Can AI free African American slaves?

July 29, 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) can liberate African American slaves. 

Incredibly, to this date, Americans of African descent are mentally colonized by the particular narrative about race and slavery prevalent in the United States. Black people raised in the United States are victimized by a cultural and "educational" narrative that presents slavery in ways that continue to enslave them.  

There is a lot to be learned, and a brief article cannot cover it all. Let's begin by stating a few obvious facts that are heresies for most Americans. For example, no one is "white". All humans are people of color. Europeans were slaves too. The history of the world is written on the backs of slaves. Ending slavery was an excellent economic decision. Ending racism begins with eliminating the social construct of race.

No one is white. All humans are people of color 

Human skin comes in tones or shades of three main colors: brown, beige, and black. Brown is the original human skin color with variations due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Depending on the exposure of ancestral populations to UV radiation, skin evolved either more pale or more dark. 

Skin color depends on melanin, a natural form of sunscreen. The darker the melanin, the more protective it is against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Human populations that settled down in regions with high UV radiation, evolved darker. 

Human populations that settled down in regions with lower UV, and that also covered their skin with fur to protect from the cold, evolved pale skin. All things being equal, dark skin is a plus for humans living in sunny areas whereas pale is advantageous in regions with low UV radiation.

Slavery was universal. People of beige colored skin ("whites") were also slaves.

Once humans invented agriculture and settled down in agricultural villages, the concept of forced labor became convenient. In this universe, convenience always wins. 

Slavery preceded and transcended the social construct of "race". Historically, slaves were of all races and colors. Slavery existed in ancient civilizations, including in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Britain, Ireland, and the Americas. 

All humans share a common history of slavery. Slaves were of all "races", and were often of the same "race" of their owners. Slaves were often prisoners of war, debtors, or individuals born into slavery. Slaves were used for various tasks, including agricultural labor, domestic work, and as gladiators or soldiers. 

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA

    Ancient Mesopotamia, in the vicinity of modern day Iraq, is often considered one of the earliest, if not the very first, civilization in human history. Mesopotamia was located in the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, corresponding to present-day Iraq, Kuwait, parts of Syria, and southeastern Turkey. The name "Mesopotamia" comes from the Greek words "mesos" (middle) and "potamos" (river), meaning "land between the rivers". Mesopotamians are credited with inventing many social institutions, the most important of which could arguably be slavery. 

    Slaves in Mesopotamia came from diverse sources, and could be of any "race". The vast majority of slaves were of the same "race" of their owners because most slaves came from neighboring territories. The vast majority of slaves in Mesopotamia were captured in warfare and raids on neighboring territories. Others became slaves due to debts or as a consequence of crimes. Additionally, children born to slave parents were slaves from birth. 

    Slaves in Mesopotamia served in a variety of roles. Slaves worked as agricultural laborers on farms, as domestic servants in households, or as laborers in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Slaves in Mesopotamia had no legal rights, and were considered private property of their owners. The owners had absolute control over their slaves. Therefore, the treatment and welfare of slaves varied based on the cruelty level of their owners. In rare instances, owners allowed that some slaves could earn or purchase their freedom by serving faithfully for a specific period or by having someone pay their debts.   

    Slavery was an integral part of the Mesopotamian economy. Slaves contributed to agricultural production, construction projects, and other economic activities, providing valuable labor to support the growth and prosperity of the civilization. Mesopotamian slavery was also intertwined with religious beliefs. Some religious texts and laws mentioned the treatment of slaves and their role in various rituals. 

    Mesopotamians and their slaves developed several important cities and city-states that laid the foundation for the first known civilization in the world. Each Mesopotamian city-state had its own government, and engaged in trade with one another. Some of the notable city-states in Mesopotamia include Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. Mesopotamia's strategic location between Asia and Europe made it a hub for trade and commerce. The Mesopotamians engaged in long-distance trade with neighboring regions, exchanging goods like textiles, metals, and foodstuffs. 

    Mesopotamians and their slaves developed advanced agricultural techniques and irrigation systems to harness the fertile soil in the river valleys. Mesopotamians and their slaves cultivated crops like barley, wheat, and dates, which supported a growing population. 

    Mesopotamians and their slaves built impressive structures, including ziggurats, palaces, and city walls. They also developed complex systems of canals and dikes for irrigation and flood control. Mesopotamians made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy. They used a base-60 numeral system and made astronomical observations that influenced later civilizations. 

    Mesopotamians developed one of the earliest known writing systems called cuneiform. Cuneiform involved using wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay tablets. This system was used for record-keeping, administrative purposes, literature, and religious texts. One of the most famous achievements of the Mesopotamian civilization is the Code of Hammurabi, a comprehensive set of laws established by the Babylonian king Hammurabi. The code laid out rules for various aspects of society, including slavery, and served as a basis for later legal systems.

    The Mesopotamian civilization flourished from around 3500 BCE until the fall of the last Mesopotamian empire, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, in 539 BCE, when the region came under the rule of the Persian Empire. The legacy of Mesopotamia continues to be felt today, as many of its cultural, architectural, and legal contributions have influenced subsequent civilizations. 

ANCIENT EGYPT

    Slavery was a significant institution in ancient Egypt, dating back to the earliest periods of its history. Slavery played a vital role in the Egyptian economy and society, and slaves were used for various tasks to support the infrastructure, agriculture, and wealth of the civilization.

    Slaves in ancient Egypt came from various sources. Some were captured prisoners of war, criminals, or individuals sold into slavery by their families due to poverty or debt. Additionally, some children were born into slavery if their parents were slaves.

    Slaves in ancient Egypt performed a wide range of tasks. They worked in agricultural fields, mines, quarries, and construction projects. Slaves also worked as domestic servants in the households of the elite. Slaves in ancient Egypt were considered the property of their owners and had no personal rights or legal protections. Their lives and activities were entirely subject to the will of their masters. Therefore, the treatment of slaves in ancient Egypt varied depending on their owners.

    There were instances where slaves could earn or be granted their freedom. This process was called manumission, and it could be achieved through a variety of means, such as serving a set period of time or being granted freedom as a reward for loyalty or service.

    Slavery played a crucial role in the economic prosperity of ancient Egypt. The labor provided by slaves was essential for the construction of monumental architecture, the cultivation of crops, and the production of goods.

    Slaves in ancient Egypt came from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. Some were Egyptians captured in warfare or born into slavery, while others were foreigners brought in as prisoners or through trade networks.

    According to the Bible, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. Yes, according to the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament), Jews were enslaved in Egypt. 

    The Israelites, descendants of Jacob (also known as Israel), moved to Egypt during a time of famine. Initially, they were welcomed and treated well. However, over time, the pharaoh of Egypt grew fearful of the growing population of Israelites and their potential to become a threat to his kingdom. As a result, the pharaoh enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to forced labor and harsh conditions. 

    The Israelites were forced to build cities, construct monuments, and work on various infrastructure projects under the control and supervision of Egyptian overseers. The most well-known figure associated with this period of Israelite enslavement is Moses, who, according to the biblical account, was chosen by the Jewish god to lead the Israelites to freedom. 

    The story of the Exodus narrates how Moses confronted the pharaoh, demanding the release of his people. After a series of plagues that afflicted Egypt, the pharaoh eventually agreed to let the Israelites leave. The Exodus is the event that marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land, as described in the Hebrew Bible. 

    Passover, one of the most important festivals in Judaism, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery and the beginning of their journey to freedom. The story of the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt is a central narrative in Jewish history and forms an essential part of the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people.

ARABIA, TURKEY, INDIA, AFRICA, ASIA, EUROPE, THE AMERICAS...

    In the Arab and Islamic world, slavery was prevalent, with slaves of all "races" and different ethnic groups coming from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. Enslaved individuals of all races, shades, and colors were used in the Arab and Islamic world for agricultural labor, domestic work, and in some cases, to perform as soldiers and guards. The Arab slave trade continued for centuries until it was abolished in most countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

    In the Ottoman Empire, which extended across parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa, there was wide ranging slavery system. Slaves in the Ottoman Empire came from various regions and were employed in various capacities, including as soldiers, administrators, and domestic servants.

    In India, slavery was a part of the social fabric in ancient and medieval India. The caste system played a role in determining the status and treatment of individuals, and some lower-caste individuals faced conditions of servitude and forced labor.

    In East Asia, slavery was present in countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. In China, slavery was abolished during the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BCE) and reemerged during subsequent dynastic periods. In Japan, slavery existed until it was officially abolished in the late 19th century.

    In European civilizations such as in Greece and Rome, slavery was the norm. Greeks, for all their philosophy and democracy, nobles were slave owners. In these societies, slaves were often captured in warfare or traded as commodities. Slavic people from Eastern Europe and Britons from England were assumed to be savages and were routinely enslaved by the Romans. Vikings slave traders conducted raids in Eastern Europe and in England to capture Europeans and Britons who would be sold as slaves in Rome. Slaves were used for various tasks, including agricultural labor, household work, mining, and even as gladiators and entertainers.

      During the Roman Empire, many Britons were enslaved as a result of Roman conquest and expansion into the British Isles (present-day United Kingdom). The Roman invasion of Britain began in 43 AD, and over time, the Romans established control over much of the territory. As a result of the conquest, many Britons became subject to Roman rule, and many were enslaved and sold as property to wealthy Romans.

    The enslavement of the conquered people was a common practice in Europe and other civilizations. After a military campaign or conquest, prisoners of war and civilians from the defeated territories could be taken as slaves. Additionally, those who resisted Roman rule or participated in revolts were often enslaved as a punishment.

    Slavery continued during the Middle Ages in Europe. In some regions, serfdom became prevalent, with serfs being bound to the land and subject to the authority of feudal lords. While serfdom was different from classical slavery, it shared some similarities in terms of forced labor and limited personal freedoms. During the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries), the Vikings engaged in slave raids, capturing people from various European regions to be sold as slaves. They traded these captives across Europe and beyond.

    In Africa, slavery has a long history that predates the transatlantic slave trade. Slavery was practiced in various forms across different regions of the African continent for millennia before the arrival of European colonial powers. Slaves in African societies were often captured in warfare, as a form of punishment for crimes, or as a result of debt bondage. Some slaves were also acquired through trade, as a commodity or exchange of private property between different African societies. 

    Slavery in Africa had a range of conditions, and the status of slaves varied across different societies. In some cases, slaves were considered part of the family and had rights and opportunities for mobility. In other instances, slaves were treated more harshly and had limited prospects for freedom.

    African owners uses slaves in Africa for various roles, including agricultural labor, domestic service, mining, and military service. They were also used in trade caravans and as a form of currency in inter-tribal exchanges. The practice and significance of slavery differed across regions of Africa. Some areas had societies where slavery was a minor aspect of social structure, while in other regions, slavery played a more significant role in the economy and society.

    Before the transatlantic slave trade, Arab traders engaged in the trans-Saharan slave trade, where slaves were transported across the Sahara Desert and sold in North Africa and the Middle East. This trade predated the European involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and had significant effects on some African societies.

    In the Americas, the most prominent pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoameria and South America had a system of slavery as part of their socioeconomic structures. In these ancient civilizations, slavery served as a way to support the labor needs of the ruling elites and the state. Slaves were considered the property of their owners and did not have rights or personal freedoms. The conditions of slavery could vary, depending on their tasks and the disposition of their owners.

    The Aztec Empire, located in central Mexico, had a hierarchical society with slaves known as "tlacotin." Slaves in Aztec society came from various sources, such as prisoners of war, criminals, and individuals who could not repay their debts. Slaves were used for various tasks, including agricultural labor, construction, and as domestic servants.

    The Maya civilization, which flourished in present-day southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, also had a system of slavery. Slaves were typically prisoners of war captured in conflicts between city-states or individuals who were unable to pay their debts. Mayan slaves were employed in agriculture, construction, and as household servants.

    The Inca Empire, located in the Andean region of South America, also practiced slavery. Slaves, known as "yanaconas," were typically individuals captured in warfare or those who owed labor obligations to the state. Incan slaves worked in agriculture, mining, construction, and other tasks as directed by the state.

    Native American in what is today the United States also practiced slavery long before European contact. Slaves in Native American societies were usually captives from raids, warfare, or from rival tribes. They were often integrated into the social structure of the tribe, and their status and treatment varied widely depending on the tribe and the specific circumstances of their enslavement. Slaves in Native American societies performed various tasks, including agricultural labor, domestic work, and sometimes as skilled artisans. Some tribes also used slaves as a form of political currency or as a way to strengthen alliances.

TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

    Despite all the history about slavery all around the world in all major human civilizations across the entire spectrum of the agricultural era and beyond, for whatever reason the transatlantic slave trade gets the most attention and colonizes the minds of most Americans, especially African Americans.

    The transatlantic slave trade began in the 1500s and lasted until the 1800s. European countries, primarily Portugal, Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands, transported millions of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas to work on plantations, mines, and households. 

    Slavery was widespread in the Americas, including in the Caribbean, South America, and North America. In the United States, enslaved Africans played a crucial role in the development of the colonial economies, working on sugar, cotton, and tobacco plantations. Moreover, just like in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, England, Russia, and elsewhere around the world, slaves allowed owners to have more time to study and develop knowledge. Slavery, just like discrimination, creates a vicious cycle of advancing the owners while limiting the slaves. 

MODERN DAY SLAVERY

    Despite the abolition of traditional chattel slavery, various forms of modern slavery persist today. These include human trafficking, forced labor, bonded labor, and child labor. Millions of people around the world are still subjected to exploitative and coercive conditions similar to historical slavery.

AI, STEM, AND A WAY FORWARD FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS 

    African Americans should come to grasp with the history of slavery. Yes, slavery was brutal and despicable. That was the case in the United States and everywhere else in the world. Slavery impacted all humans everywhere. So-called "whites" (people of beige color skin) were also victims of slavery. English people in particular were slaves during the times of the Roman Empire. Viking slave traders had established routes to raid Britons and Irish farmers to sell them into slavery. All that is part of British history.

    To some extent the past slavery background of Britons explains the success of England. Having being slaves of the Romans, the British were quick to later reject Roman-based Catholicism. The English protested the Catholic rule, becoming Protestants and eventually democratizing the rights of everyone to sell mythological fantasies to the masses. Moreover, and more importantly, the English were quick to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as a way to tackle and solve problems. Rather than believing myths imposed by authorities, the British cultivated critical thinking and scientific discovery. The British pursuit of STEM led to the Industrial Revolution, which made England one of the greatest powers on Earth. The success of the United States is due to a large extent, if not totally, to the continuation of the scientific STEM culture of England. 

       The English culture is not hunted or colonized by their past history as slaves of the Romans and the Vikings. Instead of succumbing to victim mentality about their past slavery, the English people turned the page and focused on STEM. 

        AI will make STEM education ever more accessible to everyone. African Americans should embrace the opportunity to focus on STEM. Feeling as victims of the transatlantic slave trade is not going to help much. Everyone knows, or at least is beginning to realize, that past humans were primitive primates roaming Earth programmed by cultures full of mythologies and self-serving religious conventions. It is time to begin looking at the past as a silly comedy of imperfect characters.

    African Americans, and all other humans, will be better off studying history for entertainment while learning STEM for sustainment. Generative AI will be the best and most affordable educational technology available to anyone willing to access it. 

    The best is yet to come. There is much to improve in society, and there will always be room for continuous improvement. Yes, the past was crap for all humans. Both slaves and slave owners lived miserable lives rotten by ignorance and infested by mythology. Times are significantly better now. Don't quit. Stay tuned. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

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