Throwback Thursday: Uncle Tom's Cabin
Today we are going back to 1850. The year which saw one of the most abominable laws passed in the history of the United States, that being The Fugitive Slave Act.
It is during this time that we are introduced to the cast of characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin. According to the author, while the characters themselves are fictional, every experience they face are based on very real events told to the author by the individuals who suffered them, by eyewitnesses, or credible third parties.
On one hand I am ashamed that it took me until I was 34 years old to read this integral, historical treasure. As sad as it is, it was and still is equally necessary. On the other hand, I wonder if the powerful lessons contained within would have reached as deeply into my heart. Even if they hadn't been able to impact as fully, I believe this should be required reading, which says a lot because I don't support a whole lot of required reading.
This book hurt to read, as any truly valuable literary tool should. It hurts 150 years later when, although slavery in theory is outlawed, there is still so much hate that holds people captive. There are still humans in this country and throughout the world who suffer similar and worse conditions because of the color of their skin, their religion, their place of origin, or their disabilities.
We see the news articles, web feeds, and viral videos everywhere. In this manner it almost becomes celebrated rather than repugnant and entertainment instead of evil.
It is all too easy to see in these pages modern day sufferers. Homeless or poor individuals, migrant or illegal residents, and sadly those with communication disorders who cannot speak for themselves, especially children, who are rarely listened to even when they can speak well.
It is the least of my responsibilities to learn from these pieces of history, to teach my children well how to look upon and respect and treat with kindness all persons, because we are all humans and deserve as much.
Acts 10: 34, 35 34 At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, 35but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."
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