Letter: Slavery's cruelty goes beyond colour
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Laura Zeller (letter, 29 July) asks if slavery is a subject in school history. It was when I was at elementary school, 60 years ago. From Arthur Mee's Children's Encyclopedia (an Edwardian venture) I learnt about William Wilberforce as well as at school. Oddly, Ms Zeller's letter appeared on the 160th anniversary of Wilberforce's death, and of the Emancipation Act.
The majority of slaves were not black Africans; other races have outnumbered the wretched millions dragged from Africa (largely sold by Arab slavers). Aesop, Epictetus and Cervantes were slaves: perhaps they don't count, being dead white European males.
Yours etc,
J. O. G. N. GILLARD WATSON
Oxford
29 July
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments