In Fredrick Douglass’ narrative Douglass gives a very vivid description of the effects of slavery on both blacks a

In closing I would say that both sides were greatly affected by the evil that was slavery. The sins committed by both blacks and whites will have eternal consequences in one way or another, but the fact that there were slaves who rejoiced even during their times of suffering shows that they were not as hardened by the white slave owners. Sin is a horrible thing, and for one to sin and not admit his actions are sin is far worse; for they are blind to their sin and continue to sin, which leads to their destruction.

Other examples of pure evil manifested within white slave owners clearly portrayed the fact that they acted in such ways because of slavery. Men would take pleasure in beating slaves simply because they were slaves. This hatred and these violent acts were caused by slavery. Douglass described early on in his narrative of a slaveholder by the name of Mr. Severe. Douglass said, “He seemed to take pleasure in manifesting his fiendish barbarity” (pg. 48). It is one thing to commit the evil act of whipping another human being, but to take pleasure in it is simply a work of the devil.

Another reason why I believe that whites suffered greater harm from slavery is the numerous accounts of slaves trusting in the God and finding their rest in His grace. Douglass acknowledged God’s sovereignty in slavery and held tightly to the fact that although his physical body may have been beaten, “slavery would not always be able to hold him within its foul embrace; and in the darkest hours of my career in slavery, this living word of faith and spirit of hope departed not from me, but remained like ministering angels to cheer me through the gloom” (pg. 62).

Some topics in this essay:
Fredrick Douglass’, Severe Douglass, Sin Slavery, Master Hugh”, slave owners, white people, white slave owners, white slave, slavery douglass, effects slavery, pg 63, blacks whites, sin slavery, caused slavery, douglass described,