Summary:
This news report reflects the facts and consequences that derive from slavery. Around the world, it is estimated that there are between 10 and 30 million slaves, all forced into labor. 50% of them are found in Asia, followed by 10% in Africa and Latin America. There stats are estimates only, as most slaves do not hold identities. They are forced into manufacturing jobs such as food processing, and are forced to beg in the streets. Prostitution is also a big part in the industry. Moreover, the prices of slaves have dropped in incredible amounts throughout the years. This is due to the various population booms in developing countries, allowing for an increase in the supply of enslavable individuals. Back in 1850, a slave would cost 40,000$ US in today’ s money, while now it would cost 90$ US. Surprisingly, this is a huge problem. It allows for more trafficking to occur, and causes the victims to become more disposable. If one becomes sick or injured, it would be cheaper to purchase a new slave, than to treat it with medicine. Labor, resulting in money earnings, will always exist with the possibilities that one is forced upon it. The news report, titled “ The Cost of Slaves at Historic Low”, was presented by CNN.
Location:http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/business/2011/03/07/cfp.cost.slave.explainer.cnn Picture: http://ulove.org.uk/images/Slave.jpg?331
Making Connections:
Slavery is simply another common act in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”. During this period, it was considered normal for one to own a slave, as they were cheap, manageable, and useful. Slavery can be described as the act of treating an individual as property, and forcing them into work, which fits the illustration of certain characters within the play, such as Lancelot Gobbo, or Tubal. It must be understood however, that modern morals are exceptionally contrastive towards the ones which existed throughout the play’s time period. At that time, slavery was considered more than reasonable, and so no judgements were made amongst owner’s, or “masters”. However, there is a twist in this occasion, since the character victims were the ones that usually approached their masters, searching for a job. Shylock, considered wealthy for his class, owned a slave himself, and most definitely showed his superiority over him. During court, Shylock mentions slavery as a supporting argument. He fights, dictating that “You have among you many a purchased slave,which,,You use in abject and in slavish parts, because you bought them. Shall I say to you‘Let them be free, marry them to your heirs.Why sweat they under their burdens? Let their beds be made as soft as yours, and let their palates, Be seasoned with such viands.’ You will answer ‘The slaves our ours.’ So do I answer you.” From this quote, you can gain the understanding that the human beings that once existed, all disappear, to become the slaves. No longer will they contain an identity, as they are the master’s dolls now. Slavery was comprehended, accepted, and carried out. In fact, between 1312 and 1323, at least 10,000 European slaves were sold in Venice alone. One may ask oneself why nothing wrong was seen in the act of slavery, yet the answer is evident. Morals have a strong connection with the law, as it will differentiate good with evil.
Question to Answer:
What roles do morals play when a reference is made to slavery in the 14th century?
