Final answer:
Plantation owners claimed to be acting in the best interests of the slaves and justified their actions using the notion of paternalism. However, this was a misrepresentation of the reality of slavery. Enslaved individuals found ways to resist their conditions and even manipulate the planters' perceptions to their advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plantation owners claimed they were acting in the best interests of the slaves and took responsibility for their care, feeding, discipline, and even their Christian morality. They used the notion of paternalism to justify their actions and the existence of slavery, portraying themselves as benevolent and caring guardians. However, this depiction was a gross misrepresentation of the reality of slavery, which was dehumanizing and a crime against humanity.
Despite the planters' claims, the enslaved people were not passive victims and found ways to resist their conditions. Some played into their enslavers' racism by hiding their intelligence and feigning ignorance, while others engaged in acts of sabotage, resistance, and even poisoning. In some cases, enslaved individuals informed their masters about planned slave rebellions in order to gain preferential treatment.