Why would a slave holder deny a slave the ability to read and write?

Answer 1

Note that not all slave owners felt the same way about this, and even when there were LAWS against teaching slaves to read, these laws were not always observed. It's best to understand BOTH sides of this issue together.

Reasons for NOT allowing slaves to learn to read:

1) general danger (as several have mentioned) that they will become more independent, less satisfied with their position (and so, more liable to rebel)

see Frederick Douglass
http://www.indiana.edu/~ovid99/douglass.html

2) danger that they might forge papers that would ENABLE them to escape

3) fear of SPECIFIC things they would read -- such as news of slave revolts (beginning in the Caribbean), the writings of free blacks (like David Walker) stirring up revolt, or pamphlets sent South by Northern abolitionists (beginning in the 1830s)

In fact, it appears that in earlier times the laws against teaching slaves to read were much less observed and enforced... but fear from these widely publicized events, and the growing 'agitation' of abolitionist, increased

4) for those who were concerned with teaching the Christian faith to slaves -- restricting them to HEARING it enabled the white owners to control the interpretation they received (INCLUDING on such things as the morality of slavery -- they could select Scripture texts supportive of slavery, and ignore those that undermined it)


Reasons why slave owners in a number of cases disregarded these laws

1) having at lest SOME literate slaves could be very useful -- they would be a greater help (esp as managers) in helping run the estate

2) economic value -- if a master needed to rent out a slave, or even to sell, literate slaves brought a much higher price

(While FEAR may have INCREASED pressure to prevent literacy as time went on, these ECONOMIC factors grew and over time and increased pressure TO teach at least some to read.)

3) responsibility to teach the Christian faith -- a number thought this was better/best done by teaching people to read (as indeed, historically, a great impetus behind efforts at spreading literacy was to teach people to read the Bible)

4) as far as concern that 'they might become discontent and rebel' -- there were many slave owners who were personally convinced that THEIR slaves were too well treated and would never do so... which for them undermined the 'reasons against teaching'

Answer 2

Upon Frederick's arrival at the Auld Home, his only duties were to run errands and care for the Auld's infant son, Tommy. Frederick enjoyed the work and grew to love the child. Sophia Auld was a religious woman and frequently read aloud from the Bible. Frederick asked his mistress to teach him to read and she readily consented. He soon learned the alphabet and a few simple words. Sophia Auld was very excited about Fredericks progress and told her husband what she had done. Hugh Auld became furious at this because it was unlawful to teach a slave to read. Hugh Auld believed that if a slave knew how to read and write that it would make him unfit for a slave. A slave that could read and write would no longer obey his master without question or thought, or even worse could forge papers that said he was free and thus escape to a northern state where slavery was outlawed. Hugh Auld then instructed Sophia to stop the lessons at once!

This article is based upon a biography of Frederick Douglass and his experiences as a slave.

gatita_63109

Answer 3

Literacy between slaves became into seen risky to the slave holder. Written verbal exchange throughout distance might make it greater convenient to plot get away or insurrection. the skill to study ought to exhibit them to risky suggestions - like freedom. Slaves have been authorised to wed however the marriages had no criminal prestige. The slaveholders wanted the skill to sell or circulate the slaves each and each in my opinion, particularly than as a kinfolk unit.

Answer 4

In my opinion, it would be because they did not want an 'inferior" being having the knowledge that they have. Cause knowledge is power. It still happens today in corrupted countries. A lot of people can't make to school cause the government does not facilitate. People get smart and fight for their rights.

Answer 5

Because....being able to read means you're educated. Educated people don't take kindly to slavery. Put quite simply...thats the reason.

Answer 6

Knowledge is power