One point everyone needs to keep in mind when looking at the topic of race and slavery in America.
At the time of the civil war and for decades after the “conventional wisdom” was that blacks were actually inferior. It wasn’t an affectation or political justification. Pretty much everyone “knew” it was true because that is what had been taught formally and informally for a century or more.
Even dedicated abolitionists shared this opinion, and the idea was entrenched at all levels of society, top to bottom, north to south, educated and illiterates. At the worst end of the spectrum were people who held the opinion that blacks were not even human, much less “equals”. And with few exceptions Americans “knew” that blacks were not really equals.
I offer this only to bring perspective to your considerations of our history. What we know today as being utterly abominable was not even on the table as an issue in those days. It is impossible to understand history if we insist on judging the actions of our ancestors by our current standards. We don’t have to like it, we don’t have to approve of it, but we must step into their shoes to understand it.
Lest we forget, Lincoln failed in his bid to convince the voters to flip the Illinois legislature away from the Dems. Did he “win” the debates? That would depend on how you measure victory.
VegaAlopex over 5 years ago
Finally some accurate history: Abe had no beard at the time. Rumor had it that he grew it after his election in 1860 to hide his rough features.
Andylit Premium Member over 5 years ago
One point everyone needs to keep in mind when looking at the topic of race and slavery in America.
At the time of the civil war and for decades after the “conventional wisdom” was that blacks were actually inferior. It wasn’t an affectation or political justification. Pretty much everyone “knew” it was true because that is what had been taught formally and informally for a century or more.
Even dedicated abolitionists shared this opinion, and the idea was entrenched at all levels of society, top to bottom, north to south, educated and illiterates. At the worst end of the spectrum were people who held the opinion that blacks were not even human, much less “equals”. And with few exceptions Americans “knew” that blacks were not really equals.
I offer this only to bring perspective to your considerations of our history. What we know today as being utterly abominable was not even on the table as an issue in those days. It is impossible to understand history if we insist on judging the actions of our ancestors by our current standards. We don’t have to like it, we don’t have to approve of it, but we must step into their shoes to understand it.
wirepunchr over 5 years ago
Once again an entertaining and enlightening voyage through history (and comments).
Andrew Sleeth over 5 years ago
Oh NO! Douglas just lost his footing and faltered with a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy. He’ll never recover from that gaffe, folks.
And Abe sticks his landing on the rebuttal! What a performance by the man in the stovepipe! Match LINCOLN!!
braindead Premium Member over 5 years ago
I heard the only reason that Lincoln won those debates was that he kept looming over his opponent.
Andylit Premium Member over 5 years ago
Lest we forget, Lincoln failed in his bid to convince the voters to flip the Illinois legislature away from the Dems. Did he “win” the debates? That would depend on how you measure victory.