What was originally designed as a legal argument using “contraband of war” was not a racial slur in 1861 and is not a racial slur in 2024. It was a way for the Union to match the property for property argument during wartime. What it has become is the definition of a people and a movement for freedom of the enslaved. While I appreciate your thoughtfulness around language, the Contraband ( with a Capital “C”) descendants take pride both in the designation and the freedom movement their Contraband ancestors founded.
I too am deeply familiar with these arguments, having focused on these very issues of national memory since 2005, when it became obvious that Virginia was going to disrespect post-Army Fort Monroe. It was my op-eds from Tidewater to Richmond to the Washington Post that first raised the public alarm.
You make strong assertions. I hope, though, that you will hear me out as I continue on this topic. (I might be delayed for a week in continuing. Long story why.)
Questions:
May I quote you in coming posts and elsewhere?
How should I identify you?
And what is your position on the word “plantation” in the antebellum context? (Relatedly, I assume that you would refer to Sally Hemings as an enslaved woman at Monticello rather than in the old way, "Thomas Jefferson's slave." Your passion for respectful language is an example for all.)
I need also to repeat that I don’t expect to see these terms set aside in national discussions of the past—though that has happened extensively with “slave” vs. “enslaved American”—but that I do have faith that the meanings of words from slavery days and from Lost Cause days, and for that matter from the days when a colossal racist runs for president by holding a fascist Madison Square Garden 1930s America-First rerun rally, complete with despicable racism—will be generally examined. Thanks.
What was originally designed as a legal argument using “contraband of war” was not a racial slur in 1861 and is not a racial slur in 2024. It was a way for the Union to match the property for property argument during wartime. What it has become is the definition of a people and a movement for freedom of the enslaved. While I appreciate your thoughtfulness around language, the Contraband ( with a Capital “C”) descendants take pride both in the designation and the freedom movement their Contraband ancestors founded.
Thanks for the serious, thoughtful comment.
I too am deeply familiar with these arguments, having focused on these very issues of national memory since 2005, when it became obvious that Virginia was going to disrespect post-Army Fort Monroe. It was my op-eds from Tidewater to Richmond to the Washington Post that first raised the public alarm.
You make strong assertions. I hope, though, that you will hear me out as I continue on this topic. (I might be delayed for a week in continuing. Long story why.)
Questions:
May I quote you in coming posts and elsewhere?
How should I identify you?
And what is your position on the word “plantation” in the antebellum context? (Relatedly, I assume that you would refer to Sally Hemings as an enslaved woman at Monticello rather than in the old way, "Thomas Jefferson's slave." Your passion for respectful language is an example for all.)
I need also to repeat that I don’t expect to see these terms set aside in national discussions of the past—though that has happened extensively with “slave” vs. “enslaved American”—but that I do have faith that the meanings of words from slavery days and from Lost Cause days, and for that matter from the days when a colossal racist runs for president by holding a fascist Madison Square Garden 1930s America-First rerun rally, complete with despicable racism—will be generally examined. Thanks.