The article about Kaintz lead to a discussion that will definitely help the first draft of my paper. One thing i learned is that it is absolutely necessary to make the reader feel intrigued, and sort of involved in a way. In Critical Researcher, they mention this. It claims if you are referring to "mankind" in your essay, first talk about "man." I must first sell my thesis before it becomes a strong argument.
Also, i realized that i need to set limitations for my essay. When referring to "hazing," i must first discuss what EXACTLY it entails. Specifically, what traditions and rituals am i referring to? This ties in with me presenting necessary details for my essay to make sense to the reader. And for a closing paragraph or two, i should mention productive measures one can take in putting an end to "hazardous hazing" in American Colleges. This can include a mention of laws that have taken effect, as well as groups that support putting an end to this tradition as soon as possible. This will serve as a productive closer.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Top 3 Annotations for Essay
Focusing Question: Is the issue of dominance over others still prominent amongst society today? Have many battles for human rights finally put an end to these trends?
Source: http://www.stophazing.org
Layer 1: Story the Source
The website was created by a mother who has struggled with this question ever since her son went to college many years ago. Her son was a victim of fraternity hazing, and was the driving force in the website. The columns and articles usually involve recent stories in today's society. Most of her opinions are are very passionate because of her son's death.
Layer 2: Rapid Summary
The author of this website has created a National movement that is trying to put an end to fraternity hazing. Already, state laws and college punishments have come out of this website, because of this interest group. They actively challenge colleges that have had incidences, trying to finally put an end to fraternity hazing. It also explores how hazing starts sometimes in high schools, and how it is worse if starting at a younger age.
Layer 3: Narrative Thought
This source is excellent for many recent stories, and will help me a great deal in relating Bury the Chains themes to present times. I also like that she personally has become a victim to this, thus driving her to put time and effort into the cause.
-------------------------------------------
Focusing Question; Do the roots of fraternity hazing relate to the psychological state of men.
Source; The "Perfect Storm Theory". Located on insidehazing.com.
Layer 1: Story the Source
This theory has to do with finding out why men involve themselves with fraternity hazing. It was conducted by psychologist professors who wanted to take a deeper, and more pyschological, look into why adolescent men actively engage in this tradition.
Layer 2: Rapid Summary
"The Perfect Storm Theory" investigates the psychological reasoning for why "hazardous hazing" continues across colleges in the United States today. It refers to many reasons why young men participate in it, some dating back to how they were raised as a child, etc. It says all hazing has to do with the "environment" of a person, the "characteristics" of a person, and the "internal processes" of a person.
Layer 3: Narrative Thought
I think by examining the psychological reasoning for this long-lived tradition, i can make a connection to why people have an obsession over dominance of another. The master-slave relationship, even though Slavery has ended in this country, is still very prominent in society today.
--------------------------------------------
Focusing Question; Why do many universities and clubs in American universities find the concept of fraternity hazing acceptable and civil? Why do adolescents accept such inhuman treatment just for social acceptance?
Source; A book written by Hank Nuwer entitled "The Wrong of Passage; Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking."
Layer 1: Story the Source
"The Wrongs of Passage" is one huge investigation of why young men and women involve themselves in hazardous hazing scenarios. It involves long-time studies and first hand accounts by many people who have been witness to the tradition.
Layer 2: Rapid Summary
Nuwer makes a point of how young men and women are the first ones to standout against their human rights; yet, when it comes to a long tradition like fraternity hazing, silence incurs. He questions why so many college students make such "unethical calls." He also makes the connection between high school hazing in many activities that sometimes leave a young person proned to these activities in college.
Layer 3: Narrative Thought
Nuwer makes a very strong case of why young men and women silence this in themselves. He thoroughly analyzes why this tradition is somehow "acceptable" throughout society. This book has tons of hard facts as well, that show a disturbing number of hazing related incidents starting as early as middle school for young teens.
Source: http://www.stophazing.org
Layer 1: Story the Source
The website was created by a mother who has struggled with this question ever since her son went to college many years ago. Her son was a victim of fraternity hazing, and was the driving force in the website. The columns and articles usually involve recent stories in today's society. Most of her opinions are are very passionate because of her son's death.
Layer 2: Rapid Summary
The author of this website has created a National movement that is trying to put an end to fraternity hazing. Already, state laws and college punishments have come out of this website, because of this interest group. They actively challenge colleges that have had incidences, trying to finally put an end to fraternity hazing. It also explores how hazing starts sometimes in high schools, and how it is worse if starting at a younger age.
Layer 3: Narrative Thought
This source is excellent for many recent stories, and will help me a great deal in relating Bury the Chains themes to present times. I also like that she personally has become a victim to this, thus driving her to put time and effort into the cause.
-------------------------------------------
Focusing Question; Do the roots of fraternity hazing relate to the psychological state of men.
Source; The "Perfect Storm Theory". Located on insidehazing.com.
Layer 1: Story the Source
This theory has to do with finding out why men involve themselves with fraternity hazing. It was conducted by psychologist professors who wanted to take a deeper, and more pyschological, look into why adolescent men actively engage in this tradition.
Layer 2: Rapid Summary
"The Perfect Storm Theory" investigates the psychological reasoning for why "hazardous hazing" continues across colleges in the United States today. It refers to many reasons why young men participate in it, some dating back to how they were raised as a child, etc. It says all hazing has to do with the "environment" of a person, the "characteristics" of a person, and the "internal processes" of a person.
Layer 3: Narrative Thought
I think by examining the psychological reasoning for this long-lived tradition, i can make a connection to why people have an obsession over dominance of another. The master-slave relationship, even though Slavery has ended in this country, is still very prominent in society today.
--------------------------------------------
Focusing Question; Why do many universities and clubs in American universities find the concept of fraternity hazing acceptable and civil? Why do adolescents accept such inhuman treatment just for social acceptance?
Source; A book written by Hank Nuwer entitled "The Wrong of Passage; Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking."
Layer 1: Story the Source
"The Wrongs of Passage" is one huge investigation of why young men and women involve themselves in hazardous hazing scenarios. It involves long-time studies and first hand accounts by many people who have been witness to the tradition.
Layer 2: Rapid Summary
Nuwer makes a point of how young men and women are the first ones to standout against their human rights; yet, when it comes to a long tradition like fraternity hazing, silence incurs. He questions why so many college students make such "unethical calls." He also makes the connection between high school hazing in many activities that sometimes leave a young person proned to these activities in college.
Layer 3: Narrative Thought
Nuwer makes a very strong case of why young men and women silence this in themselves. He thoroughly analyzes why this tradition is somehow "acceptable" throughout society. This book has tons of hard facts as well, that show a disturbing number of hazing related incidents starting as early as middle school for young teens.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Feedback from class.
Questions from peers;
1. “Did you see it as a problem while you were hazed?”
Me referencing my own experiences with a fraternity were to combine personal experience with the issue. Obviously, being IN SUPPORT of my own fraternity, I haven’t been the victim of hazing. However, this question brought up a good point. I should definitely make the clear distinction between productive fraternity pledging and hazing. I am in support of a pledge process that makes friends of the pledge class and introduces the new members to the traditions and goals of the frat. This does not have to involve any acts of hazing.
2. “Do you believe anti-hazing seminars hold any effect on the fraternities?”
This is definitely something that could be analyzed by statistical measures (hazing related incidents,” as well as first hand interviews with alumni of different fraternities around the country. I know first hand we had alumni weekend at my house last weekend, and I was very curious to the conditions of pledging many decades ago. I was told by brothers that graduated in the early 80’s that when they joined the fraternity the school had no restrictions or punishments for hazing related incidents. In my own personal opinion, Syracuse University has taken huge strides in minimizing hazing as best they can. The establishment of the Intra Fraternity Council alone has providing a sort of “policing” system for every fraternity on campus.
I think if I can combine my own thoughts with questions that people asked, it is very possible for clearing up any confusion people have with my essay. I must make it clear my essay has nothing to do with comparing a “slave’s life” with a “pledge process”. Instead, I am going to investigate the mental nature of masters compared to slaves, in comparison to pledging in fraternities. I want to truly understand why people have an obsession with dominance over others. Why are there so many examples of master and slave type circumstances in the world today? Will it ever end?
When people simply post on my wall that “people are dicks”, it does not help me in any way.
Essay Topic Source
www.Stop Hazing.org - "Educating to Eliminate Hazing"
www.stophazing.org
www.stophazing.org
-One of the few nationally recognized organizations that provides education and information about hazing and the punishments involved.
-The first column of the site is the elongated definition of hazing, and specifies what qualifications are associated with it.
-Definitely a scare tactic to any organization that does practice any "hazing rituals".
-Originally designed by a husband and wife that lost their son in a fraternity hazing related incident over twenty years ago.
-Provides resources, anonymous tip lines, books, online blogs, columns, links, etc.
-Very concentrated on the connection between alcohol consumption and hazing. Has a seperate section with columns in many newspapers directly related to these types of stories.
-Definitely a scare tactic to any organization that does practice any "hazing rituals".
-Originally designed by a husband and wife that lost their son in a fraternity hazing related incident over twenty years ago.
-Provides resources, anonymous tip lines, books, online blogs, columns, links, etc.
-Very concentrated on the connection between alcohol consumption and hazing. Has a seperate section with columns in many newspapers directly related to these types of stories.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bury The Chains; Chapters 22, 23, and the Epilogue
The following summaries are of Pages 324-354 , as well as 365 and 366.
Pages 324-332 of Chapter 22
In the ending chapters of Bury the Chains, author Adam Hochschild describes in great detail the last efforts of the abolition movement that added to the eventual success, as well as the positive and negative backlash of the entire movement on not just Britain- but the entire surrounding world. to begin the chapter, the reader is told of the great debate between gradual and immediate end to slavery. Elizabeth Heyrick, former schoolteacher and converted Quaker, was a prominent figure in the public support of immediate -not gradual- end to slavery. As described as finally "given women the permission to speak" (325), opinionated women were eager to defend their long silenced opposition to slavery. Heyrick was one of the originators of boycotting slave labor crops, however was much more adamant and true to the cause. Her "burning passion for justice" (328), was the driving force in many women joining the abolition movement. While the growing concern among British citizens for the possibility of future slave revolt in the Carribean stirred, current slaves were interested in designing rebellions at just as rapid a pace. Missionary chapels became meeting grounds for slaves to network and communicate possible plans of attack against their masters. One Protestant missionary, John Smith, began teaching slave children literacy without telling the plantation owners. With this knowledge and acquired ability to read, slaves designed a rebellion in the confines of Smith's church without him knowing. After the revolt of nearly 9,000 slaves armed with knives and pikes, John Smith was blamed and hung by the white colonists. Yet again in the struggle for ending slavery, Hochschild exposes the inability for whites to give credit to the slaves for their success in organizing a movement. The martyr like death of Smith angered many Britons. Once again, Hochschild writes of irony, while proclaiming "but the death of one white man moved them more than those of 250 slaves" (331). In the closing of chapter 22, Hochschild describes vividly the torture technique of "treadmills". As seen many times previously throughout the book, the author uses shock value to remind the reader of what was still happening to millions of slaves aside from the abolition movement. The Duke of Clarence took thrown from King William IV in 1828 which was a real troubling turn of events for Thomas Clarkson, whom had just lost his most loyal supporter - John Clarkson.
Chapter 23; "Come, Shout O'er The Grave"
In Chapter 23 of "Bury The Chains", Adam Hochschild emphasizes that it took personal empathy, not a secure Democratic system of politics, that ignited the eventual passing of a bill that finally freed 800,000 black men, women, and children on August 1, 1838. Also dispersed in the chapter is opposing viewpoints of the legacy of Thomas Clarkson, as well as the effect that the reform had generations and generations to follow. By the start of the 1830's in Britain, the amount of eligible voters was less than 100 years prior, which is a staggering statistic. While Manchester was thriving with both enlightening and industrial strides, this city of loyal Clarkson supporters had zero representatives in Parliament compared to the two of the "virtually uninhabited" Old Sarum. The inability to vote was offensive to many citizens. "Why not... give rising middle classes more of a stake in government?" (334). In the spirit of reform and citizen action, the spirit of abolition was once again reignited. By using a technique originally used by Elizabeth Heyrick and the Birmingham Ladies' Society for the Relief of Negro Slaves, George Stephen formed a subcommittee that paid lecturers a yearly salary in an effort to stir up public support in neighboring cities with public speeches and demonstrations. After this Agency Antislavery Committee joined forces with the current female activists, there "breathed new life into the national movement" (336). Hochschild makes it a point to attack the Church of England once again by explaining that the Quakers were more egalitarian. While the Reform bill passed the House of Commons in 1831, the House of Lords were strongly opposed. None the less, riots ensued. Rumors of abolition spread through newspapers in Caribbean Islands. On Christmas day 1831, more than two hundred plantations in Jamaica were ruined under the lead of Samuel Sharpe, causing 1.1 million dollars worth of damage. Sharpe was a well mannered man, with a mesmerizing ability to emotionally drive many slaves through his public speeches. Even though he originally wished for a peaceful revolt, this was impossible with slaves' current situations. Many rebel fighters were in uniform thought to have been sewed by women, which further emphasized the strength of the slave community. Sharpe was finally captured and hung with one prominent quote in his legacy; "I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery." Finally with enough public opinion the House of Lords agreed to the Reform. The reform was a two step process that first included slaves being apprentices to their masters for four years, then ultimately gaining freedom. Supporters of the movement rallied for emancipation-minded Parliament members. While on August 1, 1838, William Knibb proclaimed "the monster is dead!" (348) in Britain, there was still active slavery in many other continents around the world. Of all the printing shop crew of 51 years prior, Thomas Clarkson was one of the few still alive to witness the success of their vigorous effort. After the death of Wilberforce, his two sons published a five volume biography that discredited Clarkson and many others in a claim that their father had not received the ultimate credit he had deserved. As Wilberforce was an active political force throughout his lifetime, many people of Britain took comfort in placing the credit in the hands of a "wise elite". While the two men were inarguably one of the most powerful duos in all of history, the feud caused by Wilberforce's sons tarnished the reputation of Thomas Clarkson especially. Hochschild accredits these two men with igniting the spirit of reform in many other aspects of British culture including citizen working conditions and Parliament displeasure. Before his eventual decease at the age of 86, Clarkson was able to pass some of his 60 years of experience on to a few of the leaders of the American antislavery movement. William Garrison and Frederick Douglass were given an insight to the abolitionist spirit instilled in Clarkson; "if i had sixty years more they should all be given to the same cause" (354). In a meaningful gesture, Hochschild closes the chapter with the following anecdote; a large group of Clarkson's Quaker supporters, in an "unprecedented departure from long-sacred custom", removed their hats as a sign of respect at his funeral procession.
Pages 365-366; The Closing Paragraphs of the Epilogue
In the closing remarks by author Adam Hochschild in the epilogue of "Bury the Chains", opinion-driven arguments are listed that involve the actual reasoning behind people finally accepting the abolition movement in England, as well as the legacy that proceeded. One interesting fact is that Jamaica Coffee House, which was once popular amongst slave captains, is now presently the Jamaica Whine House. Also, the popular Antislavery International organization stemmed from the abolition movement, and is now home to the Thomas Clarkson House headquarters in London. Hochschild mentions that the thought of ending slavery in the eighteenth century was about as ludicrous as trying to close the gap of between rich and poor nations or ending the spread of nuclear weapons in present times. Hochschild proclaims that "they will not be solved at all unless people see them as both outrageous and solvable, just as slavery was felt to be by the twelve men who gathered in James Phillips's printing shop in George Yard on May 22, 1787. It took faith from these twelve men that eventually the care of human suffering would emotionally drive people to an acceptance of a reform. Hochschild, in one final effort to criticize the church, saves the last lines of the book to proclaim that no consideration of "sacred texts" drove the abolitionists. Instead, it was purely human empathy.
Pages 324-332 of Chapter 22
In the ending chapters of Bury the Chains, author Adam Hochschild describes in great detail the last efforts of the abolition movement that added to the eventual success, as well as the positive and negative backlash of the entire movement on not just Britain- but the entire surrounding world. to begin the chapter, the reader is told of the great debate between gradual and immediate end to slavery. Elizabeth Heyrick, former schoolteacher and converted Quaker, was a prominent figure in the public support of immediate -not gradual- end to slavery. As described as finally "given women the permission to speak" (325), opinionated women were eager to defend their long silenced opposition to slavery. Heyrick was one of the originators of boycotting slave labor crops, however was much more adamant and true to the cause. Her "burning passion for justice" (328), was the driving force in many women joining the abolition movement. While the growing concern among British citizens for the possibility of future slave revolt in the Carribean stirred, current slaves were interested in designing rebellions at just as rapid a pace. Missionary chapels became meeting grounds for slaves to network and communicate possible plans of attack against their masters. One Protestant missionary, John Smith, began teaching slave children literacy without telling the plantation owners. With this knowledge and acquired ability to read, slaves designed a rebellion in the confines of Smith's church without him knowing. After the revolt of nearly 9,000 slaves armed with knives and pikes, John Smith was blamed and hung by the white colonists. Yet again in the struggle for ending slavery, Hochschild exposes the inability for whites to give credit to the slaves for their success in organizing a movement. The martyr like death of Smith angered many Britons. Once again, Hochschild writes of irony, while proclaiming "but the death of one white man moved them more than those of 250 slaves" (331). In the closing of chapter 22, Hochschild describes vividly the torture technique of "treadmills". As seen many times previously throughout the book, the author uses shock value to remind the reader of what was still happening to millions of slaves aside from the abolition movement. The Duke of Clarence took thrown from King William IV in 1828 which was a real troubling turn of events for Thomas Clarkson, whom had just lost his most loyal supporter - John Clarkson.
Chapter 23; "Come, Shout O'er The Grave"
In Chapter 23 of "Bury The Chains", Adam Hochschild emphasizes that it took personal empathy, not a secure Democratic system of politics, that ignited the eventual passing of a bill that finally freed 800,000 black men, women, and children on August 1, 1838. Also dispersed in the chapter is opposing viewpoints of the legacy of Thomas Clarkson, as well as the effect that the reform had generations and generations to follow. By the start of the 1830's in Britain, the amount of eligible voters was less than 100 years prior, which is a staggering statistic. While Manchester was thriving with both enlightening and industrial strides, this city of loyal Clarkson supporters had zero representatives in Parliament compared to the two of the "virtually uninhabited" Old Sarum. The inability to vote was offensive to many citizens. "Why not... give rising middle classes more of a stake in government?" (334). In the spirit of reform and citizen action, the spirit of abolition was once again reignited. By using a technique originally used by Elizabeth Heyrick and the Birmingham Ladies' Society for the Relief of Negro Slaves, George Stephen formed a subcommittee that paid lecturers a yearly salary in an effort to stir up public support in neighboring cities with public speeches and demonstrations. After this Agency Antislavery Committee joined forces with the current female activists, there "breathed new life into the national movement" (336). Hochschild makes it a point to attack the Church of England once again by explaining that the Quakers were more egalitarian. While the Reform bill passed the House of Commons in 1831, the House of Lords were strongly opposed. None the less, riots ensued. Rumors of abolition spread through newspapers in Caribbean Islands. On Christmas day 1831, more than two hundred plantations in Jamaica were ruined under the lead of Samuel Sharpe, causing 1.1 million dollars worth of damage. Sharpe was a well mannered man, with a mesmerizing ability to emotionally drive many slaves through his public speeches. Even though he originally wished for a peaceful revolt, this was impossible with slaves' current situations. Many rebel fighters were in uniform thought to have been sewed by women, which further emphasized the strength of the slave community. Sharpe was finally captured and hung with one prominent quote in his legacy; "I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery." Finally with enough public opinion the House of Lords agreed to the Reform. The reform was a two step process that first included slaves being apprentices to their masters for four years, then ultimately gaining freedom. Supporters of the movement rallied for emancipation-minded Parliament members. While on August 1, 1838, William Knibb proclaimed "the monster is dead!" (348) in Britain, there was still active slavery in many other continents around the world. Of all the printing shop crew of 51 years prior, Thomas Clarkson was one of the few still alive to witness the success of their vigorous effort. After the death of Wilberforce, his two sons published a five volume biography that discredited Clarkson and many others in a claim that their father had not received the ultimate credit he had deserved. As Wilberforce was an active political force throughout his lifetime, many people of Britain took comfort in placing the credit in the hands of a "wise elite". While the two men were inarguably one of the most powerful duos in all of history, the feud caused by Wilberforce's sons tarnished the reputation of Thomas Clarkson especially. Hochschild accredits these two men with igniting the spirit of reform in many other aspects of British culture including citizen working conditions and Parliament displeasure. Before his eventual decease at the age of 86, Clarkson was able to pass some of his 60 years of experience on to a few of the leaders of the American antislavery movement. William Garrison and Frederick Douglass were given an insight to the abolitionist spirit instilled in Clarkson; "if i had sixty years more they should all be given to the same cause" (354). In a meaningful gesture, Hochschild closes the chapter with the following anecdote; a large group of Clarkson's Quaker supporters, in an "unprecedented departure from long-sacred custom", removed their hats as a sign of respect at his funeral procession.
Pages 365-366; The Closing Paragraphs of the Epilogue
In the closing remarks by author Adam Hochschild in the epilogue of "Bury the Chains", opinion-driven arguments are listed that involve the actual reasoning behind people finally accepting the abolition movement in England, as well as the legacy that proceeded. One interesting fact is that Jamaica Coffee House, which was once popular amongst slave captains, is now presently the Jamaica Whine House. Also, the popular Antislavery International organization stemmed from the abolition movement, and is now home to the Thomas Clarkson House headquarters in London. Hochschild mentions that the thought of ending slavery in the eighteenth century was about as ludicrous as trying to close the gap of between rich and poor nations or ending the spread of nuclear weapons in present times. Hochschild proclaims that "they will not be solved at all unless people see them as both outrageous and solvable, just as slavery was felt to be by the twelve men who gathered in James Phillips's printing shop in George Yard on May 22, 1787. It took faith from these twelve men that eventually the care of human suffering would emotionally drive people to an acceptance of a reform. Hochschild, in one final effort to criticize the church, saves the last lines of the book to proclaim that no consideration of "sacred texts" drove the abolitionists. Instead, it was purely human empathy.
Bury The Chains; Chapter 21
In Chapter 21 of Bury the Chains, author Adam Hochschild takes us step by step through the final efforts of finally passing the bill that ended the British slave trade once and for all. To begin the chapter, there are a number of discouraging factors listed that were delaying the once passionate abolition movement. "Repressive legislation had brought almost all reform-minded political activity to a stop" (300). After describing the reasons for the movement coming to a halt, which notably included the lack of support by many Britons whom had lost brothers and husbands on foreign battlefields, Hochschild introduces James Stephen. Described almost as "a savior to the movement," a combination between his law experience and blatant hatred for slavery motivated him. As described as the "best intellect" of the entire group, he disguised his anti-slavery motivations in designing a bill that ended British subjects, shipyards, outfitters, and insurers from any involvement in slave trade with any French colony. Because of the current situation with France, many Britons jumped at the thought of cutting ties with their enemy however possible. To disagree with the bill was unpatriotic. The Foreign Slave Trade Act soon abolished two-thirds of the entire British slave trade, yet many supporters of the bill itself were blind to Stephen's true motivations. Only after passing through the House of Commons did slave trade supports quickly notice the potential effect of the bill. However, it was too late. Even when Manchester citizens concerned of the effect on their cloth mills petitioned, Clarkson ignited his own allies in formulating a greater supported counter petition. One point of irony in Chapter 21 lied in the fact that Wilberforce opposed a proposition from a Parliament member that would free all infants born to slaves. There was greater support at this time than the 1790's for many reasons listed by Hochschild. One was that for the first time in history, British soldiers had not been able to contain rebellion efforts of slaves in St. Domingue. For the Britons, finally was it noticed that passion and drive was sometimes greater than quantity and size. "The climax of twenty years of effort" (307) came shortly after the bill abolishing the entire British slave trade passed both houses of Parliament in 1807. Shortly after, George III made this bill a law. Even though West Indie planters tried to counteract, faith was finally restored to the millions of enslaved people surrounding the Atlantic. In a typical Hochschild manner, the chapter comes to an end with a ironic actuality. While Britain had made an effort to wash out "this foul stain from the pure ermine of our national character" (308), there still was over half a million blacks still forced into slavery amongst plantations throughout the British Caribbean.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Bury The Chains; Critical Reviews
After reading the three reviews of "Bury The Chains", there are many parts to them i both agree and disagree with...
Brookhiser's review in the Boston Globe
My opinion: Thumbs Up
I do in fact agree wholeheartedly with Brookhiser's criticism about Hochschild's book. While there is clearly a personal dislike for Christian ideals and past history, i believe this is simply just another case of an author spinning facts in his own way. However, i do not see it as deterring enough to not appreciate the value of the novel thus far. Because it is done in a subtle way, it is not such a burden on the reader that it becomes a problem.
"Freed" review of Bury the Chains in NY Times by By MARILYNNE ROBINSON
My opinion: Thumbs Down
This review of the novel is done in a biased and cynical manner. Robinson claims that the economic benefit of the abolition movement was an important factor in the uprising, which i do agree with. However, without the support and initiative of a few key figures leading the way, no amount of money could have ended the tradition of slavery. Do i believe that Clarkson was affected in any way by personal financial gain? No. Therefore, since the novel is themed around the life of Thomas and his Quaker sidekicks, there is no real reason for Hochschild to make this a big factor. Thus far, i believe "Bury the Chains" covers the events that were most important to the success of Clarkson and his passive following, while sometimes ignoring important themes. Obviously, ending slavery has far too many facets to fit into a 400 page book; therefore, the author selected what he thought were the greatest contributing efforts to abolition.
Brookhiser's review in the Boston Globe
My opinion: Thumbs Up
I do in fact agree wholeheartedly with Brookhiser's criticism about Hochschild's book. While there is clearly a personal dislike for Christian ideals and past history, i believe this is simply just another case of an author spinning facts in his own way. However, i do not see it as deterring enough to not appreciate the value of the novel thus far. Because it is done in a subtle way, it is not such a burden on the reader that it becomes a problem.
"Freed" review of Bury the Chains in NY Times by By MARILYNNE ROBINSON
My opinion: Thumbs Down
This review of the novel is done in a biased and cynical manner. Robinson claims that the economic benefit of the abolition movement was an important factor in the uprising, which i do agree with. However, without the support and initiative of a few key figures leading the way, no amount of money could have ended the tradition of slavery. Do i believe that Clarkson was affected in any way by personal financial gain? No. Therefore, since the novel is themed around the life of Thomas and his Quaker sidekicks, there is no real reason for Hochschild to make this a big factor. Thus far, i believe "Bury the Chains" covers the events that were most important to the success of Clarkson and his passive following, while sometimes ignoring important themes. Obviously, ending slavery has far too many facets to fit into a 400 page book; therefore, the author selected what he thought were the greatest contributing efforts to abolition.
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