Chapter Two

The Complex Social Issue of Slavery

Slavery is the historical practice of treating individuals as property and forcing them to

work without consent, often based on race or ethnicity. Slavery has existed in many forms

throughout the course of human history and has been observed in diverse cultures and societies.

Although the term "slavery" is often used to refer to the transatlantic slave trade and the

prevalent enslavement system in the Americas during the colonial era and the initial years of the

United States.

Transatlantic slave trade was a brutal and large-scale forced migration of Africans to the

Americas, primarily between the 16th and 19th centuries. Europeans captured and transported

millions of Africans to work on plantations, in mines, and in other industries. The conditions on

the slave ships were horrendous, and many Africans died during the journey.

Copper Sun delves into significant topics such as resilience, friendship, identity, and the

inhumane nature of slavery. The novel's poignant portrayal of the African diaspora and the

unwavering strength of those who endured the horrors of slavery captivates readers. Numerous

academic institutions utilize Sharon M. Draper's work to educate students on the history of

slavery and emphasize the importance of empathy and social justice

The book's central theme revolves around slavery and how it affects Amari, a fictional

character who was leading a happy life with her tribe and family in Africa before being taken

away as a slave. She tries to flee from the cruelty of her slave masters, but unfortunately gets

14
caught and subjected to rape and beatings. The book's conclusion is realistic and grim, with the

possibility of Amari's death being hinted at.

As readers delve into the novel, they witness Amari's arduous journey of survival, self-

respect, and quest for a place to belong in a world riddled with cruelty and injustice. Along the

way, Amari forms bonds with other enslaved individuals, such as Polly, and together they

confront the obstacles of their newfound existence. Throughout history, the concept of slavery

has been a troubling and impactful reality. This dehumanizing practice involved individuals

being treated as property and forced to work without their consent. The forms of slavery have

varied across different societies and eras. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of what

exactly slavery entails.

The history of slavery dates back thousands of years and has been practiced by various

civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and many African kingdoms. The

transatlantic slave trade, which started in the 15th century and continued for several centuries, is

one of the most infamous examples of slavery. European colonial powers captured and

transported millions of Africans to the Americas, primarily for labour on plantations.

Slavery typically starts with the capture of individuals, often through warfare,

kidnapping, or debt bondage. Enslaved people are then considered the property of their owners

or masters and have no legal rights. Slave owners control every aspect of their lives, including

where they live, what they eat, and what work they do. Slavery often involves extreme physical

and psychological abuse, including beatings, sexual exploitation, and forced separation of

families.

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 It has had a profound influence on the economies of numerous societies over the course

of history. Enslaved people were assigned a wide range of responsibilities, from farming and

mining to construction and domestic work. The plantation system that developed in the

American South was particularly dependent on enslaved labour to cultivate crops like cotton,

tobacco, and rice.

The buyers of slaves had arrived. She and the other women were stripped naked.

Amari bit her lip, determined not to cry. But she couldn’t stop herself from

screaming out as her arms were wrenched behind her back and tied. A searing

pain shot up through her shoulders. A white man clamped shackles on her ankles,

rubbing his hands up her legs as he did. Amari tensed and tried to jerk away, but

the chains were too tight......(72)

The above quoted lines are the opening of this book. Upon arrival in the Americas,

enslaved individuals would be taken to designated slave markets, which were often located in

major port cities or trading hubs. Some well-known slave markets included places like New

Orleans, Charleston, and Rio de Janeiro.

At these markets, enslaved people were put up for sale through auctions or private sales.

Auctions were a common method, where enslaved individuals would be displayed for potential

buyers. Auctioneers would describe the physical attributes, skills, and age of the enslaved people

to prospective buyers. Interested buyers, who were often plantation owners, traders, or

individuals seeking domestic labour, would bid on the enslaved individuals they wanted to

purchase. The highest bidder would then buy the enslaved person, who would become their

property.

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 One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of this process was the forced separation of

families. Enslaved families could be torn apart as family members were sold to different buyers.

Once purchased, enslaved individuals were subject to the control of their owners. They were

forced to work under often brutal conditions, with no personal freedom or rights. Enslaved

people endured a life of hard labour, abuse, and deprivation.

Copper Sun is a historical fiction novel about fifteen-year-old Amari, a young woman

from Ziavi, Ghana. Amari loves her community (the Ewe people), her family, and her soon-to-be

husband, Besa. One day, unannounced, a group of pale-faced strangers arrive, led there by a

neighbouring tribe, the Ashanti. Amari’s people prepare a celebration to welcome the guests, not

knowing the grave danger they will soon face. After a meal, gift exchange, storytelling, and

dancing, the white men open fire on the community. Amari watches as her parents are murdered.

She runs into the jungle with her little brother, Kwasi, but he is speared and killed. She is then

shackled and chained to fellow surviving villagers.

The next day begins a brutal, deathly march to Cape Coast where the prisoners cannot

eat, drink or rest. People die every day on the walk and are merely left on the side of the path.

Once the Africans and their captors reach Cape Coast, the slaves are locked in a large building.

Here is where Amari meets Afi; Afi becomes a motherly mentor to Amari during the harrowing

journey across the ocean. While at Cape Coast, the women are humiliated, inspected by

strangers, and branded like cattle. Soon they are transported by small boat to a large ship.

On the “ship of death,” the men are “stacked,” still chained, beside and on top of each

other on slats in the bottom of the ship. The women do not have to be stacked but are still

enclosed in a separate area in the bottom of the ship. Both areas are filthy with human waste, and

17
there is very little fresh air. Eventually the slaves are brought to the upper level of the ship where

they are splashed with cold water, given little food, and then ordered to dance. At night time, the

women are taken by the sailors and raped.

On the first night, Amari is spared when she is taken by a kindly, red-haired sailor who

takes her below the ship and rather than raping her, gives her food and water and teaches her

English words. The next evening, she isn’t so lucky and is brutally raped. Throughout it all,

Amari clings to the words of Afi, who, even though she speaks the brutal truth, also gives Amari

words of comfort and hope, focusing on Amari’s strength.

After several months, the ship finally docks at Sullivan’s Island. Once the “cargo” has

been approved by another stranger, they are taken off the ship and put into another holding

building. Their host tells the slaves that they will remain in the hold for ten days to make sure

they are free of disease and will then be sold to the highest bidder.

According to Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist, he only realized he was a slave

when he discovered that he was not able to do the things he wanted. This quote emphasizes the

notion that the acknowledgement of being enslaved usually comes from realizing the constraints

that hinder one's liberty and ambitions

Terrified Amari is sold to Mr. Percival Derby as a birthday present for his eldest son,

Clay. At the same time, Mr. Derby purchases the indenture of a seventeen-year-old girl named

Polly, who has 14 years left on her service before she earns her freedom. When Polly first meets

Amari, she doesn't want anything to do with her. Polly feels superior to Amari because Polly is a

white girl who will eventually be free, while Amari is a black slave, no more than a beast of

burden in many white people's eyes.

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 Life on the Derby plantation is horrendous for both girls, and in time, they forge a bond

based simply on their will to survive their terrible condition. This bond strengthens after Clay

begins raping Amari and Polly sees first-hand just how scare Amari is, which is the same

reaction Polly would have to the treatment. She realizes that blacks, even though they are slaves,

have the same emotions, and are just as human, as their white slave holders.

The only respite for the two young girls comes from the feisty humour of Mr. Derby's

slave cook, Teenie, the unbreakable precociousness of Teenie's four-year-old son Tidbit, and the

secret kindness of Mr. Derby's eighteen-year-old second wife, who is nearly nine months

pregnant. When Mr. Derby remarried after his first wife passed away, his teenage bride came to

her new home with all her belongings and her favourite slave, Noah.

When Mrs. Derby goes into labour on the plantations, the slave women, including Amari,

quickly rush to her aid. Amari is horrified when she sees that Mrs. Derby's baby does not share

the white skin of Mr. Derby, but is a beautiful caramel brown, the same colour as Noah's skin.

Mrs. Derby admits to the girls that she and Noah are deeply in love, and she begs them to help

her save her baby.

All the slave women band together in an attempt to hide the truth from Mr. Derby,

claiming that the baby was stillborn and had to be quickly buried, but Mr. Derby demands to see

the body. When no one can produce the dead child, Clay searches the slave quarters and reveals

the truth: the baby is not dead, and the baby is black. Mr. Derby calls all the slaves to the

courtyard and forces them to watch as he shoots the newborn infant in the head. He then turns

the gun on Noah, instantly killing him too.

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 The inhumane treatment of enslaved individuals by white slaveholders and the broader

institution of slavery is a tragic and well-documented aspect of history. Enslaved people endured

unspeakable suffering and cruelty at the hands of those who considered them property. The

trauma and suffering endured by enslaved individuals have had a lasting impact on their

descendants. The legacy of slavery, including its psychological and social effects, continues to be

felt in many communities today.

Throughout the novel, Mr. Derby represents the brutality and dehumanization associated

with the institution of slavery. Without any humanity and sympathy Derby ends up shooting and

killing both Noah and the newborn. For their part in covering up the truth, Amari and Polly are

whipped, held overnight in the storage room, and promised that in the morning, they will be sold

to the nearest brothel. ”We are caught in a place where there is no hope, no escape from the

misery of the present of the memories of the past" (29).

The life of enslaved individuals in various societies and historical periods was marked by

extreme hardship, suffering, and deprivation. Slavery was a dehumanizing institution that denied

basic human rights and subjected people to brutal treatment. Enslaved individuals were often

subjected to dehumanizing treatment, which could lead to a diminished sense of self-worth and

identity. They were viewed as property, not as fully human beings, which could erode their self-

esteem and self-respect.

Despite the unimaginable hardships they faced, many enslaved people demonstrated

remarkable resilience. They found ways to cope with their circumstances, form supportive

communities, and maintain a sense of hope for a better future. The spirit of enslaved individuals

to attain freedom was a powerful and enduring force that fueled their determination and

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resistance against the oppression of slavery. Despite the hardships they faced, many enslaved

people displayed remarkable courage and tenacity in their pursuit of freedom.

Amari's spirit in Copper Sun is a testament to the strength of the human will and the

determination to break free from the chains of oppression. Her character exemplifies the

resilience and unwavering hope that many enslaved individuals possessed as they pursued their

dreams of liberty.

Amari's enduring hope for a better future and her unwavering belief in the possibility of

freedom keep her spirits high even in the darkest moments. "You know, certain people are

chosen to survive. I don't know why, but you are one of those who must remember the past and

tell those yet unborn. You must live" (37).

This makes the slaves to survive even though they faced many hardships. Enslaved

individuals demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of physical and psychological abuse,

backbreaking labour, and the constant threat of violence. They persevered through adversity,

drawing on their inner strength to survive and resist

Many enslaved people maintained their cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs, often

blending African traditions with Christianity. These cultural and spiritual connections provided a

source of hope, identity, and resistance. Escape was a common and daring strategy employed by

enslaved individuals to secure their freedom. Fleeing from plantations and pursuing routes along

the Underground Railroad or to free states or territories was a testament to their determination.

The Underground Railroad was a network of safe houses, secret routes, and abolitionists

who aided escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. Enslaved individuals relied on the

compassion and assistance of strangers to reach safety. Despite the prohibition of education for

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enslaved people, some were determined to learn to read and write. Education was seen as a tool

for empowerment and a means of planning escapes and organizing revolts.

Amari demonstrates great courage in the face of adversity. She faces the horrors of the

Middle Passage, the brutality of the plantation, and the constant threat of danger during her

escape with unwavering courage. Amari learns to navigate the complex and often dangerous

world of slavery. She learns new skills, such as English and sewing, to increase her chances of

survival. She forms deep and meaningful friendships with other characters, such as Polly and

Teenie. These relationships provide emotional support and encouragement on her path to

freedom. Throughout her journey, Amari clings to her African heritage and traditions, holding

onto her identity and the memory of her homeland.

Amari's enduring hope for a better future and her unwavering belief in the possibility of

freedom keep her spirits high even in the darkest moments. "Let your yes be yes and your no be

no. May you be protected from evil, and may you live to a ripe old age. If you come in peace, we

receive you in peace. Heroism is the dignity of our ancestors, and, in their name, we welcome

you" (8).

The legacy of slavery continues to shape the descendants of enslaved individuals today.

The psychological and emotional scars of slavery are intergenerational, influencing family

dynamics, social structures, and cultural identity. In the United States, the American Civil War

(1861-1865) played a pivotal role in the abolition of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation

(1863) declared enslaved people in Confederate-held territory to be free, and the 13th

Amendment to the United States Constitution (1865) abolished slavery throughout the country.

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 Slavery persisted in some parts of the world into the 20th century. For example, Brazil,

the last country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery, did so in 1888. Slavery continued

in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia until the 20th century, with different countries

taking steps to abolish it at various times. The end of slavery marked a significant step toward

recognizing the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals. However, it is essential to

acknowledge that the struggle for racial equality and justice did not end with the legal abolition

of slavery and continues to be a critical issue in many societies today.

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 Chapter Three

Racism and White privilege

Racism is a prevalent social issue that involves discrimination, prejudice, or bias against

individuals or groups due to their race or ethnicity. It encompasses the idea that one racial or

ethnic group is superior to others and can take different forms such as systemic racism,

institutional racism, and individual acts of discrimination. Racism has detrimental effects on the

lives of those who encounter it and society as a whole. Understanding and dismantling racism

requires education, self-reflection, ally ship, and advocating for policies that promote racial

equity and justice.

Individual Racism refers to racism demonstrated by individuals through their thoughts,

actions, or beliefs. This may include discriminatory behaviour, micro aggressions, stereotypes,

and derogatory comments directed towards people of a different race or ethnicity. Institutional

racism refers to systemic and structural practices, policies, and norms within organizations and

institutions that perpetuate racial inequalities, such as disparities in education, employment,

housing, criminal justice, and healthcare.

The notion of systemic racism extends beyond personal and institutional forms of racism.

It elucidates how racism permeates the very fabric of society's frameworks and norms, resulting

in persistent racial disparities and injustices. Implicit bias, on the other hand, pertains to

unconscious notions or preconceptions that can subconsciously impact an individual's behaviour

and choices. Such biases can inadvertently fuel racial discrimination, even in individuals who

consciously reject racism.

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 Structural racism is a deeply ingrained form of systemic racism that pervades society and

has a profound impact on numerous social, economic, and political systems. It leads to

significant disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and privileges that are based solely

on racial identity. This insidious form of discrimination has far-reaching consequences for

individuals and communities, perpetuating inequality and social injustice across generations.

Despite efforts to combat structural racism, it remains a persistent problem in many societies

around the world, highlighting the urgent need for continued action and advocacy to promote

equality and social justice.

The concept of intersectionality is an important aspect of understanding how individuals

may face discrimination and disadvantage due to various factors such as race, gender, and

sexuality. It's crucial to recognize that these identities intersect and can amplify the impact of

discrimination. By acknowledging intersectionality, we can better understand the complexities of

discrimination and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Anti-racism, on the other hand, involves actively standing against racism and working

towards dismantling racist systems and structures. This requires promoting policies that ensure

equality, challenging discriminatory actions and attitudes, and fostering a society that values

diversity and inclusivity. By engaging in anti-racism efforts, we can create a world where

everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice

everywhere." In the book Copper Sun, written by Sharon Draper, the main characters encounter a

variety of injustices. These injustices include physical injustice, emotional injustice, and social

injustice.

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 The social injustice is police brutality against blacks/people of colour. Even now some of

the police officers are using excessive force, and in many cases resulting in deaths. Due to the

police field being primarily white, its looked at as a racial attack on non-whites. Due to the racial

difference, it looks as though communities with a high amount of coloured people are being

targeted to brutalize, harass, and be murdered by police.

Copper Sun highlights the resilience and strength of enslaved individuals who resist the

dehumanizing effects of racism and slavery. Some characters in the novel engage in acts of

resistance and rebellion to assert their humanity. The novel follows the journey of the main

character, Amari, who is an enslaved African girl. Her determination to escape the horrors of

slavery reflects the profound impact of racism on the lives of enslaved people.

The book also serves as a powerful exploration of the horrors of slavery and the racism

that underpinned it in 18th-century America. Through its characters and narrative, the book

sheds light on the enduring legacy of racism and the importance of understanding and addressing

its historical roots and contemporary manifestations. The characters in the story encounter racial

prejudice and discrimination from white individuals who consider themselves superior due to

their skin colour. Enslaved people are subjected to harsh treatment, violence, and degradation

because of their race.

The novel delves into the harsh reality of the transatlantic slave trade, where Africans

were captured, transported, and enslaved. The racist treatment of enslaved individuals as

property highlights their dehumanization. Colourism is a form of discrimination within a racial

or ethnic group based on skin colour. Lighter-skinned individuals are often favoured over those

26
with darker skin, leading to privileges or disadvantages within the same racial or ethnic

community.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the detrimental impact of racism extends beyond societal

implications, as it can severely affect the mental and physical well-being of individuals and

communities alike. The emotional toll of experiencing discrimination can lead to heightened

levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can subsequently result in significant health

disparities. Thus, it is imperative that we join forces to combat racism and strive towards

establishing a just and equitable society that caters to everyone's needs.

People of Indian descent, particularly those from the Indian subcontinent, have faced

racism and discrimination in various parts of the world. It's important to note that experiences of

racism can vary widely depending on the specific country, region, and time period. Here are

some common ways in which individuals of Indian descent have experienced racism. They have

often been subjected to racial stereotypes that portray them in a negative or stereotypical light.

These stereotypes can include assumptions about their accent, food, clothing, and cultural

practices.

Indians and people of Indian descent have sometimes been targeted due to xenophobia,

especially when they are immigrants or belong to minority communities in a particular country.

Xenophobia can manifest as hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against foreigners or those

perceived as different. Under European Christianity slavery in India continued through the 18th

and 19th centuries. During the colonial era, Indians were taken into different parts of the world

as slaves by various European merchant companies as part of the Indian Ocean slave trade. The

slave trade in the Indian Ocean was, nevertheless, very limited compared to c. 12,000,000 slaves

27
exported across the Atlantic. Some 200,000 slaves were sent in the 19th century to European

plantations in the Western Indian Ocean.

"White privilege" is a term that is used to describe the inherent advantages and benefits

that white individuals often experience in society due to their race. These benefits can manifest

in various ways, such as easier access to education, better job opportunities, and more favourable

treatment by law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The concept of white privilege is

important because it highlights the stark inequality that exists between white people and people

of color in terms of treatment, opportunities, and access to resources. This inequality is often due

to historical and systemic factors that have perpetuated racial disparities over time. By

acknowledging and understanding the impact of white privilege, we can work towards creating a

more just and equitable society for all.

It is crucial to acknowledge the existence of white privilege and how it can significantly

affect people's lives. It is not a trait that is earned or merited, but rather an advantage inherited or

granted based on race. This can result in inequalities in various aspects, including education,

employment, and the criminal justice system. By comprehending the historical and contextual

aspects of white privilege, we can strive towards establishing a more equitable and impartial

society that benefits individuals of all races.

In this novel, Polly is a white indentured servant who becomes one of the main characters

in the story. While Polly doesn't experience the same form of racial oppression as Amari, a

young African girl who is enslaved, Polly still faces challenges and disadvantages as a result of

her social and economic status as an indentured servant. However, it's important to note that

28
Polly's experiences are different from those of Amari, and the concept of "white privilege" as we

understand it today may not apply directly to her circumstances.

Polly, a member of the lower social class, is currently grappling with an array of

challenges that are making her life incredibly difficult. She is facing economic hardship, which is

preventing her from accessing basic necessities and living a comfortable life. Moreover, her

working conditions are incredibly challenging, and she is often overworked and underpaid. To

make matters worse, she is also experiencing mistreatment from her indenture master, which is

taking a significant toll on her mental and emotional well-being. Polly's experiences provide a

stark reminder of the class-based inequalities and exploitation that were rampant during the

colonial period, and highlight the pressing need for social and economic reform.

White privilege refers to the societal advantages that white individuals often experience

simply because of their race. In the context of Copper Sun, Polly's disadvantages are not due to

her race but rather her social and economic status as an indentured servant. Her experiences

reflect the economic disparities and exploitation that were prevalent in colonial America.

While Amari, as an enslaved African girl, faces racial oppression, Polly, as a white

indentured servant, does not experience the same racial oppression, but she does encounter

challenges related to her social and economic status. These challenges for Polly are not directly

related to white privilege but are more associated with the system of indentured servitude and the

broader context of colonial America.

Amari is forcibly taken from her African village and subjected to the horrors of the

transatlantic slave trade. She is enslaved on a plantation, where she is treated as property, faces

physical abuse, and is denied her basic human rights. Her experiences are deeply rooted in

29
systemic racism, as the institution of slavery was built on racial prejudice and dehumanization of

Africans. But Polly even hated Amari when she saw her for the first time and she felt disgusted

too. “Polly wondered if Negroes from Africa had feelings and intelligent thoughts or if that

gibberish they spoke was more like the scream of monkeys or the barking of dogs”(78). Polly

didn’t want Amari to stay with her and she also hate her colour, facial shapes and her tribal

language.

When she was five or six years old, back in Beaufort, where she’d been born, she’d

played with Negro children sometimes, running through the tobacco fields, playing hide-and-

seek. But her father had frowned on such and would call Polly inside their small house. He’d say,

“The company you keep will rub off on you, Polly-girl. Don’t get your hands dirty by dealing

with darkies.” (183)

Polly initially holds prejudiced views towards Amari, displaying a form of racial bias and

discrimination. Polly's initial reactions are influenced by the prevailing racial attitudes of the

time and her limited exposure to different perspectives. Her early interactions with Amari reflect

the racism that was common during the colonial era in America. As the story progresses, Polly's

attitudes and beliefs begin to evolve. She develops empathy for Amari and other enslaved

individuals and becomes an ally in their quest for freedom. Polly's character arc highlights the

potential for personal growth and change in the face of racism, as she starts to recognize the

injustice and cruelty of slavery.

Polly's transformation throughout the novel is an important aspect of the story,

demonstrating that individuals can overcome their biases and prejudices through education,

exposure to different perspectives, and personal reflection. Her journey also serves as a narrative

30
device to explore the complexities of race and racism during the colonial period in America. In

the early years of European colonization in the Americas, both white and African individuals

could be indentured servants. They entered into contracts to work for a specified period (usually

several years) in exchange for passage to the New World. During this time, some white and

African indentured servants may have developed friendly relationships based on their shared

status as labourers. Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, Amari and Polly's lives

become intertwined in the novel as they both navigate the challenges and injustices of the time.

Their friendship and shared experiences play a significant role in the story's development and

message.

Abolishing racism is a complex and ongoing process that requires collective efforts at

various levels of society. I strongly encourage you to take the proactive step of educating

yourself on the history and pervasive impact of racism, both within your own country and

worldwide. To accomplish this, I suggest reading books, watching documentaries, and actively

seeking out diverse perspectives from individuals of varying backgrounds and cultures. By

broadening your knowledge and understanding of this complex issue, you can become a more

informed and empathetic member of society, and contribute to the ongoing fight against racial

inequality.

Encourage anti-racism education in schools, workplaces, and communities. Support

efforts to include diverse histories and perspectives in curricula. Engage in self-reflection to

identify and challenge your own biases and prejudices. Understand that everyone has biases, but

it's crucial to actively work to overcome them. Build relationships with diverse communities and

actively engage in efforts to address racial disparities and promote social justice. Support

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organizations and initiatives that work to combat racism, provide resources to marginalized

communities, and promote equality.

And also abolishing racism is not the responsibility of one group or individual; it's a

collective effort that requires continuous dedication and vigilance. It involves challenging

existing systems and structures, dismantling oppressive policies, and creating a more just and

equitable society for all.

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