American Ideas: Steadfast Spirits

Aaron Wolfe: Denise W- the ratio evened out over time. Remember that young women were considered just as valuable as skilled men, due to the potential for natural increase.

Aaron Wolfe: Guest 251- Free blacks would have "freedom papers" that they would carry. Of course, since blacks couldn't testify in court against whites, their situation was tenuous at best.

Aaron Wolfe: For that reason, most free blacks lived in communities with other free blacks, and in areas where other whites knew them who could testify on their behalf

Aaron Wolfe: How do you all feel about Brown v. Board today? does it affect you in any way?

Aaron Wolfe: Guest979- slaves marriages were not recognized by the government, as property is unable to enter into a contract. However, most slaveowners encouraged their slaves to marry and have children, as such a union would result in an increase of property. In the 19th century, there were slaveowners that forced unions in attempts to breed offspring.

Aaron Wolfe: Shippy- the way you dressed was determined by your economic class, not by skin color. Slaveowners dressed house slaves in finery to show off how much money they had.

Aaron Wolfe: Guest568- In terms of complete freedom, yes. Slaves could runaway, but there would always be the fear that they could be captured and returned to slavery.

Aaron Wolfe: That's an interesting question, Guest252. There are always challenges in interpreting the past, especially with a topic that is as controversial as slavery. We at CW try to show the African American experience as historically accurate as possible. That is not always perfect.

Aaron Wolfe: There is no way that we could show slavery in all its intricacies in a 5 minute street scene. But we try to be as respectful as possible.

Aaron Wolfe: Did you have a specific criticism of the interpretation, Guest252?

Aaron Wolfe: Thanks to all of you for joining us today! Our next webcast will be on June 27.