The Hypocrisy of Bigotry and Racism has been defined as a group of human beings possessing different behavior traits based on one race’s color and superiority over another.
One hundred and forty-one years ago today, March 10, 1880, my Grandfather Joe was born to former slaves Jefferson and Caroline Beaman.
Joe was the ninth child born to his parents 15 years after the end of slavery. As I mentioned earlier, bigotry and racism defined how the treatment. See, they were very dark skin people—field hands and not house slaves.
I know what you are thinking …who gives a good damn?
The answer to that question would be…I do.
Five years after the Civil War, my second Great Grandfather, Arch Beaman, was 70 years old former slave and working as a farmer.
His occupation In 1870, the same as he was as a slave.
Arch Beaman, my 2nd great-grandfather, was hard at work when industries were experiencing change throughout America.
Furthermore, in 1870, most men were employed in agriculture and manufacturing industries. Women had entered the workforce in more significant numbers working as domestic servants and laborers in factories and farms.
While the average daily wage was $2.20, or $43.01 in today’s standards, women and minorities experienced discrimination and unequal pay; and what do you think the reason was?
Answer: Bigotry and Racism.
To that end, my, 2nd great-grandfather lived in Township 13, Montgomery, Alabama, when expanding networks of canals and railways connected communities in new ways. Farmers and manufacturers began to ship goods across the country, and factory production was on the rise.
To say nothing, he likely saw firsthand the impact a new wave of industrialization had on many. While the start of the Second Industrial Revolution brought new wealth for some, it also came with challenges for people of color and women.
By and large, the nature of work changed as machines performed tasks previously done by farmers and factory workers alike. Daily labor took its toll, and employers demanded long hours.
I can’t imagine living under those circumstances.
“Those who will not reason are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.”
― George Gordon Byron (Lord Byron)