Teaching this subject raises questions about how to discuss related contemporary issues such as anger, racism, identity, blame, guilt and ignorance, which will inevitably come up in lessons. The research and consultation undertaken by Understanding Slavery established that teachers and museum educators would like more access to advice, support and training to tackle debates on related social issues, cultural identity and racism.

Race, racism , prejudice and conflict

“It’s important as a teacher to share issues and concerns with students; make the issues part of the teaching”.

Understanding Slavery research

“As a black or Asian teacher it can feel as if you are imposing the history on the students, whereas with a multicultural group it’s more of a’sharing’ experience”.

Understanding Slavery research

“How do teachers address the issue of racism/racist statements in a lesson? Is this an issue of classroom management? Discipline or discussion?”

Understanding Slavery research

Pears soap advertisementTeachers have expressed concerns about approaching the subject because of the inequities between the black and white people in the history and the potential for divisions amongst students from different ethnicities. Creating opportunities to discuss different viewpoints can help diffuse tensions and conflict. Referring to the school or college anti-racist policy will give instruction and guidance on ways to tackle racism or prejudice during lessons.

The magnitude of violence and oppression

“I think it is essential to illustrate the true horror of the slave trade; for example I say to students, imagine what it feels like when you slightly burn your finger, now imagine what it must be like to have a white-hot branding iron pressed into your flesh”.

Understanding Slavery research

A negro hung alive by the ribs to a gallowsThe violence in the history and the artefacts that depict the levels of oppression can be very difficult to absorb for both adults and young people. This aspect of the history, as with others, will raise concerns and it is essential to create support structures for students to discuss their concerns during and after lessons.

Respect

“We have a responsibility to set the record straight, but sensitively”.

Understanding Slavery research

Students may respond inappropriately to images and objects because they are unaware of the content or context of the materials they are being shown. Starting with a discussion about respect and reverence particularly the extent to which people were ill treated during slavery will aid better understanding and deeper learning experience.

Cultural perspectives and interpretations

“Teaching in the inner city – students perceive the subject as’our’ history but issues of blame come in. Teaching in rural areas – some students perceived the subject as’our’ history but issues of guilt come in”.

Understanding Slavery research

“Some students might feel alienated, black and white. There is a need to be conscious of not creating a “them and us” situation”.

Understanding Slavery research

Maid De’ah
The ways in which individuals interpret the history of the transatlantic slave trade can be based on their cultural perspectives or geographical location. Teaching the full facts of this history will enable young people to understand the global impact of the slave trade, as well as the moral and ethnical issues, and will support more informed perspectives.