Racism in Ancient Greek and American Slavery Reflection

Although not connected, American and Ancient slavery had similar images and ideas that arose from the practice as noted by Kelly L. Wrenhaven. I agree with this because people have a set view and image of what a “slave” should look like. For instance, American slavery is highly linked to race, and
since the majority of the slaves were black, people have a preconceived image that a slave should be black. Similarly, in ancient Greece, Aristotle believed that slaves were naturally suited to be slaves, and the image related to the “natural” slave was a barbarian that could not speak the Greek language, that was one step above wild animals, and that was unsophisticated and emotionally reactive. I also find it interesting how the Greeks believed they were the height of civilization and that their appearance and physical features were ideal. For example, in figure 2 of the handout there are two opposite sides depicting the “otherness” of a non-Greek and the ideal face of a Greek woman. Although there is no solid evidence that the black face with prominent brow bones, a big mouth, and a big nose is a slave, the artist definitely highlighted the contrasting features. The ideal Greek woman has an oval face, small mouth, and lighter skin, and the illustrations above her head suggest a sense of sophistication and civilization. Another interesting idea that was discussed was the effect of environment on slavery. For example, good climate and no hardships makes a person less tenacious and submissive whereas the Greeks had to endure mountainous terrain and capricious weather which supposedly made them more fit to be the slave owners. Overall, the Ancient Greece was an interesting society that was highly ethnocentric and secluded from those not similar to them.