David Walker argued that American slavery, distinct from historical forms, was uniquely brutal and racialized. In his "Appeal," he denounced the hypocrisy of a nation preaching liberty while endorsing systematic oppression.
David Walker, a 19th-century African American abolitionist, presented a compelling argument asserting the unique and egregious nature of slavery in the United States compared to historical instances of slavery worldwide. In his groundbreaking work, "Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World," published in 1829, Walker passionately articulated the distinct characteristics of American slavery.
Walker contended that American slavery was particularly heinous due to its racialized nature. Unlike historical slavery that often transcended ethnic or racial boundaries, the institution in the United States was intrinsically linked to the systematic dehumanization and subjugation of people of African descent. He denounced the hypocrisy of a nation promoting liberty while simultaneously perpetuating the brutal enslavement of a significant portion of its population.
Moreover, Walker highlighted the extreme cruelty and degradations endured by enslaved individuals in the United States. He emphasized the brutal physical and psychological abuse inflicted upon slaves, challenging the prevailing notion of a benevolent form of servitude. Walker's argument underscored the moral imperative for the immediate abolition of slavery in the United States, aligning with the broader abolitionist movement that sought to eradicate this institution based on principles of justice, equality, and human dignity.