[MD] Biological Quality & Social Conservatism

[pholden at davtv.com]

Quoting Heather Perella <spiritualadirondack at yahoo.com>:

> > >      [SA previously previously]
> > > > >      Majorities have allowed slavery and 
> > > > cannibalism in certain societies.  I would say
> > > intellect would be of better light than
> majorities.
> 
> > >      [Platt previously previously] 
> > > > Whose intellect if not the intellect of
> majorities?
> 
>      [SA previously]
> >    Easy.  How did the majority change their minds
> about slavery?
> 
>      [Platt] 
> > You mean go to war to change minds?
> 
> 
>      After I sent this to you Platt, I figured this
> probably will be the answer you would give.
>      The more indepth research might cover the why's,
> such as 'Why was slavery allowed even during the
> founding years of the U.S. in other words when the
> constitution was set-up?'

Since the beginning of time, slavery has been an accepted social pattern.
In some places, notably Africa, I understand it is still practiced. It was
with the enlightenment and it's emphasis on individual worth and direct
access to God (the Reformation) that attitudes towards slavery in thw West
began to change. 

> How did the U.S. get to
> 'Ok, we'll allow slavery' to 'Slavery must end even if
> it means war'?  I am not historically adept for these
> time periods, but I do know that voices, abolitionist
> voices, out of New England, etc... got louder and
> louder.  This hit the national scene.  Washington,
> D.C. soon became stronger and stronger in opposition
> against it.

I would attribute much of the change to religious leaders just as they
played a key role in the later civil rights changes of the 60's. Those
who now find it fashionable to trash religion would do well to recall
not only its negative, but also its positive role in societal change. 

Welcome back!

Platt


-------------------------------------------------
This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/