaved were kept ignorant of their familial ties, a deliberate tactic to strip them of personal identity and connection. The withholding of family knowledge dehumanized the enslaved by breaking critical bonds, while enslavers assumed the role of surrogate parental figures, further entrenching their distorted sense of authority. By positioning themselves as both master and parent, enslavers perpetuated a cycle of domination and control that dehumanized both parties.

The Duality of Dehumanization in 12 Years a Slave

Similarly, Solomon Northup’s *12 Years a Slave* emphasizes the unhealthy dynamic between the enslaved and their enslavers, focusing on how dehumanization stems from slavery, akin to Douglass’s narrative. Enslaved individuals were not considered worthy of basic human characteristics, such as education or financial independence, and were subjected to severe physical abuse. The film graphically portrays these deprivations and abuses, bringing to light the denial of fundamental human rights. For instance, enslaved individuals were forbidden to read or write—skills integral to personal empowerment. The enslavers in the film feared that educating the enslaved would lead to an awareness of their right to freedom. A poignant example is when Solomon, renamed Platt, receives a shopping list from Mary Epps. Solomon’s previous knowledge of reading and writing allows him to complete this task, but he must hide his literacy to avoid suspicion. His ability to read surprises Mary Epps, but instead of punishment, she expresses gratitude—a rare moment of recognition.

Moreover, the inability to earn a living further dehumanized the enslaved. In the film, a white man named Arsby is able to earn money and improve his circumstances, highlighting the disparity in opportunities. Additionally, the brutal physical and psychological torture endured by the enslaved is depicted in the film. Graphic scenes include Platt being hung from a tree, struggling to stay alive, and a scene where Platt is forced to whip his friend Patsey. The Epps couple orchestrates this punishment to inflict maximum psychological harm, knowing that both Platt and Patsey will suffer. These scenes underscore the dehumanization of the enslaved, who are denied humane treatment and dignity.

The Justification of Cruelty

The film *12 Years a Slave* also depicts how enslavers are conditioned to absolve themselves of guilt. Throughout the movie, it is clear that enslavers rationalize their actions to maintain a sense of superiority. Specifically, they manipulate religious texts, such as the Bible, to justify their cruelty. Master Ford, for example, holds church services for the enslaved, using scripture to reinforce their subjugation. This manipulation of religious doctrine illustrates the depth of dehumanization affecting enslavers, who delude themselves into believing their actions are divinely sanctioned. Similarly, to Douglass’s narrative, the film depicts how enslavers feed the enslaved with false information, stripping them of identity and past. This begins with Solomon Northup’s abduction and transformation into “Platt for Georgia,” erasing his true identity. Such tactics dehumanize enslavers, as they become complicit in creating false narratives to maintain control and superiority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* and *12 Years a Slave* poignantly illustrate the dual dehumanization inherent in slavery. The enslaved are stripped of their human rights, subjected to cruelty, and psychologically traumatized. Simultaneously, enslavers are morally degraded, their humanity eroded by the relentless pursuit of power and profit. These narratives allow audiences to understand the profound impact of slavery on both the enslaved and their oppressors, serving as a cautionary tale to prevent history from repeating itself. By examining these works, we gain insight into the mind-blowing extent of slavery’s dehumanizing effects, underscoring the importance of remembering and learning from this dark chapter in human history.

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