This explains it's heavy dependence on slave labor. "The differential between slaveholders and non-slaveholders also is strikingly evident in the productivity of their farms in practically every other category measured - (p.7) With slavery so deeply imbedded in southern society, ownership of slaves was widely considered to be a sign of higher social status. This is evidence that backs up the Southern argument that declares slavery as a part of their culture and heritage. Owning slaves meant wealth and social status. It was a thing average farmers could dream about someday obtaining. .
The treatment of slaves by their white masters, however, is a very important topic when regarding the issue of slavery. It is also important, especially in considering slavery from the perspective of slave owners, to look at why they saw themselves as justified in such treatment. Rape is an issue that pertains to Celia, A Slave, as well as such treatment. Newsom's main reason for purchasing Celia is noted many times as a replacement for his wife, making her a concubine. In fact, up until his death, Celia is sexually assaulted time and time again. This issue was frowned upon by society but no consequences were ever implemented. A female slave's sexual organs were looked at as a profitable tool that should be presented for use the male slaveholder's disposal. "As her master he considered sexual relations with her his privilege."" (p. 33) McLaurin describes southern white women as "powerless to prevent the actions of male family members - Since there was nothing white women could do about this situation, they just settled for shutting their mouths and going along with it. Another rather interesting and even ironic view is that white males could be seen as "victims- in this situation because of the known "sensual and promiscuous- qualities that black women attained. (p. 26) The fact that white males were sometimes looked at as being victimized says much about their attitude toward slavery.
