Question

Not all Europeans supported slavery. Many decent people spoke out against it. But they were unable to stop slavery for centuries. How do you think the people who participated in the slave trade supported their position against these critics?

Was it pure racism?
Think about what their arguments might have been.

Answer 1

No, it definitely was not pure racism.

Step-by-step explanation:

While individuals who have pure hatred and racist views against other groups of people have always existed, during the centuries that slavery existed, not everyone who owned slaves or supported slavery justified their position on the basis of racist arguments.

Very often, these arguments in favor of racism were made from an economic point of view. They justified slavery because slavery was fundamental for their economic well-being. Some people even justified slavery under supposedly moral, ethical, or religious reasons, arguing that slaves were better off under the control of their owners, or that some religious scripture justified slavery.