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Slavery Resistance
Slavery Resistance
Slavery Resistance
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Slavery Resistance 2
Slavery Resistance
Slavery was a booming business in the South American country of Brazil. The country
was colonized by the European nation of Portugal. There were different decrees signed by
different Portuguese rulers. Some of the decrees included slaved being banned from owning
weapons, playing musical instruments as well as music of African origin, engaging in crafts such
as gold smelting, and gambling. Additionally, whites were banned from receiving goods from
slaves or even offering them lodging facilities. There were, also, different forms of punishment
prescribed for different forms of “criminalities” performed by the slaves. Some of the forms of
punishment ranged from whipping to hanging. In the Decree of April 11, 1829, the king declared
that the slaves who committed the crime of killing their masters were not worthy of his
clemency. As such, criminal allegations levelled against such perpetrators were to be handled at
the local level, and that such criminal proceedings never warranted his hearing. This was one
brutal way of passing judgement upon the African slaves who were living in Brazil at the time
(Conrad, 1983).
Slaves opted for different forms of resistance that included subtle non-violent ways to
resist oppression from the colonial masters. The different forms of resistance produced varying
results that included the prolonged survival of Africans within the slave plantations. Mainly, the
non-violent and subtle forms of resistance generally produced better results than the violent
forms of resistance. Generally, some of those non-violent forms of resistance were slightly
acceptable by some of the colonial masters. It is also evident that some of the forms of resistance
attracted punitive measures from the colonial masters. There were cases where even subtle
resistance resulted in increased subordination of Africans who formed the majority of the slave
Slavery Resistance 3
populations. This means that some of these forms of resistance increased the power of the
colonial masters and served to inform their enhanced grip on the slaves (de Queirós, 1986).
It is difficult, however, to establish the actual effects of the subtle resistance. In some
way, it helped to improve the living conditions of the slaves. For instance, resistance to decrees
such as those that banned the performance of their indigenous dances helped in the continuity of
the cultural practices and knowledge. Slavs were able to pass down the teachings of their cultural
practices to their children. It is clear that the practices were generally those that promoted
togetherness and love. For instance, Africans never believed in relations such as cousins and
other extended family members being referred to by their relations. Instead, anyone who shared a
common ancestry was regarded either as a brother or sister, depending on the sex. Unlike what
the oppressors taught them that perpetuated hatred and distrust amongst themselves, the silent
resistance enabled them to continue with their ancient cultural practices and beliefs in communal
lifestyles. This was essential in ensuring that they looked out for each other and came through for
It is also clear that these forms of resistance served to improve the solidarity of the slaves
within their family clusters and served to improve their living conditions. In comparison to
violent rebellions that only served to cause chaos, maiming of the slaves, and death of the slaves
given that they never had weapons that could match those of their oppressors, subtle resistance
served to relay the intended messages without causing physical harm to the slaves. Everyday
resistance created some sort of norm despite going against the set out rules that meant to govern
the slaves. It served as a signature for the slaves, particularly resistance against the types of
clothing that Africans were not allowed to wear. There was also the improvement of financial
standings for the slaves by way of engaging in trade. They were able to sell their produce in the
Slavery Resistance 4
markets as well as to their masters. The move helped them to accumulate finances that helped
them in different ways that included buying their ways to freedom. Slaves were not allowed to
engage in activities that generated income for them, and engaging in trade went against the
There was difficulty in coming up with organized resistance given that slaves were
restricted from organizing gatherings. Therefore, it was rather difficult forming organized
movements to stage a successful resistance. In cases where they tried, they would face violent
retaliations from their masters. This was different from everyday resistance given that in the
latter, communication was shared by way of acts against the set out laws. Slaves saw what their
other fellows did in terms of going against the set out laws and copied by engaging in similar
activities. Everyday resistance did not create the opportunity for the oppressors to retaliate
against the slaves in a collective manner as the acts appeared like they were individual acts,
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