Final answer:
The paternalistic view of slavery held that it was necessary to protect blacks from mistreatment and abuse if they were free. Southern whites used this belief to justify the institution of slavery. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The paternalistic view of slavery held that slavery was c) necessary to protect blacks from the mistreatment and abuse they would receive if they were free. It was a belief often used by Southern whites to justify the institution of slavery. They argued that as their slaves' caregivers, they were taking responsibility for their well-being and moral instruction. However, this view misrepresented the reality of slavery, which was a dehumanizing and traumatic experience for those who were enslaved.